40 Under 40: Celebrating women in construction

Each year, Canadian Construction celebrates the top 40 professionals under 40 who are shaping the future of the industry. This year, we’re shining a spotlight on the incredible women making waves across Canada’s construction landscape. From pioneering sustainable infrastructure and redefining workplace safety to leading high-profile projects and mentoring the next generation of builders, these honourees are breaking barriers and setting new standards for excellence.

Women accounted for about 13–14% of Canada’s construction workforce last year, the highest share on record in Labour Force Survey data; however, women working on-site in the skilled trades remained roughly 4–5% of tradespeople.

Meet some of Canada’s diverse industry professionals who are not only building structures but also helping pave the way for others.

Blima Ehrentreu – Founder & CEO at The Designers Group

Blima Ehrentreu is the founder and CEO of The Designers Group, an award-winning interior design firm in New York, Toronto and Miami. With over 15 years of experience, Blima has led her team on more than 500 residential, healthcare, hospitality and commercial projects. Her innovative approach to design, combined with a strong commitment to community impact, has earned her numerous recognitions. She is also a passionate advocate for women in construction and leads several philanthropic initiatives.

Christine Chan – Special Projects Division Operations Manager at Canadian Turner Construction Company

With over 15 years of experience and a bachelor of engineering degree from Concordia University, Christine Chan is a seasoned leader in the construction industry who is known for delivering complex, high-profile projects. Her portfolio includes TRIUMF IAMI New Cyclotron Project, Parq Resort & Casino, Red Fish Healing Centre, Penticton Regional Hospital and the award-winning tenant improvements for Plenty of Fish. Proficient in P3, GMP, design-build and construction management delivery models, Christine excels at fostering collaboration, mentoring emerging talent and driving inclusive workplace culture. As a leader within Turner’s MOSAIC employee resource group, she has championed culture-shaping initiatives and promoted diversity across the organization. Christine is also a passionate advocate for the next generation of builders, engaging students for greenhouse projects and community fundraising events.

Jemma Moore – Head of Resource Management & Mine Planning, Canada at Amrize

Jemma Moore championed Amrize’s reserves and resources reporting by leading the transition to SEC compliant SK1300 standards across Western Canada, prompting her promotion to head of resource management and mine planning for Canada. A dual chartered geologist (P.Geo. and EurGeol) with a master’s degree in engineering geology, she built a multidisciplinary team, developed digital tools for volumetric tracking and spearheaded geotechnical safety training. Active in Women of Mining Canada, she mentors early career professionals, participates in industry committees and is recognized as a “unicorn” for combining technical prowess with leadership.

Maria Robibero – Senior Health, Safety & Environment Manager at Ledcor

Maria Robibero is an influential safety leader with over 15 years of experience. She has supported more than 50 projects at Ledcor, where she led the development of their new Ontario HS&E Management System. A Certified Registered Safety Professional and Certified Safety Professional, she earned Ledcor Construction’s first Gold Flag and COR 2020 Certification while reducing the total recordable injury frequency. Maria leads a team of 10, combining technology and strategy by standardizing Procore, developing Power BI dashboards, enhancing training compliance, and actively mentoring women to thrive in the industry. Maria serves on multiple industry committees, including the OGCA, IHSA and CAWIC, and was recognized as one of OHS Canada’s Top 25 Under 40.

Raly Chakarova – Executive Director at Toronto and Area Road Builders Association

Raly Chakarova is modernizing Ontario’s road building standards by advocating for recycled crushed aggregates, harmonized specifications and streamlined procurement to drive cost-efficiencies and reduce carbon emissions. Dedicated to building a skilled, future-ready workforce, she helped negotiate collective agreements used by over 180 companies, revitalized TARBA’s scholarship program, and supports youth recruitment through Building Up and Skills Ontario. With a Master in Public Administration and board roles on RCCAO and ACCES Employment, she is a champion for continued infrastructure investment and circular economy principles.

Sara O’Malley – Senior Project Manager at PCL

Sara O’Malley has held significant leadership roles for multiple P3 healthcare projects across Eastern Canada, including Niagara Health System’s St. Catharines Site, Humber River Hospital, the Milton District Hospital Expansion and Western Memorial Regional Hospital. Currently managing the $3.2 billion QEII Halifax Infirmary Expansion, she is known for her strategic planning, negotiation and modular build expertise, earning PCL’s 2018 Innovation Award. Sara co-founded PCL Toronto’s diversity, equity and inclusion team, co-chaired United Way campaigns and mentors peers through PCL’s Mentor and Sponsorship programs. She is also an active participant in the Women’s Infrastructure Network and the Construction Association of Nova Scotia.

Lina Savcheva – Director, Major Projects & Environmental Lead at Green Infrastructure Partners

Lina Savcheva leads major infrastructure projects and environmental safety programs at Green Infrastructure Partners. She spearheads adoption of company wide safety frameworks, such as Home Safe Rules and “5 to Stay Alive,” which reduce incidents and improve compliance. She holds multiple certifications (Gold Seal, CRSP) and mentors teams through empathetic, strategic leadership while overseeing COR and ISO recertification initiatives. Named among Canadian Occupational Safety’s Top Female Leaders for 2025, she is a sought after speaker on safety and inclusive leadership.