JENNIFER GREEN

Director of Competitions and Young Women’s Initiatives

SKILLS ONTARIO Apprenticeship Youth Advisor

ONTARIO MINISTRY OF LABOUR, TRAINING AND SKILLS DEVELOPMENT

BIO: A trailblazer for women in non-traditional careers, Jennifer Green has achieved many honours through her mentorship, community involvement and leadership, as she continues to advocate for the skilled trades. She is Director of Competitions and Young Women’s Initiatives at Skills Ontario, an organization that encourages youth to pursue careers in the skilled trades and technologies. She’s also an Apprenticeship Youth Advisor for the Ontario Ministry of Labour, Training and Skills Development.

MOST IMPORTANT CAREER LESSON: How to own, recover and learn from a setback. Making a mistake doesn’t define who you are as a person.

ON MOTIVATION: I’m motivated each day knowing that I’m creating possibilities and opportunities by playing a mentor role for young women, and creating events and experiences to explore skilled trades as a career option.

ON WHAT MAKES A LEADER: Vision, drive, and passion. There’s no standard that is “too far-fetched.”

BIO: Raised in Goose Bay, Nfld. Raelynn Hawco currently works in Fort St. John, B.C. where she is responsible for quality control and assurance at the Site C Hydro Project. She is the first journeywoman to compete in an Enmax lineman rodeo, and had an opportunity to do power restoration work in the U.S. post Hurricane Michael. She is an avid outdoor enthusiast whose hobbies include fishing, snowmobiling, hiking and cycling.

ON MOTIVATION: Women can do anything they are inspired to do, and in turn inspire other women in the process.

GREATEST ACCOMPLISHMENT: Achieving my Red Seal journeyman powerline technician certification.

ON WHAT MAKES A LEADER: A person who inspires and leads others by example. Someone with knowledge, a strong work ethic, patience and strength of character.

ON WHAT POWERFUL MEANS: Tirelessly advocating for any cause you are passionate about.

BIO: Victoria Labillois is an entrepreneur, speaker, mentor, go-to emcee, connector, coach, corporate director, leader, and traveller. After several years in the Indigenous public service at the national, regional and local levels, Victoria launched her own businesses advancing Indigenous workforce inclusion in civil construction projects across Mi’gmaw territory. A two-time Top 100 winner, she serves numerous Indigenous boards and currently helps shape federal policy by serving on the National Indigenous Economic Development Board.

MOST IMPORTANT CAREER LESSON: When you start something, finish it.

ON MOTIVATION: I am motivated to create space for the next generation of Indigenous entrepreneurs to help build our economy. When I am challenged or hear the word “No”, I will work relentlessly to go through, over, around, or even under whatever the obstacle may be.

GREATEST ACCOMPLISHMENT: Teaching financial literacy to Indigenous youth is my passion project. I am proud to be a role model.