Who We Are

From our volunteer Board of Directors to our dedicated and passionate team, we work together to realize our shared vision of a gender equitable, diverse, and inclusive Canadian SETT sector.

Our Team

Bonnie Douglas

Executive Director

Bonnie Douglas

Executive Director

Bonnie's 20-year experience as an engineer and leader in food manufacturing developed her passion for solving problems, transforming the workplace, and advocating for women in the sector. She is proud to be using her skills to support the work of accelerating change for gender equity in science, engineering, trades, and technology at CCWESTT. Bonnie is a Project Management Professional (PMP), has a B.Sc. in Biological/Food Engineering and knows a lot about making ice cream!

Email:bonnie.douglas@ccwestt-ccfsimt.org

Ophelia Rigault

Project Manager

Ophelia Rigault

Project Manager

V. Ophelia Rigault (she/her) is an inclusion strategist, joy activist, and community collaborator dedicated to advancing equity and systemic change. With 20+ years of expertise and a Master’s in Education, she leads the CCWESTT Strategic Change project as the Project Manager. Ophelia inspires transformative leadership and is passionate about creating communities of belonging, which is demonstrated through her spearheading, THE SHINE Club—a program empowering racialized kids to shine as their true selves in schools. She cherishes time with her niece and loves to travel both locally and intentionally.

Email:ophelia.rigault@ccwestt-ccfsimt.org

Alicia Bjarnason

Manager, Strategic Projects

Alicia Bjarnason

Manager, Strategic Projects

Alicia is a Canadian Certified Inclusion Professional (CCIP) with a master’s in human geography. For over a decade, Alicia has supported corporations and not-for-profits on topics of corporate culture, equity, diversity and inclusion, systems change and social innovation. She pairs this knowledge with 15 years of experience as an exploration geoscientist. In 2022, Alicia was awarded a Fellowship from Geoscientists Canada for her noteworthy service to the geoscience profession.

Email:alicia.bjarnason@ccwestt-ccfsimt.org

Janet Dyson

Communications

Janet Dyson

Communications

Janet Dyson (she/her) previously supported the Research & Policy team from the Joint Federal-Provincial Mass Casualty Commission (the independent public inquiry created to examine the April 18-19, 2020 mass casualty in Nova Scotia). She has also supported alumni and donor engagement at Dalhousie University through events, communications strategies and social media management. Prior to working in higher education, she worked at Halifax Public Libraries for several years. Janet is a graduate of the University of Victoria with a Diploma in Public Relations.

Email:communications@ccwestt-ccfsimt.org

Jove Nazatul

Junior Project Manager

Jove Nazatul

Junior Project Manager

Jove Nazatul is a queer, trans, non-binary immigrant of color living on Lekwungen-speaking land. Jove champions for underrepresented groups in the trades and was the first trans, non-binary person elected to the Board of Directors of CAF-FCA. As a performance artist and producer, Jove works to create platforms for QTPOC, and was named a CHANGEMAKER by Pride at Work Canada in 2024. As a project coordinator for CCWESTT, Jove is focused on creating psychologically safe workplaces for everyone.

Email:jove.nazatul@ccwestt.org

Justine Leger

IT and Events

Justine Leger

IT and Events

Justine is a seasoned IT and event professional with over a decade of experience in seamlessly integrating technology and event management. With a background in technical support and a passion for creating unforgettable experiences, Justine has a unique talent for blending technical expertise with a flair for event coordination. Passionate about seamless digital experiences, she supports CCWESTT’s mission through strategic tech and event coordination.

Email:justine.leger@ccwestt.org

Lara Mailloux

Social Media and Engagement

Lara Mailloux

Social Media and Engagement

With a Master’s in Digital Marketing Strategy from Trinity College Dublin and a strong background in digital marketing, Lara brings expertise in content strategy, social media management, and data-driven engagement. As CCWESTT’s Social Media & Engagement Coordinator, she is passionate about using digital platforms to advance CCWESTT’s vision of a gender-equitable and inclusive Canadian SETT sector.

