CP Industry Sector & Trades Awards

Recognizing women who have made significant contributions in the industrial sector and skilled trades

PAM ARPIN

AVP Customer & Corporate Services

CANADIAN PACIFIC (CP)

BIO: A seasoned railway professional, Pam Arpin oversees CP’s Network Service Centre, a leading-edge operation unique in the railway industry due to its integrative approach to managing a wide variety of services under one roof. Through her outstanding team and ability to work with a variety of internal and external stakeholders, she has led some of CP’s most successful technological programs, earning her a CP CEO Award for Excellence and two Presidents’ Awards throughout her career.

EARLY, LASTING LESSON: Have a voracious appetite for learning and never be afraid to ask questions, as curiosity can lead to innovative solutions. Foster a culture of continuous improvement through surrounding yourself with diverse, intelligent, passionate and driven change agents.

ADVICE I WOULD GIVE MY YOUNGER SELF: Build your network early on and continue to nurture and evolve it.

JEAN LUCAS

President and

Chief Executive Officer ECO WASTE SOLUTIONS

BIO: With an industry-wide reputation as a thoughtleader, Jean Lucas leads the development of disruptive technologies for Eco Waste Solutions. She blazed trails by winning business in male-dominated sectors such as waste management, mining and global defense. As CEO, Jean streamlined operations, formed key partnerships and drove significant growth, transforming the company from clean-tech startup to global leader. Past President and co-founder of Women in Mining Canada, and mentor to women in STEM, Jean is a champion for diversity and inclusion.

ADVICE I WOULD GIVE MY YOUNGER SELF: Stop second-guessing yourself. Do the things that scare you, worry less about what other people think, and don’t hesitate to reach out and try new opportunities whenever you can.

MELANIE DEBASSIGE

Executive Director ONTARIO FIRST NATIONS TECHNICAL SERVICES CORPORATION

BIO: Melanie Debassige is the first woman appointed to Executive Director in the 25-year history of her organization. She has been appointed to a number of boards and is a certified corporate director, which complements her Master’s in Business Administration. Melanie has been recognized by the Canadian Board Diversity Council (CBDC) in the Diversity 50 and recently became Strategic Advisor, Indigenous, to the Energy Board of Canada.

EARLY, LASTING LESSON: When I was a teenager, my father told me a story about being the 26th person. In his story he faced many obstacles and the 25 people in front of him chose not to stand up to the racism facing Indigenous people. When it was his turn, he took a stand and reported the incident as an infringement on his human rights. The moral of the story to me was to be that 26th person. Take a stand with integrity and stand by your beliefs.

JOCELYN PERRY

Executive Vice President, Chief Financial Officer FORTIS INC.

BIO: Jocelyn Perry is a keen businesswoman with more than 25 years’ experience in financial and utility leadership. As a key member of the executive leadership team of one of North America’s largest energy companies, she oversees the financial management of more than $52 billion in assets throughout Canada, the United States and the Caribbean. A pioneer in both her professional and community endeavours, she serves on the boards of Central Hudson and FortisBC, while tirelessly volunteering for organizations such as the Healthcare Foundation and C-CORE.

EARLY, LASTING LESSON: Life is a precious gift. Embrace every opportunity and every moment.

ADVICE I WOULD GIVE MY YOUNGER SELF: Accept advice and support along the way. At some point, we all need it.

POWER SONG: “It’s My Life” by Bon Jovi.

MICHELLE GEORGE

Vice President, Engineering, Gas Distribution & Storage ENBRIDGE GAS INC.

BIO: Since Michelle George joined Enbridge 24 years ago, she has blazed the trail for women in operations, engineering and construction roles. Today, Michelle is accountable for the engineering, asset management, compliance and integrity functions that enable the safe and reliable operations of the utility’s system. Michelle is executive sponsor of two employee groups that empower women in the workplace, is active on several energy industry committees and sits on Enbridge Inc.’s executive leadership team.

EARLY, LASTING LESSON: Believe in yourself. Get input from people you trust and make your best decisions.

SUCCESS IS: Achieving challenging goals, which of course starts with setting them. It’s too easy to jump right in without knowing what you’re trying to accomplish.

POWER SONG: “Fight Song” by Rachel Platten.

CATHERINE PRESS

President and

Chief Executive Officer CHINOOK HELICOPTERS (1982) LTD

BIO: As the first female flight instructor in Canada, Catherine Press has trained some of the best helicopter pilots in Canada and the world. She started flying at the age of 11 and completed her first solo flight at 16. With a history of persevering to overcome challenges and achieve goals, Cathy now leads a school specializing in helicopter and airplane pilot training and is currently the only person in Canada holding a Transport Canada Pilot Examiner status in both airplanes and helicopters, giving her the ability to license new instructors and pilots.

SUCCESS IS: The point where you realize something you have been working to achieve is going to happen.

ADVICE I WOULD GIVE MY YOUNGER SELF: Always be authentic; learn to manage people with integrity and honesty.

POWER SONG: “The Gambler” by Kenny Rogers.

LISA TUNINGLEY

Founder and

Chief Executive Officer T-RAIL

BIO: Driven by purpose to take the rail industry mainstream and drive economy with heart, Lisa Tuningley is an inspired leader, rail advocate and entrepreneur. As rail hauls 70% of goods, producing only 3.4% transportation greenhouse gas emissions, rail has impact and creating sustainable rail solutions has become her team’s passion. A proud Canadian with 25 years’ experience in the industry, Lisa reminds us “Rail Connects Us”. It promotes our growth as a nation and our individual rights and freedoms.

EARLY, LASTING LESSON: Don’t cry, fix it.

SUCCESS IS: Taking the gifts you have to make a difference that positively impacts the world and our freedoms as Canadians.

ADVICE I WOULD GIVE MY YOUNGER SELF: Be true to you, it is not the easiest, yet most rewarding path especially when delivered with a kind heart.

SUSAN UTHAYAKUMAR

Country President Canada SCHNEIDER ELECTRIC CANADA INC

BIO: Susan Uthayakumar has worked across different geographies in diverse and progressive roles in finance, acquisition, sales, business unit leadership and now leads the Canadian operations of Schneider Electric Canada. She has been a key player in transforming the company from a product manufacturer to a specialist in energy management and efficient technologies. She is active in the community and a speaker at many industry events and women leadership forums. Susan holds multiple board positions and is a strong advocate for diversity, inclusion and women in STEM.

EARLY, LASTING LESSON: You have to build depth in the roles you are in. You have to learn the details because it allows you to build context and make decisions quicker in a dynamic environment.

ADVICE I WOULD GIVE MY YOUNGER SELF: Take risks. With risks and failures come tremendous learning. Enjoy everything you do and learn every day.