YWCA Impact Series RSVP
Join us for a compelling panel discussion featuring leading women and former participants of YWCA’s trades exploration program who have successfully navigated careers in the skilled trades. Hear their stories and insights as we highlight the trades as a dynamic, rewarding path and explore what it takes to build a more inclusive and supportive industry.
We will also be celebrating the launch of YWCA Higher Ground, an employment program for women interested in pursuing careers in the skilled trades. Following the panel discussion, we’ll share a special funding announcement to acknowledge the generous support of the Dennis and Phyllis Washington Foundation.
EVENT DETAILS
Higher Ground: Elevating Women in the Trades
When: Friday, September 12, 2025 | 11:30am – 1:30pm
Where: YWCA Program Centre, 535 Hornby Street – 4th Floor
A light lunch will be provided. Program starts at 12:00pm.
Space is limited. You are welcome to bring a guest, but registration is required. Please RSVP by September 5th by filling out the form below.
Kathleen Scott
Kathleen is a Red Seal Electrician with a Field Safety Representative (FSR) Class B certification and a Diploma in Trades Training. She now works as an Apprenticeship Advisor for SkilledTradesBC — a role she describes as the best thing she’s done in her life. Kathleen is also a Leader in Trades with the BC Centre for Women in the Trades (BCWITT). She has volunteered extensively, mentoring and teaching youth, women and underrepresented groups through both single-day and weeklong "try-a-trade" camps.
Lisa Scott
Lisa is a Red Seal Electrician with over 20 years of experience in the skilled trades. In 2024, she transitioned into a new role with the Construction Foundation of BC as a Catalyst for Apprenticeship Promotion and Progression. In this role, Lisa travels across the province delivering trades workshops and career exploration activities in K–12 classrooms and First Nation communities. She also facilitates weeklong Trade Discovery Camps for girls and Indigenous youth.
Lisa is a strong advocate for equity in the trades and hosts “Women in Trades” meetups in the communities she visits. She holds several leadership roles, including Vice President of the BC Trades Equity Society, board member for the College of New Caledonia, and past Vice Chair of CUPE BC’s Skilled Trades Committee. Lisa is also active in her local community, serving as President of the Quesnel Lacrosse Association and Vice Chair for the Great White North Lacrosse Zone 8 Commission.
Lauren Pedersen
Lauren is a Red Seal-certified Floor Covering Installer with hands-on experience in both residential and commercial projects. She proudly got her start through the YWCA’s Level Up trades exploration program for women. As a woman in the skilled trades, Lauren is passionate about breaking barriers and inspiring others by showing what’s possible with the right training and support.
Diem Nguyen
After 25 years in healthcare, Diem made the exciting decision to pursue a new career in construction as a Heavy Equipment Operator. Fascinated by large-scale machinery, she has embraced this new path, combining her strong work ethic, attention to detail and commitment to safety with the thrill of operating powerful equipment. She graduated from the YWCA Level Up program in 2021.
Diem believes it’s never too late to upgrade your skills and “Level Up.”