Email:lara.mailloux@ccwestt.org

Cheryl Kristiansen

Partnership Development Specialist

Cheryl Kristiansen

Partnership Development Specialist

Cheryl Kristiansen is a dynamic leader driving innovation, diversity and inclusion in science, engineering, trades, and technology (SETT). With a Mechanical Engineering background and expertise in alternative fuel research, she has held senior leadership roles in resource sectors, leading international projects, diverse teams and business growth. A certified facilitator, Cheryl delivers impactful equity, diversity, and inclusion (EDI) training across Canada and is a key contributor to national EDI initiatives. She has pioneered programs inspiring youth in SETT and created the Wild About Science Odyssey Symposium for educators. Passionate about collaboration and systemic change, Cheryl builds strategic partnerships at CCWESTT that foster inclusive, diverse workplaces and drive lasting impact.

Email:cheryl.kristiansen@ccwestt.org

Our Board of Directors

Sandra Rupnarain

Family Services of Peel

Sandra Rupnarain

Family Services of Peel

CCWESTT President

Denise Stilling

CCWESTT Individual Member

Denise Stilling

CCWESTT Individual Member

CCWESTT Member at Large

Joni Jean

Conestoga College

Joni Jean

Conestoga College

CCWESTT Conference Liaison

Joni Jean is a Chair with the Schools of Engineering & Technology and Trades & Apprenticeship at Conestoga College, a role she has held since 2018. She oversees the daily operations of the college’s precision machining, woodworking, and aviation programs, and is the Lead for the Engineering, Technology, and Trades for Women (ETT4W) initiative.

Joni holds a Doctor of Philosophy in Leadership and Policy from Niagara University (2025), a Bachelor of Education in Adult Education from Brock University (2016), a Master of Information Studies from the University of Toronto (2008), and a Bachelor of Arts in Applied Studies from the University of Waterloo (2001).

Her 25-year career in the Canadian Armed Forces reserves, serving in the Cadet Instructors Cadre (Air Force), includes roles such as commanding officer of an air cadet squadron, senior instructor at the officer training school, and familiarization glider pilot. Joni's extensive experience highlights her commitment to excellence in education and training in engineering and technical fields.

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Hélène Savoie-Louis

MAP Strategic Workforce Services Inc.

Hélène Savoie-Louis

MAP Strategic Workforce Services Inc.

CCWESTT Member at Large

Hélène Savoie-Louis is the Executive Director of MAP Strategic Workforce Services Inc. Hélène, who initially joined the organization in 2015 as the New Boots coordinator and NB-MAP Trainer, has since played a pivotal role in various aspects of the organization, from training and sales to event coordination and curriculum development. With her extensive experience in educational roles and her dedication to professional development, Hélène assumed the role of Director in 2018.

Hélène's rich background includes roles as an English Teacher, Guidance Counselor, Research Assistant, and Co-op Coordinator. She holds a master’s degree in Guidance Counseling, and a bachelor’s degree in Education.

As an active member of the community, Hélène serves as Vice-President and a member of the Board of Governors at the Collège Communautaire du Nouveau-Brunswick (CCNB), contributing significantly to the field of skilled trades education in New Brunswick. She also is a member of the Board of Canadian Coalition for Women in Engineering, Science, Trades and Tech (CCWESTT), and the Chair of the Research Committee for the Canadian Apprenticeship Forum (CAF).

Hélène’s passion and dedication to introducing skilled trades to equity-deserving groups is evident in her proactive approach to creating inclusive and supportive environments where all individuals can thrive. Through her leadership at MAP Strategic Workforce Services Inc., she has championed numerous initiatives aimed at breaking down barriers and fostering diversity within the skilled trades. Her work emphasizes not only the importance of access to training and resources but also the need for mentorship programs tailored to support underrepresented populations.

