CPKC Skilled Trades Awards

Recognizing outstanding women who contribute immense value and demonstrate excellence in skilled trades, product or service innovation and community involvement

PATRICIA BOUCHARD

Specialist OC Training, Placement & Development, CPKC RAILWAY

BIO: Patricia started her railway career in 2016 as a Rail Traffic Controller for CPKC in Calgary. Her experience as an EMT helped her thrive in a high-pressure setting, and she quickly rose to the top. Patricia is a strong advocate for learning and sets an example for others with a supportive atmosphere where everyone can flourish and achieve their objectives. She is an influencer who goes beyond her job description, continually striving to enhance procedures and empower those around her.

MOST IMPORTANT CAREER LESSON: The only thing we have power over is how we react to what happens to us. Therefore, choosing to turn any given situation into something positive or a learning opportunity is up to us.

ON LIVING LIKE A LEGEND: "Like a legend," means not letting any outside pressure change who you fundamentally are, being truthful to yourself and respecting others.

ELIZABETH MOSES

Machinist and Sheet Metal Apprentice, SMART LOCAL UNION 280

BIO: Elizabeth is originally from Ontario and works in the sheet metal industry in B.C. She has worked in skilled trades for seven years and is a dual tradeswoman. Moses discovered her passion for the trades in high school as a woodworking and robotics student. She graduated from the St. Clair College - General Machinist program in 2019 and is the recipient of the 2020-2021 Alumni of Distinction Award. Elizabeth is a two-time recipient of a WXN Top 100 Award.

ON LIVING LIKE A LEGEND: It means to continue the legacy of the women in trades before my time and never allowing their efforts to be demolished.

ON WHAT POWERFUL MEANS: You influence the lives and minds of many people. Your decisions make an impact.

POWER SONG: Most Girls, Hailee Steinfeld

BRANDI FERENC

RSE HVAC Mechanic, SOUTHLAKE HOSPITAL; HVAC Instructor, GEORGIAN COLLEGE; HVAC Mentor, SUPPORT ONTARIO YOUTH

BIO: Brandi Ferenc is a Red Seal 313a Refrigeration mechanic/gas Fitter 1 Journeyperson. She teaches HVAC at Georgian College and mentors women in skilled trades and HVAC apprentices at Support Ontario Youth. This year she started her own business, Fair-trades Toolbox, to work with skilled trades employers, industry leaders and government on how to properly on-board women into their male-dominated workforce to make it a seamless transition for all parties involved.

MOST IMPORTANT CAREER LESSON: Time does not heal all wounds; those wounds leave scars, and if you truly want to advocate for change you must find the strength to preserve and push forward, no matter how painful, and let the scars be a reminder that you are a warrior fighting for something bigger than yourself.

ON WHAT POWERFUL MEANS: It means to have the ability to inspire conversation that will spark change.

CHEYENNE LAKATOS

B.A. Hons Envs Locomotive Engineer,

CN; Program Coordinator,

COMMON CONNECTIONS PROGRAM, Health and Safety Legislative Representative,

TEAMSTERS DIVISION 898

BIO: Hope for a bright future led Cheyenne Lakatos to apply at CN. Cheyenne is an advocate for mental health and wellness for all. She has been mentored by strong women and chose to mentor others. She started a mental health program, Common Connections, in Jasper, Alberta. The program was awarded the CN People's Choice Award in 2022. Cheyenne also volunteers an average of 1,000 hours per year for the community of Jasper.

MOST IMPORTANT CAREER LESSON: Speaking up can be difficult for others; luckily, I find it easy to be the voice of others. I am so grateful that people open up to me and allow me to represent them.

ON LIVING LIKE A LEGEND: It means leaving a legacy that not only improves but paves the way for future women to make a difference!

ON WHAT POWERFUL MEANS: To unapologetically practice self love and to show others the power in doing so.