PRESENTS:
Our Speakers
Jeannine Martin
VRCA President
Jeannine Martin is the President of the Vancouver Regional Construction Association (VRCA). She is a trailblazing leader in the construction industry with over 25 years of experience working in the industry.
With VRCA representing over 800 member companies, Jeannine's leadership is instrumental in shaping the landscape of the construction sector in the Lower Mainland. Her extensive background in construction and engineering companies has equipped her with a unique perspective and skills to drive success for VRCA members and the industry.
Jeannine's impact extends beyond her day-to-day responsibilities, mainly when participating in events like the LEAP conference. Here, she generously shares her wealth of experience and success tools, offering invaluable insights to empower others in navigating and thriving within male-dominated industries.
Jeannine Martin stands as a beacon of inspiration for women in construction, showcasing resilience, expertise, and leadership that contribute to the industry's growth and diversity.
Seema Lal
CCW President, Partner and Co-Chair of Construction and Infrastructure at Singleton Urquhart Reynolds Vogel LLP
Seema Lal is a Partner and the Co-Chair of the Construction and Infrastructure practice group at Singleton Urquhart Reynolds Vogel LLP. Seema is focused on the negotiation and preparation of construction contracts, procurement issues and construction disputes, including mediations and arbitrations. She seeks to provide strategic legal advice to assist her clients in making informed and effective legal and business decisions. Through her practice and her involvement in industry associations, she has built up an in-depth understanding of the construction sector and the unique issues facing its stakeholders.
Seema is a Fellow of the Canadian College of Construction Lawyers and holds board positions for a number of industry groups and non-profit organizations, including as President of Canadian Construction Women (CCW), a Board member of the BC Construction Roundtable and as Chair of the Canadian Bar Association (BC Branch) Construction Law Section. She is ranked in the areas of Construction Law and Insurance Law by Best Lawyers Canada®, is recognized by The Legal 500 as a leading lawyer in Canadian Construction Law and is featured in Doyle’s Guide list of leading construction, engineering and infrastructure litigation lawyers.
Diane Rolston
Coach, Author and Speaker
Diane Rolston is a leading authority in being a Dynamic Woman® and living a Dynamic Life. Combining a mix of coaching and personal development, Diane works with women to provide clarity, boost confidence and get them into action. She is a Certified Professional Coach, an International Speaker, 11-time Author, Workshop Leader and the CEO and Founder of Dynamic Women® Global Club and Dynamic Women Podcast (a 5-Time Award Winning podcast in the top 2.5% podcasts).
She was acknowledged as the Women of Worth “Motherpreneur of the Year” Award Winner, Top Mom Blogger in Vancouver, and Top 50 Mom Podcaster for her professional accomplishments and for the powerful impact she has on the women she inspires and empowers.
Her program is “VA Made Easy”, which is designed to move you from task overwhelm to ease by passing off your work to your very own Virtual Assistant she hires for you. You will learn what to delegate and how to easily train them to do it. Plus, you get so many of her Systems, Processes, Trainings, Strategy & Support.
“Chicken Soup for the Soul” Series Co-Creator, Jack Canfield said, “Diane is an amazing woman that does incredible work helping women develop, develop holistic lives of balance.” After leading events, speaking on international stages, and becoming an author while raising two young children, Diane is a leader on work/life balance and high achievement.
You’re invited to reach out to Diane and visit her website www.dianerolston.com
Check out what Diane is up to and other opportunities here: linktr.ee/dianerolston
Pamphinette Buisa
Canadian Rugby Olympian and Activist
Pamphinette Buisa (she/her) was born on the Algonquin Annishabeeg territory, also known as Ottawa, Ontario. She left her hometown to pursue her dream of playing professional rugby in Victoria, BC. With nine years of experience on the national team, including the Tokyo Olympics, and the honour of representing her country, her passion extends beyond the rugby field. In the traditionally male-dominated world of rugby, she stands as a leader, a professional athlete, outreach worker, and community organizer, deeply committed to bridging networks in solidarity with disenfranchised communities, creating spaces of community care, and advocating for the needs and rights of marginalized voices.
Currently training for the Paris Olympics this summer, she continues her journey of advocacy and change. This commitment is woven into her professional journey as she advocates for the needs and rights of marginalized communities. Not just a seasoned athlete, she's a powerful advocate for change, bridging networks in solidarity with disenfranchised communities and creating spaces of community care. In her impactful roles, she has contributed to fostering diversity and inclusion in various settings, including orchestrating culturally rich events for incarcerated individuals as a Program Manager at a men's correctional facility.
Polina Kouzmina
HR Strategist and ICF Coach
With over a decade spent as the Head of People & Culture for North America with a global engineering consultancy, Polina Kouzmina's career focus has been on scaling organizations for growth, cultivating vibrant company cultures and developing leaders, predominantly within STEM and male-dominated industries. Currently, as Founder and Principal Consultant at Thriveworks, Polina leverages her extensive background to drive a thriving leadership coaching and HR consultancy practice. Her mission is to inspire positive change and growth for individuals, teams, and the organizations they are a part of.
