Speakers LEAP 2026
Voices That Move You
LEAP speakers are bold thinkers, respected leaders, and dynamic storytellers. Chosen not just to inspire, but to equip.
From high-energy keynotes to tactical panels and toolbox sessions, each speaker brings insight you can apply immediately. On the job, in leadership conversations, and in your career decisions. Come curious. Leave changed.
HERStories | New This Year
Short. Powerful. Unforgettable. HERstories are fast-paced, inspiring talks delivered by women who have lived the journey. Sharing real lessons, pivotal moments, and practical insights.
No fluff. No theory. Just stories that spark action. ~ “You’ll feel it. You’ll use it.”
Dr. Brynn L. Winegard
Applied Neuroscientist | Award-winning Business Professor | Former Fortune 100 Corporate Manager
Dr. Brynn L. Winegard translates neuroscience into practical tools for enhancing leadership performance and mental fitness. With experience advising elite athletes and executives, she has appeared on networks like CNN and CBC. Her new book, The Working Brain, focuses on building antifragile mental fitness, and she will be the keynote speaker at VRCA’s ‘Women Who Build.’
Sophie Warwick
Co-CEO & Co-Founder of The Thoughtful Co.
Sophie equips both individuals and organizations to achieve measurable results through equitable compensation and leadership. She is an experienced public speaker who designs and delivers evidence-based workshops and keynote sessions on negotiation, career advancement, inclusive leadership, and equity. Sophie has facilitated learning experiences for global universities, professional associations, and leading engineering, technology, and financial organizations. She regularly speaks to audiences ranging from small cohorts to rooms of 500+ professionals. She also coaches women to confidently negotiate salary, equity, benefits, and parental leave, and advises employers on equity policies and objective decision making. With over a decade of industry experience and a Master’s in Structural and Earthquake Engineering from UBC, she brings analytical rigor, facilitation expertise, and practical, insight to every session. Sophie also co-founded Women in Consulting Engineering (WCE) Vancouver, now a national organization with thousands of members.
Ada Nadison
Public Safety Manager at FortisBC
Ada Nadison’s work is rooted in the belief that safety is an act of care. As Public Safety Manager at FortisBC, she helps communities and industry partners understand how to work safely around natural gas and electricity infrastructure, translating technical risks into clear, practical actions. She also serves on the Board of the BC Common Ground Alliance, supporting safe excavation and underground infrastructure protection across the province. With a diverse background in emergency management, public safety communications, and adult education, Ada believes safety is more than preventing harm; it is rooted in dignity, clarity, and connection, creating environments where people understand risk and feel supported in managing it.
Nicole Bryant
Nicole Bryant, CEO at NRCA
Nicole leads initiatives focused on workforce development, leadership development, and advocacy across Northern British Columbia’s construction industry as the CEO of the Northern Region Construction Association (NRCA). Nicole holds a Bachelor of Commerce from University of Northern British Columbia (UNBC) and a Post-Graduate Certificate in Organizational Leadership from Thompson Rivers University. She is completing a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science and Women’s Studies and is also pursuing a Master’s degree in Political Science at UNBC, with a focus on leadership, policy, and equity in organizational and community contexts. This academic grounding informs her approach to leadership development, particularly in industries navigating workforce change, skills shortages, and evolving expectations around culture and inclusion.
Natasha Jeshani
President & CEO at Career Contacts
Natasha Jeshani is a bestselling author and an award winning keynote and panel speaker with 17+ years of experience in recruitment & human resources advisory, and corporate training. She has appeared on the BiV Forth Under 40 list and has been nominated as a Women of Distinction.
Natasha’s companies support organizations to support and retain top talent as fractional HR advisors to small business, enterprise corporations and nonprofits across Canada and the US. Natasha holds a Sociology degree from UBC; an HR Management Certificate, with distinction, from BCIT; and a Chartered Professional in Human Resources (CPHR) and a society for Human Resource Management – Senior Certified Professional (SHRM-SCP).
Chris Atchison
President, British Columbia Construction Association
Chris Atchison is the President of the British Columbia Construction Association (BCCA), where he leads initiatives to modernize the construction industry, enhance workforce development, and drive economic growth for the province. With over 25 years of experience in leadership, employment, and training strategies, he oversees programs such as the Skilled Trades Employment Program (STEP), Integrating Newcomers (IN), and the Builders Code. He actively participates in industry advisory boards, including the Deputy Minister Industry Infrastructure Forum and the Canadian Construction Association’s National Advisory Council, where he helps guide the future of the sector in British Columbia and across Canada
Jorge Gutiérrez
Owner and CEO – 4C Services Inc.
Jorge began his career in construction in 2009, the day after arriving in Canada. Starting on site and learning every stage of the trade, he built his experience hands on before founding 4C Services. After years in the industry, 4C was created to deliver excellent work while also building teams where people can learn, grow and lead.
The workforce of 4C Services hails from over 10 countries and consists of 50% newcomers to Canada and 80% women. 4C Services believes that diversity strengthens the workforce and enhances their ability to innovate and succeed.