At her core, Hélène is passionate about people, career growth and a workforce development enthusiast. She is originally from Tracadie, NB, but now calls Quispamsis, NB home with her husband and her son. When she is not at work, she enjoys travelling, going to the movies, and spending time with family.

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Svetlana Barkanova

NSERC Inclusion in Science and Engineering

Svetlana Barkanova

NSERC Inclusion in Science and Engineering

CCWESTT Ex Officio Member

Dr. Svetlana Barkanova is a professor of physics at Grenfell Campus, Memorial University of Newfoundland and Labrador. She began her career in the nuclear experiment and theory at the Nuclear Research Center in Latvia in 1994, moved to Canada in 1998 to expand her expertise into particle physics, and earned a PhD in Theoretical Subatomic Physics from the University of Manitoba in 2004.

As an internationally recognized researcher supported by NSERC Discovery Grant and CFI Innovation Fund, Dr. Barkanova is focusing on the Standard Model and physics beyond it, including Dark Matter.

Throughout her career, Dr. Barkanova has been committed to improving diversity, equity, and inclusion in research and education, and developed both extensive multicultural experience and a wide coast-to-coast-to-coast professional network. She has served on the boards such as WISE NL and Science Atlantic, has held significant leadership roles within the Canadian Association of Physicists (CAP) including chairing the Division of Theoretical Physics and the Division for Gender Equity in Physics, organized multiple national and international conferences, and contributed her expertise to a range of grant and prize selection committees. In 2023, she was appointed NSERC Chair for Inclusion in Science and Engineering (Atlantic), leading efforts to support women, Indigenous Peoples, neurodivergent individuals, persons with disabilities, racialized groups, and LGBTQ2+ communities in STEM.

Dr. Barkanova is an award-winning teacher and dynamic public speaker, passionate about science outreach and enjoys sharing her love for physics with audiences at all levels, from K-12 to the general public.

Cheri Butt

Individual Member

Cheri Butt

Individual Member

CCWESTT Member at Large

Teresa Kisilevich

University of the Fraser Valley

Teresa Kisilevich

University of the Fraser Valley

Member at Large

Jennifer Adriano

Engineers Geoscientists Manitoba

Jennifer Adriano

Engineers Geoscientists Manitoba

CCWESTT Member at Large

Jennifer Adriano, B.Sc. in Computer Engineering from the University of Manitoba, is a Data Science and Applications Development Lead at New Flyer. Previously served as Vice-Chair of FMC but continues to actively support initiatives for women in engineering by volunteering as part of the advisory committee for the women in engineering and geoscientists mentorship program of Engineers Geoscientists Manitoba.

Jennifer’s journey into engineering began in the Philippines at the age of 16. However, due to financial challenges, she had to pause her studies and was only able to continue pursuing her passion after immigrating to Canada. At 29, she returned to university, overcoming significant obstacles, including language barriers and meeting math requirements, to continue her journey.

Balancing part-time work and studies, Jennifer remained committed to her goal, understanding the long-term benefits of earning her degree. Now, she advocates for diversity and inclusion in STEM fields, demonstrating that pursuing one’s dreams is always worthwhile.

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Stephanie Allen

WEST of Windsor

Stephanie Allen

WEST of Windsor

Member at Large Stephanie Allen is the Program Manager of Skilled Trades at Women’s Enterprise Skills Training of Windsor (WEST), with over 15 years of experience in program management, employment counselling, and workforce development. She specializes in designing and overseeing initiatives that support women in accessing sustainable employment in construction and manufacturing trades. Stephanie currently oversees five skilled trades programs, ensuring strategic alignment with labour market needs, inclusive program delivery, and strong employment outcomes. She also contributes to grant writing and funding proposals that support program sustainability and expand equitable access to training and employment opportunities for underrepresented groups. Since joining WEST in 2014, she has developed and maintained strong partnerships with employers, unions, community organizations, and training institutions. Through this collaborative work, she has supported the reduction of systemic barriers and strengthened pathways into the skilled trades sector. Stephanie holds a Bachelor’s degree in Sociology and Education and is committed to advancing equity, workforce inclusion, and long-term labour market participation for women in skilled trades.

