IDEA Committee

Anna Lary, M.Ed. (she/her) is a Master Electrician and BCIT faculty member in the School of Construction and the Environment. She is the Founder and Project Lead of the BCIT ConnectHER Hub, a practical, industry‑connected initiative focused on strengthening retention, leadership, and workforce participation for women and gender‑diverse people in the skilled trades.

Anna serves as Chair of the VRCA Inclusion, Diversity, Equity, and Accessibility (IDEA) Committee because of her extensive experience working at the intersection of construction, trades education, and industry engagement. With a background that spans hands‑on trades work, apprenticeship training, and program development, she brings a grounded, solutions‑focused approach to advancing inclusive practices that support contractors, workers, and the broader construction sector.

In recognition of her leadership and impact, Anna is the recipient of the 2025 VRCA Outstanding Achievement Award for Inclusive Leadership in Construction.

Carina Sun is an entrepreneur and investor with an international background spanning China, the United States, Canada, and the United Kingdom. Her multidisciplinary education and professional experience include Civil Engineering, Psychology, Mental Health, Gerontology, Applied Planning, and Urban Design.

She has a strong interest in modular construction and land development strategies, bringing a cross-sector perspective that connects planning, development, and investment. Carina works with diverse business communities and maintains strong relationships with international investors, particularly across Asia.

Carina serves as the 2026 President of the CCIM Western Canada Chapter and has been on its Board since 2016. She has also served as a Board Director and Treasurer of the Vancouver Heritage Foundation, appointed by Vancouver City Council, and currently serves as a member of the Vancouver Public Art Committee. She is also a member of the VRCA IDEA Committee.

With over a decade of experience at Super Save Group, Carly has developed a deep expertise in navigating all services to her client base – from large-scale infrastructure projects and complex commercial contracts to hydrovac operations and project scope. She has a proven track record of managing intricate negotiations and ensuring that maintenance and management flow seamlessly from start to finish.

Carly is known for her ability to build genuine, lasting relationships, bridging the gap between community and organization to ensure clear communication and mutual success. Whether she is working with major stakeholders or independent owner-operators, she believes every partner deserves the same level of commitment.

As a woman who has built her career in the construction industry – both in the office and in the field – Carly is a dedicated advocate for the IDEA committee. She joined the committee to help champion an inclusive culture that supports and empowers all professionals, believing that diversity and support are the foundation of a successful, high-performing industry.

As a Project Coordinator, GSI at Ace Excavating Ltd., I’m known for being detail-oriented, solutions-driven, and calm under pressure — with just enough humour to keep things human. My role requires strong cross-department coordination, proactive problem-solving, and the ability to anticipate challenges before they escalate. Having built my career in the trades as a woman, I’ve experienced firsthand both the progress we’ve made and the work still to be done around equity and representation.

My interest in serving on the IDEA (Inclusion, Diversity, Equity, and Accessibility) Committee is grounded in both lived experience and intentional learning. I’ve completed coursework in Inclusive Leadership in Construction and Trades to better understand how to be an effective ally and advocate. Through the IDEA Committee, my goals are to:

• Deepen my understanding of the diversity and inclusion challenges experienced by our members

• Identify where unconscious bias may surface within VRCA meetings, training sessions, and networking events

• Contribute practical ideas that help foster a more inclusive and accessible industry culture

This role matters to me because inclusion in construction isn’t theoretical — it directly impacts recruitment, retention, leadership development, and the long-term health of our industry. I’m motivated to be part of meaningful conversations that lead to measurable progress.

Shannon Callender is an HR Construction professional with ETRO Construction and a proud advocate for advancing inclusion, diversity, equity, and accessibility in the industry. As a woman working in construction and someone deeply involved in recruiting, she has a unique perspective on the incredible diversity of talent entering the field. Every day, Shannon sees the strength, skill, and potential of people from many backgrounds and is passionate about ensuring they have the opportunity to make their mark in the industry.

Through her volunteer work with the VRCA IDEA Committee, Shannon is committed to helping break down barriers and create a construction sector where everyone can thrive. Working for an organization that already prioritizes inclusion allows her to bring ideas and experiences from ETRO to the committee, while also learning from the collective expertise of the group.

She values the opportunity to bring those insights back to her organization and help translate them into meaningful, real-world change.

Creating space for conversation, connection, and support while equipping our industry with the resources needed to prioritize mental well-being.

Resources

VRCA Health & Wellness Plan

Support your team’s well-being with access to the VRCA Health & Wellness Plan, powered by BCCA Employee Benefit Trust. Designed specifically for the construction industry, this comprehensive benefits solution offers flexible coverage options including health, dental, mental health, and virtual care services. It helps you attract and retain talent while prioritizing the health and productivity of your workforce. Click here for more information.

BC Government – Help Starts Here

The site lists more than 2,600 publicly funded or not-for-profit mental health and substance use supports and hosts articles featuring easy-to-understand language and curated information about commonly searched topics. Click here for more information.

BCCSA – Every Mind Matters at Work (e-learning)

This session is designed to increase awareness of mental health and its potential incidence and impact in the workplace and challenge existing stereotypes of mental illness. Participants will have an opportunity to consider their current mental health and consider strategies to ensure continued health and well-being in their workplace. Click here for more information.

Tailgate Toolkit

Gain the tools to confidently discuss substance use, mental health, and pain management with your team! Designed specifically to equip and inform construction supervisors regarding the complex issues surrounding substance use and toxic drug poisoning in the construction industry. Walk away with the confidence to recognize, support, and refer crew members in need. Click here for more information.

BCCWITT Show Up for Safer Workplaces

Gain the tools to confidently discuss substance use, mental health, and pain management with your team! Designed specifically to equip and inform construction supervisors regarding the complex issues surrounding substance use and toxic drug poisoning in the construction industry. Walk away with the confidence to recognize, support, and refer crew members in need. Click here for more information.

PainBC

The Guideline Free, confidential text line for tradespeople living with pain, equipping them with free, confidential information, practical tools, and resources to manage pain and its impacts on your life. Click here for more information.

Podcasts

Stay tuned for future episode of The Builders’ Bench.

Webinars

Stay tuned for upcoming Employee Benefits Trust (EBT) webinars.

Books

The Working Brain by Dr. Brynn Winegard: With actionable tips for boosting your mental wellness, The Working Brain is designed to help you tap into your fullest cognitive potential each workday and over the course of your career. Click here for more information.

The Body Keeps The Score – Brain , mind, and body in the healing of trauma. Click here for more information.

Stay tuned – coming soon.

Stay tuned – coming soon.

Stay tuned – coming soon.