Construction women honoured by 40 Under 40 program

Directors, project managers, architects, law firm partners and more—this year’s class for Top 40 Under 40 in Canadian Construction featured some incredible female leaders.

Because women remain significantly underrepresented in the construction industry we wanted dig a bit deeper into the female winners. As of 2019, women made up only about 13% of the total construction workforce. This is even more pronounced when looking at tradespeople, where women account for a mere 4.7% of the workforce. 

Here are the women who were recognized:

Sarah Reeves, Director, Geocycle Canada, Lafarge Canada

Sarah Reeves is the director of Geocycle Canada at Lafarge Canada Inc., where she drives sustainability by managing waste diversion projects that reduce landfill use and cut carbon emissions. Starting her career in 2006 with her family’s trucking business and later working in Zambia, Sarah joined Lafarge in 2011. She advanced from administrative roles to collaborating on cutting-edge projects, including North America’s first Ductal project delivered via RMX truck and Brock Commons at UBC. Under her leadership, Geocycle focuses on circular solutions, turning waste into alternative fuels and raw materials for Lafarge’s cement kilns. Sarah is also a passionate advocate for women in construction and mentors young professionals through Lafarge’s leadership programs. Her commitment to diversity and sustainability has shaped high-performing teams and innovative strategies, aligning with Lafarge’s vision for a sustainable future.

Nadia Todorova, Executive Director, RCCAO

Nadia Todorova is a leading force in Ontario’s infrastructure and construction sectors, heading the Residential and Civil Construction Alliance of Ontario (RCCAO) as executive director. In the first decade of her career, Nadia has significantly advanced critical infrastructure projects like the Bradford Bypass and Highway 413 through strategic advocacy and collaboration. Her leadership extends across multiple roles, including chairing the Labour Management Immigration Coalition and serving on the executive committees of CDAO and OCCA. Nadia’s expertise in government relations, public policy and data-driven advocacy has reshaped infrastructure policy and communication in Ontario. Known for her commitment to mentorship and supporting women in construction, she actively fosters a supportive environment for emerging female leaders. Nadia’s professional integrity, strategic vision, and advocacy have positioned her as a pivotal figure in the industry, driving meaningful progress and championing both infrastructure development and advancing the growth of women throughout the sector.

Mallory Zimmerman, Project Director, Novacom

Mallory Zimmerman, project director at Novacom Building Partners, is a leading force in construction. Renowned for her transformative impact on complex projects, she was instrumental in the preconstruction of the Deloitte Summit building and managing the LEED Platinum-certified Emily Carr University of Art and Design P3 project. Her project management experience includes overseeing a $10-million design/build maintenance facility and a sewer upgrade in New Westminster, B.C. Holding high-level certifications like P.Eng. and Certified Passive House Consultant, Zimmerman excels in various contract types, from lump sum to public-private-partnerships. Her leadership extends beyond projects, as she mentors women in infrastructure through the weWIN program and contributes to industry associations and charitable causes. Her advocacy for gender diversity and work with Engineers Without Borders underscore her commitment to advancing industry standards and global welfare.

Lyndsey Shaw, Project Manager, Ledcor Construction 

Lyndsey Shaw, senior project manager at Ledcor Construction Limited, knows how to get things done under challenging circumstances. Working in the construction industry for 13 years, Lyndsey excels in managing high-stakes projects, including a multimillion-dollar hospital in northern Saskatchewan that is vital for local communities. Her leadership shines through her skillful management of challenges, including resource scarcity and remote locations, ensuring projects remain on track to meet critical deadlines. During COVID-19, despite the unprecedented challenges, her team worked closely with the health, safety and environment teams to implement the use of QR codes for daily health questionnaires. This ensured not only the safety of the workers on-site, but also the timely completion of a high-rise project without downtime. Her advocacy for inclusivity extends beyond project management, with initiatives like increasing baby-changing stations and converting single-compartment washrooms to unisex facilities. Lyndsey’s commitment to mentoring and community involvement, alongside her professional achievements, underscore her dedication to advancing the construction industry and fostering a safe and inclusive work environment.

