HSE Advisor
Laura Graham
What’s the biggest challenge you've overcome as a woman in construction, and what advice would you give to others looking to break into the industry?
Navigating construction as a woman often means breaking through long-standing perceptions. One of the biggest hurdles I faced was overcoming the preconceived notions of being “a woman in construction.” To push past this, I immersed myself in the work, demonstrated my knowledge, and wasn’t afraid to ask questions. My advice for other women looking to enter this field? First, get educated, but not just book smart—learn through experience. Second, never be afraid to ask questions or challenge the answers.
What inspired you to pursue a career in construction, and what keeps you motivated on the job?
I started as a Project Coordinator before transitioning into HSE when I saw a gap in the safety program. Working in the field ignited my passion for construction and mining, especially the daily interactions with my crews. My motivation comes from the people I work with—projects will always be there, but ensuring that my team goes home safe, enjoys their work, and grows into mentors for others is what keeps me going.
Rock Truck Operator
Penny Imeson
What’s your advice for women considering a career in construction?
When I started, there were very few women in the industry. You had to be “one of the guys” to fit in, and there were always questions about my abilities just because I was a woman. But things are changing—there are more opportunities and representation for women now than ever before.
Talk about how you got into construction and what motivates you to stay in the field.
To anyone thinking about joining the industry, I say—just go for it! It’s an incredibly rewarding career. Growing up, I was fascinated by how structures were built, watching projects take shape from start to finish. That curiosity turned into a passion, and now I get to be a part of building something great every day.
Packer Operator
Renate Sarkic
What’s the biggest challenge you’ve overcome as a woman in construction?
One of my biggest challenges was proving to myself and my colleagues that women are not just capable but valuable in this industry. We bring both brains and brawn, offering unique perspectives and skill sets that make a difference on the job site.
What keeps you motivated on the job?
The strong safety culture at Morgan and the support of my coworkers and supervisors keep me going. They always have my back and are willing to help in any way they can. I love to continuously learn, do the best job possible, and help train the next generation of workers.
What advice would you give to women looking to break into construction?
It’s never too late to start a new career, and you should never be afraid to try a new skill. Challenge yourself and believe that you can do it. I love that my work makes a real impact—not just at Morgan but in the community and across Canada. And let’s be honest, when I was a kid, I loved playing in the dirt, and now I get paid to do it!
Building a Stronger Future, Together
Women like Laura, Penny, and Renate are proving every day that construction isn’t just a man’s world—it’s a world for anyone with the drive, skill, and passion to build something bigger than themselves. Their stories serve as a testament to the changing face of the industry and a call to all women considering a career in construction: the opportunities are endless, and the future is bright.
This International Women’s Week, we celebrate the women who work alongside us, break barriers, and pave the way for the next generation. Here’s to the strong, skilled, and unstoppable women of construction!
#WomenInConstruction #InternationalWomensWeek #Morgan