PRESENTS:

Time

Session

Speakers

Sponsors

Welcome & Registration

Opening Remarks

Welcome & Land Acknowledgement

Keynote: Building Futures

Michelle Cederberg, The Success Energy Equation

Michelle Cederberg: The Success Energy Equation

High-performance coach and author Michelle Cederberg presents insights from her book, "The Success Energy Equation." Drawing from research on top professionals, she reveals key factors driving success, health, and happiness. Attendees will gain a fresh perspective on optimizing performance in today's stress-filled world.

Read Less Session Details

Career Boost: Authentic Networking for Impact

Jillian Climie, Thoughtful Co.

Jillian Climie: Networking with Confidence This session equips participants with strategies to network confidently and build meaningful, long-term connections. Learn to approach networking purposefully, craft compelling elevator pitches, and foster lasting relationships through thoughtful communication.

Read Less Session Details

Networking & Coffee Break

Tool Box Sessions

L

Leadership Under PressureUsing Ethics to Rise Under Pressure

Dr. Kathleen Burke, Ph.D.

Kathleen Burke: PhD: Leadership Under Pressure – Using Ethics to Rise Explore how ethics influence leadership, especially under pressure. Key outcomes include harnessing resilience, building trust in high-stakes environments, maintaining composure during chaos, and adapting to unforeseen challenges.

Read Less Session Details

E

Embracing Self Compassion – How Building Inner Strength Can Empower Resilience, Relationships, and Career Growth

Melanie Steele, The Nourished Menopause

Melanie Steele: The Skill of Self-Compassion Discover why self-compassion is vital for resilience, career advancement, relationships, and health. Learn three key tools: normalizing the human experience, practicing nonjudgmental awareness, and balancing tenderness with tough love. Attendees are encouraged to apply these tools immediately and engage with panelists about personal experiences.

Read Less Session Details

A

Amplifying Strengths to Thrive Individually and Organizationally

Sara Schlipp-Reidel, Director of HR at Accordant Sage

Sara Schlipp-Riedel: Unlocking Potential – Amplifying Strengths Explore how focusing on inherent strengths can drive personal and organizational success. Gain insights into defining and leveraging your talents, overcoming challenges in showcasing strengths, and fostering collaboration and innovation. This session offers practical strategies to align natural abilities with collective goals.

Read Less Session Details

P

Patching the Trust Gap – The Art and Science of Repairing Trust

Polina Kouzmina, Founder of Thriveworks | Leadership and Team Coach

Polina Kouzmina: The Art and Science of Repairing Trust Delve into the critical role of rebuilding trust in the workplace. Examine how trust breaks down, factors influencing repair efforts, and strategies to navigate complex situations where full transparency isn't possible. Leave with practical steps to transform trust challenges into opportunities for stronger professional relationships. Watch session highlight video below:  
Read Less Session Details

Lunch Break

Sisterhood at Work Panel

With Audience Q&A

Hosted by Stephanie Hun, CCW president and Director, Business Development, Canada for Flatiron Dragados Canada

Panelists:

Keeli Husband, Director of Business Development, EllisDon

Anna Lary, Master Electrician & Instructor, BCIT

Wendy Itagawa, Transportation Investment Corporation

Pat Duggan, Vice President Major Projects

Sisterhood at Work Panel, presented by WorkSafeBCfeaturing diverse female voices shaping Vancouver’s construction industry. Moderated by CCW President & Director of Business Development @ Flatiron Construction, Stephanie Hun.

Read Less Session Details

Networking & Coffee Break

The Wisdom of the Nervous System

Samantha Clarke, Comprehensive Wellness Coach

Samantha Shakira Clarke: Mindfulness and Nervous System Regulation Experience guided mindfulness meditations and gain insights into the nervous system's functions. Explore the balance between sympathetic and parasympathetic systems, practical techniques for regulation, and the role of the Vagus nerve in emotional well-being. The session concludes with exercises to promote relaxation and a Q&A segment.

Read Less Session Details

The Honorable Bowinn MA

Addresses the LEAP conference attendees

Fireside Panel Chat

Hosted by Jeannine Martin (VRCA) & Seema Lal (CCW)

Speakers:

Regina Marklund, LEED GA, Project Director, Canadian Turner Construction & VRCA Chair

Shelley Gray, CEO of Skilled Trades

The Honourable Bowinn Ma  – Minister of Infrastructure & MLA North Vancouver-Lonsdale

Closing Fireside Panel: Hear from top industry leaders:

Read Less Session Details

Closing Remarks & Thank You!

Jeannine Martin (VRCA) & Stephanie Hun (CCW president and Director, Business Development, Canada for Flatiron Dragados Canada)

Networking Reception

We will be highlighting Amara Blue Designs – a local female-owned Canadian jewelry company that offers permanent bracelets and personalized jewelry. They are excited to be offering exclusive, LEAP conference pricing for permanent bracelets to conference attendees, along with a complimentary custom-designed LEAP charm for all who attend the event.  Learn more about Amara Blue Designs and Permanent Bracelet FAQ here.

 

✨ Exclusive Conference Add-Ons!

💎 Custom Permanent Bracelet by LEAP Featured Amara Blue Designs (Gold or Silver) 

Special LEAP price: $50 (Regularly $100+) + complimentary LEAP charm gift!

Options: Exclusive pre-registration pricing (55% off)

LEAP Sterling Silver Permanent Bracelet + LEAP Charm – $50

LEAP Gold Filled Permanent Bracelet + LEAP Charm – $50

Day-of bracelet application pricing (40% off) – $70

Note – Pre-registered guests are welcome to change their mind on their material choice  (Sterling or Gold Fill) at the event. For those who are unsure about the permanent aspect of the bracelets, clasp add-ons are available on the day of the event.

Kassandra Taylor is a fine jewelry designer that aspires to create pieces that are meaningful, and last for more than just one season. Using ethically sourced sterling silver and gold fill, her pieces are accessible to most and intend on being physical representation of one's strongest values, and cherished memories. She focuses on the art of hand stamping, imprinting hand-illustrated designs and phrases into her pendants by hand, and offers her designs in 30 retailers across Canada.

In addition to her jewelry line, Amara Blue offers permanent bracelets in her Gastown studio. She's proud to have offered this service to the Vancouver community for 3.5 years, and provides a carefully curated selection of bracelet chains + personalized charms.

Read Less Read Kassandra's bio

Featured Artist: Carly Steiman

Carly Steiman is a licensed electrician, entrepreneur, and artist dedicated to celebrating women in the trades. Her LEAP 2025 exhibit features nine portraits of tradeswomen, capturing their skill, resilience, and impact. This collection is in collaboration with photographer Millissa Martin and part of the upcoming Tradeswomen Exhibit, launching in Vancouver this October. Carly is seeking collaborators and sponsors to help amplify this celebration of women in trades.

 

Alongside this initiative, Carly is launching Workbee, a home maintenance program designed to support seniors aging in place by ensuring their homes remain sate and well cared for. This work bridges the gap between skilled trades and essential home care, reinforcing the importance of inclusive, community-focused services.