Krista Chisholm, Infrastructure Health & Safety Manager, NorLand

rista Chisholm is a dynamic force in the construction industry, driving safety as the infrastructure health and safety manager at NorLand Limited. With a Canadian Registered Safety Professional designation, she leads a team overseeing safety for more than 800 employees, ensuring compliance and championing innovative safety measures. Since joining NorLand in 2020, Krista has overhauled its health and safety program and introduced digital software that significantly improves the visibility of key statistics, helps drive consistent improvement and delivers results, including zero recordable injuries for the Broadway Subway Project. With a B.Sc. (Hons) in Biomedical Sciences from the University of Aberdeen, Krista discovered her passion for health and safety after rescuing and resuscitating someone after an incident. As an advocate for mental health, Krista introduced the Mental Health Stewards course and proudly supports the LGBTQ2 community. Krista’s dedication to health and safety makes her an invaluable asset to NorLand and the construction industry.

Kayla Murrell, Architect, WZMH Architects

Kayla Murrell, an architect with WZMH Architects, is known for her expertise in retail architecture and construction. Since joining the firm in 2019, she has played a key role in projects totaling over 2 million square feet and valued at nearly $500 million. Regarded by her peers for her technical and interpersonal skills, her notable projects include Consilium Place, Lime Ridge Mall and Promenade Mall. Kayla’s previous focus on healthcare architecture includes significant contributions to Oakville Trafalgar Memorial Hospital and ErinoakKids. Licensed as an OAA architect in 2023, she is also a member of RAIC and a dedicated mentor. As a leader in diversity, equity, and inclusion, Kayla co-founded the Black Architects and Interior Designers Association and spearheaded WZMH’s Mentorship & Education Committee. She has received prestigious awards like the OAA Guild Medal and RAIC Honour Roll. Through her innovative approach and commitment to mentorship, Kayla significantly impacts the architecture, engineering and construction industry.

Chelsea A. Wilson, Partner, Dentons

Chelsea Wilson specializes in construction and infrastructure disputes, providing strategic advice on negligence, warranty, delay and defects claims, and builders lien issues. Recognized as one of The Best Lawyers in Canada – Ones to Watch from 2021 to 2024, Chelsea’s expertise in builders lien law has led her to publish numerous resources and speak at industry events. Her notable achievements include leading negotiations for a $25 million defects and delays dispute in B.C. and handling a nine-figure fraud and misrepresentation claim. Wilson is a member of the law societies of Yukon, British Columbia and Alberta, and a partner at Dentons’ Vancouver office within the construction, infrastructure and PPP, and litigation and dispute resolution practice groups. With extensive courtroom experience and a commitment to mentoring young lawyers, Chelsea is also an early adopter of legal AI technologies. Her leadership in educational initiatives and thought leadership further cements her reputation as an authority in builders lien law, ensuring the success of her clients and colleagues alike.

Catherine Gleason-Mercier, Partner, Singleton Urquhart Reynolds Vogel

A good lawyer is invaluable in construction. Catherine Gleason-Mercier, partner at Singleton Urquhart Reynolds Vogel LLP, is a distinguished leader in its construction and infrastructure group and is renowned for her strategic counsel on complex disputes. With over a decade devoted to the construction industry, she has shaped pivotal cases, including disputes regarding major infrastructure projects in the country. A graduate of McGill University with both an LLB and BCL, she is actively involved in industry associations and contributes extensively to construction law discourse through publications and presentations. Catherine’s leadership extends to mentoring junior lawyers, serving on committees for professional development and workplace conduct, and advocating for collaborative approaches in construction contracting. Her commitment to excellence and client advocacy has earned her recognition from Best Lawyers, Lexpert, Who’s Who Legal and Benchmark Litigation Canada, highlighting her impact as a trusted advisor and leader within the legal and construction communities.