Laura Paul

Engineers Canada

Laura Paul

Engineers Canada

Member at Large

Laura Paul, P.Eng., MBA, PMP is a civil engineer and national engineering leader currently focused on advancing equity, culture, and workforce sustainability across Canada’s engineering profession. As Equity and Engagement Lead at Engineers Canada, she contributes to initiatives supporting the 30 by 30 goal and engages employers through benchmarking and communities of practice to drive meaningful, measurable change.

Laura brings over 15 years of experience across the engineering ecosystem, including roles with contractors, consulting/design firms, and as an owner’s rep (federal government). She has supported projects exceeding $1 billion in value and held senior operational roles, giving her a practical understanding of the priorities and pressures facing engineering organizations today. She began her career working closely day to day with trades and general contractors, an experience that continues to shape her belief that progress in the profession depends on collaboration across all parts of the industry.

She has served on multiple boards and advisory committees, including as President of the Canada Green Building Council Ottawa Chapter, where she increased membership by over 50 percent, and as an advisor to Carleton University’s Civil and Environmental Engineering program.

Laura brings a systems perspective grounded in industry experience and a focus on translating strategy into tangible outcomes. Her approach is data-informed and shaped by lived experience, with a deep understanding of the barriers that continue to affect retention and advancement, particularly for women.

She is motivated to contribute to the profession at a time of great opportunity, where attracting talent must be matched by building environments where people can stay and thrive.

Mary Fuke

Purple Cat Consulting

Mary Fuke

Purple Cat Consulting

Member at Large

Throughout my career, I have worked at the intersection of skilled trades, workforce development, education, and equity, with a consistent focus on removing barriers for women and equity-deserving groups, aligning closely with CCWESTT’s mission and vision. I bring over 20 years of experience within apprenticeship and skilled trades systems in both Ontario and Alberta, collaborating with employers,governments, post-secondary institutions, and community organizations to strengthen access to trades careers.

My professional experience includes working with organizations such as Women Building Futures and Six Nations Polytechnic, where I supported programming and partnerships aimed at creating inclusive pathways into skilled trades training and employment. These experiences directly reflect CCWESTT’s commitment to advocacy, awareness, mentorship, and systems-level change to support women in trades and technology.

In my current leadership role as Manager Government Grants and Development at the CWB Group, I work nationally to advance workforce initiatives that improve equity, participation, retention, and employer engagement across the skilled trades. I am also the owner of Purple Cat Consulting, where I support workforce and organizational strategy with a strong equity and inclusion lens. In addition, I currently serve on the Board of Directors for Skills Canada – Ontario, contributing through the Governance and Membership Committees to strategic planning, organizational sustainability, business development, and alignment with government funding priorities. My term expires at the end of 2026.

I bring a combination of strategic thinking, governance experience, collaborative leadership, and sector expertise that enables me to be an effective and engaged board member. I understand the role of a board in providing oversight, strategic direction, and fiduciary responsibility, while constructively supporting staff and volunteers. My governance experience has strengthened my ability to contribute thoughtfully to discussions on policy, risk management, long-term sustainability, and organizational effectiveness. I am well prepared, values-driven, and comfortable asking constructive questions to support informed decision-making.

I hold a Doctor of Education in Educational Leadership from Western University and a Master of Public Administration from Queen’s University. This academic background strengthens my ability to apply evidence-informed decision-making, systems thinking, and public sector governance principles to workforce development and non-profit leadership.