Reisa Schwartzman
CEO, The Cape Group
Reisa Schwartzman, a dynamic individual whose life journey has been marked by a harmonious blend of education, community, leadership, entrepreneurship, real estate development, and a passion for both the arts and sciences. Reisa's remarkable story begins with her early involvement in the family business, having started working at the age of 5, laying the foundation for a lifelong commitment to enterprise and community development.
Reisa embarked on an academic journey that seamlessly intertwined the intricacies of the human body, mind, and the expressive art of dance. Armed with a profound understanding of exercise physiology, psychology, and the art of movement, Reisa delved into the world of knowledge, paving the way for a multifaceted career.
Graduating from the prestigious Wexner Institute for Leadership, Reisa honed her skills in leadership and management, setting the stage for future endeavors. The culmination of her academic pursuits set the foundation for a remarkable career that spanned diverse domains.
For nearly two decades, Reisa passionately led a dance school, shaping the lives of aspiring dancers and gymnasts, instilling a love for movement. Her dedication and expertise left an indelible mark on the community, fostering a love for the arts and a commitment to excellence and passion.
Adding another dimension to her professional journey, Reisa is a torchbearer of a three-generation real estate legacy. As the second generation of the CAPE group, she actively contributes to the family's fully tiered real estate company, overseeing development, construction, and asset management. As CEO, Reisa has played a pivotal role in the active development of numerous asset classes, showcasing a deep understanding of the real estate landscape. With a strong belief that every project should contribute to making the community a better place, Reisa's leadership reflects a commitment to building better and more vibrant communities.
In addition to her professional pursuits, Reisa has dedicated her time and efforts to several charitable organizations. Notably, she played a significant role in the creation and building of King David High School, demonstrating her commitment to education and community development.
Innovation and entrepreneurship define Reisa's spirit, as evidenced by her ownership of Griddly Kids, an award-winning STEM and STEAM toy company. This venture reflects a commitment to education and a forward-thinking approach, encouraging children to explore the realms of science, technology, engineering, arts, and mathematics through engaging and experiential play.
Beyond the professional sphere, Reisa embraces the role of a nurturing mother to three boys. The family, now expanding, is on the brink of welcoming a fourth grandchild, adding another layer of joy to Reisa's life.
Reisa is an energetic and passionate individual whose journey weaves together the threads of education, community, leadership, entrepreneurship, development, and family. Her commitment to excellence for the arts and sciences, dedication to both personal and professional growth, and active involvement in charitable causes make Reisa an inspiring force in the diverse tapestry of life.
Jas Sangha
Owner & CFO Crown Building Supplies
“Entrepreneurship is not for the faint of heart. It takes courage, perseverance, and a willingness to take risks”.
10 years ago, I took that risk alongside with my husband as we wanted to provide better solutions in the construction supply industry. Today, we are one of the leading wholesalers in BC and continue to thrive year after year.
Being the only female among the partnership, and in a male-dominated industry, the beginnings had me working from home and not having any decision-making power. The challenges and obstacles faced never stopped me from giving my 100%. I wanted to be a strong role model, not only for my daughter, but for all women alike.
As a CPA, CGA, I took on accounting department and within 3 months, I was working at the office. Ensuring our company had a strong finance department, today I lead a team of 6 members, alongside with having full authority on management decisions.
I am the third youngest of 4 siblings and come from a working-class family. The thought of owning my own business was never on the forefront. When the opportunity knocked on my door, I chose to follow this path.
Through hard work, commitment, dedication and perseverance, I am a founding partner of a successful business. Alongside, my three children get my full attention and support as family is just as important for me.
Sophie Warwick
Co-Founder of the Thoughtful Co
Sophie Warwick, Co-Founder of the Thoughtful Co, specializes in developing in-house gender equity policies and chairing Employee Resource Groups and advocacy groups. She uses her data analysis expertise from her engineering background to define targets and track growth and retention. In 2018, she Co-Founded Women in Consulting Engineering (WCE), a non-profit organization with over 500 members and monthly events to support and empower women in engineering. She co-founded The Thoughtful Co so she could build more gender inclusive workplaces and build representation of women at senior levels in all industries.
Shauna Moran
Women's Leadership coach | Author
- ARTIST ON DISPLAY -
Emilie Fantuz
Palette Knife Painter
Emilie Fantuz is a Vancouver-based artist known for her large-scale paintings depicting reflections and nocturnal urban landscapes. Her palette knife paintings combine technical elements of hyperrealism with an abstracted stylization that is distinctly her own. Through reflected imagery and complex compositions, Fantuz investigates the perception of colour and light inspired by the beauty of everyday scenes. Fantuz’s work has been featured in exhibitions throughout Canada, the United States, and the United Kingdom and can be found in public collections including Bucci Developments Vancouver, Henry Ford Hospital and The Bank of Ann Arbor, and in private collections around the world including Canada, the United States, France, China, Caymen Islands, Switzerland and the Netherlands.