The 2026 PROGRAM IS NOW OPEN!
If you’re passionate about building a career in construction, don’t miss this opportunity to apply and take the next step in your journey. Applications are open now! Click here to apply today!
The Canadian Association of Women in Construction (CAWIC) is proud to celebrate its President, Kristen Bauer, on being named the recipient of the 2026 Alberta Women of Industry (AWIC) Woman of Impact Award. The Woman of Impact Award honours women who demonstrate exceptional leadership, professional excellence, mentorship, and a deep commitment to advancing diversity, equity, and inclusion within their industries. Kristen was presented the award at the 3rd Annual Alberta Women of Industry International Women’s Day Luncheon on March 6.
“This recognition is a powerful reflection of Kristen’s commitment and unwavering dedication to advancing women in construction across Alberta and nationally,” said Lisa Laronde, Past President, CAWIC. “CAWIC proudly congratulates Kristen on this well-deserved honour, and we look forward to her continued impact on the association and women in construction.”
An active member of CAWIC since 2020, Kristen joined the CAWIC Board of Directors in 2022 and assumed the role of President in 2025. In this capacity, she is leading the strategic vision and growth of the association, ensuring its mission remains aligned with the evolving needs of women in the construction industry. In addition to her volunteer leadership at CAWIC, Kristen serves as Sr. Manager, Innovation – Sustainability with WEDGE Environmental Monitoring & Control at United Rentals. Throughout her career in construction, she has championed equity, innovation, sustainability, and operational excellence.
Through her ongoing dedication to CAWIC, Kristen has continued to expand opportunities to engage and support women in the industry, particularly within Alberta. The association has launched new and expanded initiatives in the province, including a golf tournament, bonspiel, enhanced professional development events, and the introduction of “Coffee & Connections” networking events. In addition, in 2026, CAWIC will bring its national conference to Calgary.
“Kristen’s leadership has positioned CAWIC on a stronger, more sustainable path forward,” said Susan Carey, President Elect, CAWIC. “Her passion, strategic insight, and commitment to our members embody the very spirit of the Woman of Impact Award and is advancing meaningful change across our industry.”
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About Canadian Association of Women in Construction:
The Canadian Association of Women in Construction (CAWIC) is a national not-for-profit organization dedicated to advancing the success of women in Canada’s construction industry. Through a strong collective voice, shared knowledge, powerful resources, and actionable solutions, CAWIC works to drive meaningful and lasting change across the sector. CAWIC’s vision is to transform Canada’s construction industry into a place where diversity, respect, and opportunity empower every woman to build, lead, and thrive. For more information about CAWIC, please visit www.cawic.ca.
About Alberta Women of Industry Committee (AWIC):
Since 2019, the Alberta Women of Industry Committee (AWIC) has been guided by a simple belief: when women succeed, we all succeed. Guided by that belief, our mission is to connect and elevate women across industries while creating meaningful community impact in Alberta. AWIC brings together women at all stages of their careers to connect, recognize leadership and support continued professional growth. What began as a vision to foster collaboration has grown into an established platform for networking and community engagement across the province. Each year, hundreds of professionals attend the AWIC Golf Classic and International Women’s Day luncheon. Both events consistently sell out, reflecting strong demand and sustained engagement from Alberta’s business community. With the support of sponsors, golfers, volunteers and attendees, AWIC has raised more than $181,000 for Alberta charities since its inception. As its community continues to grow, AWIC remains committed to expanding opportunities for connection, leadership and impact for women across Alberta.
CAWIC Calls for 35% Women’s Representation by 2035
Canadian Association of Women in Construction
With Canada’s construction industry needing more than 380,000 additional workers by 2034, CAWIC is calling for bold, coordinated action to reach 35% women’s representation by 2035.
Vision 2035 aims to address labour shortages while building a stronger, more diverse, and resilient industry. Achieving this goal will require collaboration across employers, unions, educators, government, and industry leaders nationwide.
Learn more and join the movement toward Vision 2035.
CAWIC is pleased to announce that the newest edition of Women Building Canada is now available! As our national magazine spotlighting women’s leadership, industry insights, and the momentum driving change across Canada’s construction sector, it continues to serve as a powerful platform for connection and progress.
In this issue, readers will find
- Blueprint for Change: Dr. Gretchen Gagel shares insights from her decades of experience and her new book, offering grounded, research-driven strategies for women to thrive in construction and for the industry to accelerate gender equity.
