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As a female COO in the construction industry, I believe in the importance of giving back and creating opportunities for individuals who may face barriers to employment. Since January 2021 I have established partnerships with organizations such as the Stan Daniels Healing Centre and Women Building Futures (WBF).
One of my main priorities has been to create a work environment that supports and uplifts women in the construction industry. I understand the challenges that women can face in male-dominated industries, and I am committed to breaking down those barriers and promoting gender diversity in the workplace.My involvement with WBF has been an incredibly rewarding experience, and I am proud to be a part of an organization that is doing such important work to promote gender equality and diversity in the workforce.
As the inaugural graduate of the WBF s program, I have a personal connection to the organization and its mission. This is why I felt compelled to join their board in 2021, where I serve on the audit committee, providing valuable insights and guidance to the organization. I believe that it is important for me to use my skills and expertise to help guide and support the organization as it continues to grow and expand. As a board member, I have been able to provide valuable insights and advice on matters such as financial management, strategic planning, and governance.
In addition to my board responsibilities, I regularly speak to cohorts of WBF students, sharing my experiences and providing guidance, support, and inspiration as they embark on their own career paths. I believe it is important for program participants to see my success and know that it is possible to overcome barriers and succeed in a male-dominated industry. I am willing to hire any graduate from this program, with no hesitation and as of 2021 I have hired our first female employee whom I am mentoring into a leadership role within my organization.
I have also made it a priority to provide opportunities for individuals who may face barriers to employment. This includes partnering with the Stan Daniels Healing Centre, a 72-bed Community Residential and Section 81 Healing Lodge that houses conditionally released and federally sentenced Indigenous inmates. I have worked with the centre to promote career opportunities in the trades and throughout the COVID pandemic have held career fairs at Indigenous organizations and posted job opportunities on Indigenous-specific career websites. These efforts have helped to promote the importance of Indigenous representation in the construction industry and have provided opportunities for those who may have otherwise faced barriers to employment. By offering second chances and opportunities for growth, I have seen firsthand the transformative impact that a job in the construction industry can have on someone's life.
In 2021 and 2022 I have been a major donor and active fundraiser organizer for the Moose Hide and MMIW Campaign, two Indigenous charities that raise funds for victims and survivors of abuse. In 2021, I helped raised enough funds for a memorial totem pole to be erected, along the highway of tears, where many Indigenous people go missing. Lastly, since 2021 to present, I became a volunteer at the Dreamcatcher Association, an organization that uses horse therapy in the rehabilitation of abused, Indigenous children, where I help out every week on Sundays.
Through my work and my company, I hope to not only make a positive impact in the construction industry but also in the broader community.
Nomination Title: Karma Hunter COO