Abbie Hodder

Equiforce

Abbie Hodder

Equiforce

Member at Large

Abbie Hodder is the Chief Executive Officer of Equiforce (formerly the Women in Resource Development Corporation), a Newfoundland and Labrador–based organization advancing equitable workforce development across in-demand industries. Through her leadership, Equiforce partners with employers, industry, and government to increase the participation and retention of women and underrepresented groups in sectors such as energy, construction, and emerging technologies. This work is directly aligned with CCWESTT’s mission to advance gender equity in science, engineering, trades, and technology (SETT). Based in Atlantic Canada, Abbie brings a regional perspective to national workforce development efforts, with a focus on ensuring that equity-driven approaches are both practical and responsive to labour market realities. Prior to joining Equiforce, she spent 12+ years with econext, an membership-based industry association focused on clean growth and innovation, where she worked as COO and Director of International Business, within a board-led environment and supported strategic planning, governance, and multi-stakeholder collaboration.

Abbie currently serves on the Board of Directors for Stella’s Circle and the St. John’s Status of Women Council, where she has contributed through Governance and Human Resources committees, with a focus on policy, structure, and organizational effectiveness. She is known as a systems-oriented leader who brings clarity, strong governance practices, and a focus on accountability and measurable impact to her board work. She is particularly interested in contributing to CCWESTT at this stage of its evolution, as the organization strengthens its role as a national systems-change leader. Abbie brings experience in funding diversification, employer engagement, and program innovation, and would contribute a practical, solutions-oriented perspective to advancing CCWESTT’s strategy.

Nahomie Jean Baptiste Millien

NMConseil

Nahomie Jean Baptiste Millien

NMConseil

Member at Large

Nahomie Jn Baptiste Millien is a social impact strategist, gender equality expert, and a researcher on Work and Employment Studies at Université Laval. With over 17 years of international experience, she has led initiatives advancing women’s empowerment, social inclusion, and organizational change across Haiti and Canada. Founder of Centre Kaizen and Principal Consultant at NMConseil, she works at the intersection of career integration, systems change, and impact measurement. As a CCWESTT Board Member, she brings expertise in equity, diversity and inclusion, research, governance, and advocacy for immigrant women and underrepresented groups in SETT.

Caitlin Hartigan

Okanagan College

Caitlin Hartigan

Okanagan College

Member at Large

Caitlin Hartigan is a senior post‐secondary leader with extensive experience advancing skilled trades education, workforce development, and equitable access to careers in science, engineering, trades, and technology (SETT).

She currently serves as Dean, Trades & Apprenticeship at Okanagan College in Kelowna, BC, and has previously held senior leadership roles as Dean of Trades and Heavy Industrial at Keyano College in Fort McMurray and The Dean of Skilled Trades at Northwestern Polytechnic in Grande Prairie.

Throughout her career, Caitlin has worked at the intersection of education, industry, and government to strengthen training systems and remove barriers to participation in skilled trades—particularly for women and other underrepresented groups. She has over nine years of experience supporting and hosting regional and provincial Skills competitions, and previously served as a Director on the Board of Skills Alberta–Canada and is currently a Director on the Board of Skills Canada - BC, contributing to the promotion of excellence, visibility, and youth engagement in the skilled trades. Caitlin also served as a Director on the Provincial Alberta Board of Skilled Trades (ABST) with the Government of Alberta, where she participated in system‐level governance and policy oversight impacting apprenticeship and trades training across the province.

Caitlin holds a Master of Business Administration (MBA), a Master of Science in International Business (MScIB), and a Bachelor of Commerce (B.Comm). Her academic background, combined with executive leadership experience, enables her to contribute informed, strategic, and fiscally responsible perspectives to board governance.

Nan Armour

CCWESTT Individual Member

Nan Armour

CCWESTT Individual Member

Ex Officio

From early interests in natural history and science education, Nan Armour transitioned in her professional life to the support and promotion of women in occupations where they have been traditionally underrepresented. Chief among her platforms for initiating and sustaining change was her role as Executive Director of the Hypatia Association, a not-for-profit women's organization based in Nova Scotia.

She was also Co-Founder of Women Unlimited, a non-profit organization that partnered with industry, government, education institutions and communities in Nova Scotia to promote women in trades and technology.

Now retired, Nan continues to be involved in issues related to women in SETT. She is a member of the Board and a Past-President of CCWESTT.

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