Women in Real Estate & Construction 2025
Yesterday was an incredibly inspiring day. The Toronto Construction Association’s Young Construction Leaders Committee hosted a Women in Real Estate & Construction panel at HOK, and it was completely sold out—an impressive turnout in honour of International Women’s Day.
The atmosphere was warm and welcoming from the moment everyone arrived, almost like catching up with old friends rather than attending a formal event. The morning started with a relaxed networking session, giving people a chance to reconnect and share their experiences before the panel discussion began.
Moderated by Jennifer Hann from HOK, the panel quickly moved into an engaging conversation that felt both personal and thought-provoking. Four remarkable women leaders: Lindsay Stiles from Crestpoint Real Estate Investments Ltd, Mariam Shaker Vaughan from Cushman & Wakefield, Dima El Baba from Turner & Townsend, and Negin Rezvan from Dream shared their journeys and insights about thriving in a traditionally male-dominated industry. They talked about real challenges, like overcoming gender biases, and emphasized how important it is to lift each other up and support one another.
What stood out was the honest dialogue about mentorship, career transitions, and the balance between being confident and kind. The panellists discussed how essential soft skills are, not just technical expertise, and highlighted the role of a supportive network in helping women navigate the ups and downs of the industry. Their personal stories and practical advice made it clear that having those tough, candid conversations can lead to real growth and empowerment.
By the end of the event, everyone left feeling connected, empowered, and excited about the future. It was one of those rare mornings that not only provided valuable professional insights but also felt like a heartfelt conversation among friends. The energy was contagious, and the shared passion for learning and growing together really set the tone for what promises to be a bright future in the industry.
Overall, it was a memorable day filled with genuine interactions, thoughtful discussions, and a strong sense of community. Everyone is already looking forward to the next event, eager to continue the conversation and support one another as they navigate their careers in real estate and construction.
