Held as part of Women’s Month, this event offered a distinctive and meaningful experience focused on authentic, practical discussions directly tied to the realities of the construction industry.
High-quality networking and meaningful conversations
The event brought together over 50 participants from various areas of the sector, in a friendly atmosphere conducive to conversation. The targeted networking allowed attendees to expand their contacts across Quebec, discover new business opportunities, and build lasting connections.
On site, board member Virginie Vallée represented Elles de la construction. She delivered the opening remarks for the panel alongside Julie Banville, partner at Fasken, and took the time to engage with members throughout the evening.
Inspiring panelists grounded in real-world experience
Participants also had the opportunity to attend presentations by entrepreneurial women in construction, who generously shared their journeys, real-world challenges, and practical tools that could be applied immediately in their professional lives.
Panelists:
- Cindy Hamel, Co-President and CEO of Groupe Soudure
- Mélissa Martinova, General Manager and Partner at Toiture Québec
- Laurence St-Jean, Architect and Director at ABCP architecture
The construction industry has evolved somewhat
During the panel discussion, one observation stood out: the construction industry has evolved in recent years, thanks in large part to the strength of the network, but there is still work to be done. Women’s presence is increasingly visible, and their contributions are being felt at all levels of the industry. For the panelists, however, it remains essential to continue highlighting women in the sector, particularly by leading through example.
The role of managers is crucial in creating work environments that foster inclusion and collaboration. As advised by Cindy Hamel, it is important to provide close support after hiring to ensure that new female employees feel supported and well-integrated. Emphasizing listening and encouraging cooperation helps with the retention of female talent.
How can progress be measured? According to the panelists, several indicators show that things are moving forward: the increase in the number of women entering the industry, their desire to pursue training, and their willingness to advance into leadership positions.
Several key pieces of advice were shared throughout the evening: believe in your skills, aim for your goals, and dare to take action. Above all, it is important to fall in love with what you do, as passion transforms obstacles into opportunities and helps break down barriers more easily.
As Mélissa Martinova said: “If I had one piece of advice for women in construction, it would be not to try to prove yourself. Stay natural and trust your abilities. By trusting yourself, you can overcome prejudices.”
The evening concluded with an inspiring message from Laurence St-Jean: “Surround yourself with women who celebrate each other!” A beautiful reminder that in a rapidly evolving industry, solidarity and sharing remain powerful levers to continue driving progress.
These testimonies sparked rich discussions and reinforced the sense of belonging to a committed and supportive community.
Relive the event through images
Relive the highlights of the evening or immerse yourself in the atmosphere of this memorable event by exploring all the photos below.