- Beyond Mentorship: Julie Zabizewski, Board Director, CAWIC explores the critical role of mentorship in advancing women’s careers and how opening doors and advocating for talent can transform both individuals and organizations.
- Closing the Gap on Gender Equality: Cheyenne Boone, Board Director, CAWIC highlights CAWIC’s initiatives, from scholarships to professional development, that are breaking down barriers and creating pathways for women at every stage of their careers.
- And, so much more.
We are also excited to share that in 2026, Women Building Canada will be published three times annually as we continue to grow our impact and reach. If you would like to advertise in the next edition, please contact [email protected].
Women in Construction Week is a time to recognize and celebrate the impact of women across every sector of our industry. To celebrate this important week, CAWIC is pleased to provide a special offer for those looking to become new members of the association. When you purchase a new annual membership during Women in Construction Week, you will receive an extra month free.
Individual Membership
Our individual membership is perfect for professionals at every stage of their career – from trades and project management to administration, leadership, and ownership.
Corporate Membership
Our corporate membership is designed for companies committed to supporting women in construction and strengthening their teams.
Affiliate Association Membership
Affiliate Association Membership connects your organization to a broader professional network committed to collaboration, growth, and industry excellence. As an affiliate member, your association gains access to valuable resources, partnership opportunities, shared insights, and increased visibility within a dynamic community of leaders and innovators.
There’s never been a better time to get involved with CAWIC.
As we continue working to support women in construction, we want to ensure our programs, events, advocacy efforts, and member experience reflect what you value most. To help guide our priorities, we are launching our 2026 CAWIC Membership Survey.
Your feedback will help us:
• Strengthen member benefits
• Identify new opportunities for industry impact
• Better support leadership development and mentorship
• Explore how we can foster stronger allyship across the industry
The 2026 Survey was distributed to all members on Friday, February 20. If you didn’t receive your link. Please contact us at [email protected].
Thank you for being an important part of the CAWIC community. Together, we are building a stronger, more inclusive construction industry.
Join us at CAWIC’s 2026 National Conference, Tools for Transformation, where we spotlight the essential tools reshaping how we build, lead, and collaborate. This event will dive into the tools that empower women to transform their careers and workplaces. Through interactive sessions, bold conversations, and inspiring voices, attendees will gain practical resources and powerful insights to drive real change.
Together, we’re harnessing the tools that will transform our industry and our future.
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Practical tools and actionable strategies that attendees can immediately implement to elevate their careers and projects
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Innovative approaches to construction and industry advancement that challenge the status quo and redefine what’s possible
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Leadership frameworks that build confidence, strengthen executive presence, and prepare women to lead at every level
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Equity-centered solutions that foster inclusive, high-performing workplace cultures
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Workforce development and mentorship models that open doors and create strong pipelines of future leaders
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Community impact and advocacy initiatives that strengthen our industry and amplify women’s voices
We are especially excited about sessions that ignite courage, spark bold thinking, and leave attendees feeling equipped, empowered, and ready to take action.
Apply to be a 2026 Speaker
The Canadian Association of Women in Construction (CAWIC) is proud to announce the recipients of the 2025 CAWIC Bursary Program. As part of CAWIC’s continued dedication to empowering the next generation of women in the construction industry, each year, the association offers financial support through a national bursary program to women advancing their education in a construction field. Click here to meet the 2025 Bursary Award Winners.
CAWIC’s 2025 Year in Review captures a powerful year of growth, connection, and progress for women in construction. From welcoming new members to expanding impactful events and programs nationwide, 2025 marked meaningful momentum toward a stronger, more inclusive industry. We invite you to explore the highlights and see how, together, we are shaping the future for women in construction.
On January 15, CAWIC kicked off the year in style with the Calgary Winter Social at Trolley 5 Brewpub. Despite the winter chill outside, the evening was filled with warmth, energy, and meaningful connections as members and guests gathered to network, reconnect, and build new relationships within Calgary’s construction and development community.
Attendees enjoyed a relaxed and welcoming atmosphere, complete with great food and drinks, creating the perfect setting for conversation and collaboration. The event highlighted CAWIC’s commitment to fostering connection, support, and professional growth as we look ahead to another year of opportunity in 2026.
A heartfelt thank you goes out to our generous sponsors for helping make this event a success. Your support played a key role in bringing the community together and creating an engaging and memorable experience for all.
We look forward to continuing the momentum with more opportunities to connect, learn, and grow together throughout the year. Thank you to everyone who joined us! We can’t wait to see you at the next CAWIC event!
Take a look at some of our photos from the event:
