Meet Muskoka’s Women in Construction. These women have been nominated for Muskoka’s Woman in Construction Award to be decided in February and awarded on March 8, 2025 at the YWCA Muskoka Women of Distinction Awards.
There’s still to nominate someone great: just answer the questions on this easy NOMINATION FORM (don’t forget her job title or position) and please send a photo of the nominee on the job (or just a regular photo) to norah@muskokalakeschamber.ca
NOMINEES TO JANUARY 3, 2025
Check back often as our list of nominees grows…Scroll down to read full descriptions of the work our nominees do. More descriptions coming daily! DO WE HAVE YOUR NOMINEE HERE? If we’re missing someone, we want to know. If you can’t access the nomination form, please email norah@muskokalakechamber.ca
| Patti Blundell |
| Melissa Boken |
| Billie Marie Hewitt |
| Jake Goselin |
| Megan-Roberts |
| Jasmine McMahon |
| Victoria Saunders |
| Nat Bennie |
| Tanya Kabanenko |
| Simone Marsden |
| Alisha Cattelana |
| Jamie Bosworth. |
| Lisa Goyea |
| Meredith Boddington |
| Jacqui Kramer |
| Crystal Nguyen |
| Alex Hymers |
| Mack Brown (nomination in process) |
| Sandra Tracey |
| Desiree Tamminga |
LISA GOYEA, CONCRETE WET CASTER/ASSISTANT MANAGER, BROOKLIN CONCRETE
At Brooklin Concrete very few people see the items produced every day as they most often are buried essentials such as Septics tanks, Hydro vaults, and pole light boxes, etc. They are the items that allow homes of any size or quality to function.
As the only woman in a team of men in our plant, Lisa has earned their respect and keeps them on track. Lisa has worked her way up from Wet Caster to Quality and Receiver to Assistant Manager – all while keeping a smile most days. It is a dirty, sometimes hot, sometimes very cold job that requires a keen eye, strength and understanding of why items must be produced to the best quality. She is always here, always available to everyone and when she is not in the plant working right along with the rest of the team, She is out in the yard doing quality checks, etc. It is hard to put into words the work done at Brooklin as wet casting is not something done everywhere in our area. Steel molds, mesh forming, rebar etc. And then those of us in this wet cast world have our items buried without the ability to show the world our work. I know the job; I have done the job; and she does it well and deserves to be recognized for all she does. Muskoka may not be able to see the product afterwards, but Muskoka can acknowledge one of the great ladies making a difference to every Septic & Electrical contractor in our area and beyond.
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MEGAN ROBERTS, METAL FABRICATOR/ROOFER, MUSKOKA ROOFING COMPANY
In the words of her nominator Ken Dickson: 
Megan has been an employee at Muskoka Roofing Company for three years. In a predominantly male industry, Megan has thrived in her position with us.
Starting out as a standing seam labourer on job sites, Megan has caught on very quickly and persevered through Muskoka’s harsh outdoor elements to continue her education on metal work with a hands on approach.
Megan now runs the custom metal shop, Made In Metal (on Ecclestone Drive, Bracebridge) making metal flashings for roofing, windows, doors and more. Her continued growth and effort deserve to be recognized!
Megan is an inspiration to women who want to step into a man’s world and learn the roofing trade.
MACK BROWN, HEAVY EQUIPMENT OPERATOR, DISTRICT OF MUSKOKA
Mack Brown Crushing it for the District of Muskoka
MACK BROWN Description TO COME
SANDRA TRACEY, QUARRY OPERATIONS MANAGER, BRENT QUARRIES
Sandra Tracey, Quarry Operations Manager
In the words of her nominator, Tom Young:
VICTORIA SAUNDERS, HEAVY EQUIPMENT OPERATOR, WES FINCH & SONS
In the words of her nominator: Victoria shows on time and pays attention. She follows directions and takes criticism well. Keeps her vehicle clean, is pleasant to work with and looks professional. In terms of skills, she has grown a lot and she offers to help whenever she sees a need. She is a team player and is very engaging. She is very polite to customers, # 1. In terms of leadership, she set a great example for other staff in the company.
CRYSTAL NGUYEN, CABINET MAKER, SELF EMPLOYED at Above Board Cabinet Co.
Crystal Nguyen, Cabinet Maker
JASMINE MCMAHON, PAINTER/ROOFER, MUSKOKAWISE PAINTING & ROOFING
Jasmine started to build her business MuskokaWise Painting & Roofing Co. 2 years ago. She has been an inspiration to me and many other women in our circle and the community moreso than she is even aware of. She provides amazing service to her clients and keeps building relationships with them long after her work is done. She takes care of her employees, her friends, her family, and everyone in her life. I know she deserves this opportunity, seeing how far she has come and all the hard work she has, and is, putting into achieving her goals and dreams.
I’m excited to see her have the chance to accept this award so she can have a little reminder of the gratitude we all feel for the energy she puts into those in her life and her business.
DESIREE TAMMINGA, Carpenter’s Apprentice, Tekton Custom Carpentry & Woodworking
Desiree is a trailblazing First Nations woman in carpentry, a field historically dominated by men. With determination, passion, and a strong work ethic, she has proven that success in this trade knows no gender or background. A fast learner, Desiree has quickly mastered the technical skills needed to excel, from using new tools to understanding complex blueprints. Her ability to easily grasp new concepts and techniques sets her apart from many peers.
What truly distinguishes Desiree is her fearless approach to challenges. She embraces difficult projects and unfamiliar tasks with confidence, eager to learn and grow. This courage not only drives her own success but also inspires those around her to push their boundaries and take on seemingly intimidating tasks. Her resilience and adaptability have made her an invaluable team member, enabling the crew to tackle complex jobs with confidence.
Beyond her technical expertise, Desiree brings a contagious energy to the workplace. Her passion for carpentry is evident in everything she does, and she approaches each project with enthusiasm and dedication. As both a skilled tradeswoman and a source of positive energy, Desiree helps foster a team environment that feels more like a family. Whether sharing a joke, offering encouragement, or lending a hand, her uplifting spirit has a profound impact on team morale and cohesion.
As a proud First Nations woman, Desiree is breaking barriers in a male-dominated field while honouring her heritage. Her cultural identity shapes her work ethic and values, including resilience, respect, and the importance of community. As a respected member of her team, Desiree proves daily that women—especially those from underrepresented backgrounds—can excel in traditionally male-dominated fields. Her trailblazing attitude, skill, passion, and leadership set a powerful example for others, showing that there are no limits to what women can achieve in carpentry and beyond.
ALEX HYMERS, PAINTER, A&J PAINTING
Alex Hymers, Painter
Alex Hymers is a fantastic human being and skilled painter, decorator, handywoman and communicator. She and her husband, for many years have run a successful and respected painting and contracting business, and have employed many skilled and wonderful young staff from Muskoka. Alex is friendly and compassionate, and is a stickler for detail and getting the job done right and efficiently. She and her business partner Jeremy leave the worksite clean and tidy at the end of every work day and consistently arrive as planned. Alex effectively communicates next steps in the painting and contracting plan so that clients know what expect each day, including expected timelines for each step. Alex is creative and insightful, but also practical in her painting and contracting advice and achieves just the right balance for her clients, who vary widely in socioeconomic status and needs. She is a true gem and bright light. I have referred many friends and family members to Alex over the past 10 years and all say similar things. In addition to her busy, active job, Alex is active in helping elders with appointments and generously and compassionately spends her free time helping elderly friends with caregiving duties and respite care. For many years, Alex has also organized a sizeable Shoebox gathering every December, to prepare boxed gifts for women in need, including donation of needed supplies.
JAKE GOSELIN, PROPERTY MANAGER, SKILLED TRADESWOMAN
Jake, the Owner-Operator of Bespoke Property Management, received two nominations and this is what her nominators had to say:
Jake Goselin has carved her path in the male-dominated world of trades. She walks with a robust foundation in extensive training and years of hands-on experience. Jake’s approachable, friendly demeanor layered with her professional operations 
sets her in a league of her own. Catering to luxury clients, she stands out by her attention to the minutest details of their property needs. Being among only a few women in trades, Jake isn’t just on par with her industry counterparts but a step above. She has carefully nurtured an extensive network of skilled tradespeople, all of whom are eager to work alongside her. A testament to her competence, professionalism, and leadership.
Resting on her current skills isn’t in Jake’s nature; she is always willing to go the extra mile to learn, grow, and break new boundaries within the contractor world. Her hard-working, committed approach has not only fostered respect among her peers and clients but made her a profound role model for her 2 young boys who look up to her.
Therefore, I am thrilled to nominate Jake Goselin for the ‘Women in Trades’ – a woman committed to excellence and constant growth, who leads by example and embodies the spirit of this honour.
Now, in the words of Sara McRae, who also nominated Jake:
Jake owns and operates Bespoke Property Management and is responsible for over $250M of property in Muskoka. She strives to assist property owners so they may freely enjoy their summer getaways without having to worry about the overwhelming tasks that are involved with owning prestige properties. Property Management requires someone to have basic knowledge in every avenue of the construction industry: carpentry, HVAC, landscaping, pool and spa management, plumbing etc. When she’s not overseeing things like spas being craned over cottages, driveways being paved or generators being installed, Jake is sweating through lawn care in the peak of summer, blowing mountains of leaves off properties in the fall or installing bubblers in the winter.
Jake also spends large portions of her days in meetings with sub-trades and is required to relay that information, in lay-woman’s terms, back to clients after the meeting to ensure everyone is on the same page and the various projects are moving forward. With having a decades’ worth of experience in the industry, Jake is able to proactively mitigate major problems before they arise. Working in a male dominant industry comes with its own set of challenges and Jake has been through enough to warrant a change in pace, for most. Yet she’s embraced the challenges set before her with grace; not once wavering from her commitment to her partnerships with sub-trades. Jake continues to persevere daily – always finding solutions, creating goals, making plans to learn, grow and lead a team of women in effort to grow individually and collectively with her team. She not only has a keen eye for details for the properties BPM looks after, but she also fosters and models professionalism in her relationships with all stakeholders. For lack of a better term, she’s a ’Jill-Of-All Trades’ who strongly advocates for women to enter the construction industry through Property Management by employing only women through her female-run company. She is well respected within the industry she works. Jake deserves the opportunity to be considered for this award!
MEREDITH BODDINGTON, HEAVY EQUIPMENT OPERATOR
In the words of her nominator, Mike Bechtel of Fowler Construction: As a woman in construction Meredith has had to prove herself ever step of the way. Working in construction for 15 years she still has the daily struggles to over come as a woman in construction, still having to prove herself on a daily basis. We need more women in construction and people like Meredith are leading the way and showing us the yes in fact females do belong in the work force and play a role in construction.
JAMIE BOSWORTH, CONSTRUCTION LOADER-OPERATOR
In the words of her nominator:: Jamie is an exemplary employee who is dependable, trustworthy and always up to the task. Jamie works at Hutcheson Sand and Mixes.
MELISSA BOKEN, OWNER, KAHSHE MECHANICAL
In the words of her nominator: Melissa started a trades business with her husband while building her own home (and more since then too!~), raising two fabulous sons, volunteering in her community and mentoring other trades people as they come up in the world. Melissa has strong moral fiber, conscious leadership and a strong family foundation – she has lead her team to providing excellent service at affordable rates and continues to innovate and grow to the best good of all on her team and in her community around her. Melissa doesn’t complain and gives all of this from a full heart, not ever seeking recognition – but we’d love to see her noticed for her good heart and great work.
Patti Blundell, Manager, GB Plumbing
PATTI BLUNDELL, CO-OWNER, GB PLUMBING
In the words of her nominator: Patti and her husband Grant have grown up in Huntsville and now own/operate GB Plumbing. Her dedication to the community, meaning there is a social aspect to their business is something you normally don’t see. She is an advocate for the local co-op program and consistently supports it.
Along with raising 3 children Patti manages to support her local church and is the driving force behind GB Plumbing. She handles all of the admin, marketing, strategic planning and social media for the company.
BILLIE MARIE HEWITT, ROBINSON HAULAGE
In the words of her nominator: Billie is a hard worker and she is always helpful and works to keep everything good on the roads. She has a great work ethic and ability to get the Job completed. She is always smiling and laughing.
SIMONE MARSDEN, GENERAL MANAGER, BASK INSULATION
In the words of her nominator: Simone deserves this honor and recognition since she is an excellent manager and a great contributor to BASK Insulation.She is devoted and diligent, first and foremost. She is incredibly well-organized and dedicated to continuously learning and creating best practices for effectively and efficiently handling daily tasks. She adds a personal and upbeat touch. She created policies and procedures for running our department throughout the years, which really pleased me when I first started working for the company. As her staff, this provides continuity and enables us to get started right away instead of rushing to get our bearings. My nominee builds and sustains relationships with staff, customers, suppliers, and everyone else with ease. She contributes enthusiastically to meetings and events, which enables her to recognize unspoken requirements and generate ideas for our work.
TANYA KABANENKO, PAINTER, BRENDAN O”BRIEN PAINTING
In the words of her nominator: Tanya is a hard-working lady and new to this country. She gets up early every day to get to work on jobs all over Muskoka. I know that Brendan depends on her to be a great employee which she is. Her painting skill is excellent.
ALISHA CATTELANA, CARPENTER’S APPRENTICE, PATTY MAC
In the words of her nominator: Alisha was a young business woman looking for a refresh and decided to make a complete career change. Her goal to work in the trades was not just ‘a simple pick up a hammer’ and you are a carpenter. She set he sites high and has been achieving them since embarking on her goal. Alisha is the first one on site and always makes certain that all tasks are complete at days end. She is an asset to her team and her dedication along with her reliability makes her a hard to find resource in this industry. Alisha is also not content to be learning on the job but is set to attend her second round of three sessions of courses towards gaining her Apprenticeship in Carpentry.Alisha is quiet and genuine. She is strong and thoughtful woman who is building confidence respect from her peers through her work ethic and high standard for quality work.
I am aware that there are probably many woman in the trades with more experience and longevity, but if what you are searching for the future of woman in construction, then Alisha has set the bar and standards for absolute excellence.
MEET THE JUDGING PANEL
JUDGE 1: JENNIFER GREEN
Millwright. Advocate. Skilled Trades Leader.
Jennifer Green leaves an indelible mark as a pioneer for women in non-traditional careers in skilled trades. Transitioning from a red seal industrial mechanic millwright, her journey is marked with a commitment to advocacy and leadership in the skilled trades community. As the Director of Competitions and Business Development at Skills Ontario, a not-for-profit leader in Ontario promoting skilled trades and technologies to the people of Ontario and beyond, Jennifer assumes the key leadership role in orchestrating Canada’s largest skilled trades event, the Skills Ontario Competition. Jennifer had been presented with the Colleges Ontario Premier’s Award, WXN Canada’s Most Powerful Women Award, Universal Women’s Network Women of Inspiration Award, the YWCA Women of Distinction Award, and the Conestoga College Alumni of Distinction Award.
JUDGE 2: ANGELA COLDWELL
Honour The Work
Angela is the founder of Honour the Work, a resource hub that grew out of the need to address the labour crisis in the construction industry. Its mission is to connect Canadians to meaningful careers in the skilled trades. Honour the Work serves to help break the cycle of false narratives: who pursues the skilled trades, why they do it, and what skills are needed. Together, we seek to inspire a new generation to value craftsmanship and honour the work. Honour the Work is a “one stop shop” to connect Canadians to the many skilled trades resources existed and provides Canadians a single spot to begin learning of the opportunities and careers in the skilled trades. Career choices are often imprinted in elementary aged children so the founders asked, “how can we help showcase trade careers as the intellectually and physically stimulating STEAM jobs they are?” STEAM stands for Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics.
JUDGE 3: RICK HARRIS
Plumber. Business Owner. Coach.
Rick started out as a plumber and he says at first he found it ‘was easy to get clients, it was easy to get jobs and easy to do the work when he was working for another person’s company but when he branched out to run his own business? He discovered quickly it wasn’t easy at all. He says he was completely blind-sided by what it actually took to run a successful, profitable business. He learned the hard way and now, as a Certified Consultant, he helps other businesses in the trades. Today, Rick Helps Contractors Take Their Business From Sheer Craziness To Total Control. Rick is a funding sponsor of the Women in Construction Project and is also on our volunteer organizing committee. We are grateful for his support. To learn more about Rick and how he helps the trades, please visit WorkBootConsulting.com.
JUDGE 4: MELISSA ALEXANDER
Floor Covering Installer. Mentor. Trades Award Winner.
2023 YWCA Toronto Women of Distinction Award winner.
JUDGE 5: BRANDI FERENC
313a Refrigeration Mechanic/Gas Fitter. Georgian College HVAC Instructor. Trades Award Winner.
Brandi Ferenc is a Red Seal 313A Refrigeration Mechanic/Gas Fitter 1 Journeyperson and Founder of the Fair Trades Toolbox, which aims to educate skilled trades employers on how to integrate women into their male-dominated workforce to make it a seamless transition for all parties involved. Brandi teaches HVAC part time at Georgian College and works for Support Ontario Youth as a mentor for women in the skilled trades and apprentices. Founder of the Fair Trades Toolbox. She is also a Women’s Executive Network (WXN) Top 100 Most Powerful Women in Trades.
MYSTERY TIE BREAKER JUDGE – She’s a motivational speaker and RSE Ironworkers who will review nominees in the case of ties or multiple ties to score those nominees separately. We’re keeping her under wraps for now!