4C Services believes that retaining top talent requires more than just competitive compensation – it demands a supportive, growth-oriented workplace where employees feel valued and empowered. The company is committed to creating a legacy of positive change by supporting those in need, empowering emerging talent, and fostering a strong, more inclusive construction industry.
Amit Patel
Vice President and Senior General Manager at Turner Construction COmpany
In 2011, Amit relocated from Turner Construction’s Seattle office to establish the Vancouver Business Unit. Under his leadership, the operation grew from one employee to more than 170 and became one of Vancouver’s construction firms generating over $300 million in revenue. His achievements have been recognized: Business in Vancouver Top 40 Under Forty, the VRCA Under 40 Award of Excellence, and a VRCA Gold Award for Tenant Improvement. Amit helps clients realize their potential while advancing Turner Construction’s strategic vision in Canada. A committed advocate for equity and inclusion, he mentors diverse talent and champions women leaders across the industry.
Jesse Percy
RBT2 Infrastructure Projects Technical and Commercial Lead at Vancouver Fraser Port Authority
Jesse Percy is a senior infrastructure executive with 25+ years of experience delivering complex transportation and civil projects across BC and the Yukon. He has led more than 20 Design-Build and Alternative Project Delivery pursuits and executions, including Progressive Design-Build and Early Contractor Involvement. Jesse currently serves as the Technical and Commercial Lead for RBT2 Infrastructure Projects, supporting the delivery of a nationally significant port expansion project. His background spans field operations through executive leadership, with a focus on strategic delivery, risk management, and advancing modern project delivery models.
James Zelinski
Vice President & Chief Administrative Officer at the Pitt Meadows Group of Companies
James is a dedicated coach, leader, and administrator with over 30 years of experience in managing operations. Currently serving as the Vice President & Chief Administrative Officer at the Pitt Meadows Group of Companies, primarily focused on construction, he is passionate about fostering growth within his team by implementing systems that create career opportunities. Inspired by a leader who supported his own career development, he is committed to helping others achieve their goals. James holds a bachelor’s degree in commerce, a master’s degree in education, and the Chartered Manager designation from the Canadian Institute of Management. Outside of work, he enjoys quality time with his wife, Dianne, sharing good coffee, fine wine, and memorable vacations.
Brittany Manulak
Co-owner and founder of Concept Mechanical Group
Brittany Manulak is co-owner and founder of Concept Mechanical Group (CMG), a Fraser Valley–based mechanical contracting company with more than 20 years in business and a team of 60+ employees. An inspirational leader and creative problem-solver, Brittany strives to translate vision into reality through collaboration and relationship-driven leadership. She is a passionate advocate for women in construction and the skilled trades, working to create opportunities, visibility, and pathways for women in traditionally male-dominated industries.
Drawing from her background in business development, Brittany champions mentorship and knowledge sharing. She serves as Vice-Chair of the Mechanical Contractors Association of BC and sits on several boards supporting community and women’s leadership. In 2022, she was honoured with The Queen’s Platinum Jubilee Medallion.
Stephanie Hun
CCW PRESIDENT AND Vice President, BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT, CANADA FOR FLATIRON DRAGADOS CANADA
Stephanie brings 20 years of experience in business development, client engagement, strategic planning and marketing communications across the engineering and construction industry. Her career spans projects throughout North America, Asia and Australia, with sector experience in power, transportation and marine infrastructure.
In 2025, Stephanie received VRCA’s 2025 Women in Construction Outstanding Achievement Award for her tireless dedication to advancing women in construction. She is also the President of Canadian Construction Women, a member of Women in Roadbuilding & Heavy Civil Construction, a Board Director of British Columbia Construction Roundtable, and Co-Chair of National Women’s Infrastructure Network Awards.
Shelby Cherihue
Director, People & Culture, Kindred Construction Ltd.
Shelby leads the People and Culture team at Kindred Construction. A champion of people strategy, she has been instrumental in developing career advancement programs, optimizing operational processes to enable proactive workforce planning, and building strategic, inclusive recruitment practices aligned with business needs. Shelby works with decision-makers to cultivate a high-performing, people-first culture where individuals feel supported, valued, and empowered. She is committed to creating pathways for underrepresented groups. Shelby serves as Vice President of Canadian Construction Women (CCW).
Kimberly Corlett
Industry Partnership Manager at Procore
Kimberly Corlett is the Industry Partnership Manager at Procore, where she blends her background in architectural technology with a passion for industry innovation. Originally from the Philippines and trained at Sheridan College, Kimberly’s career spans architectural model making, surveying, and operations management. As a former Field Marketing Manager for Canada, she now focuses on strategic partnerships that drive the industry forward. A vocal advocate for inclusivity, Kimberly champions workplace policies that support diverse needs, including LGBTQ+ representation and family planning, ensuring that the human element remains central to construction leadership.
Haylee Morgan
Division Manager at Houle Electric
With over 12 years in the electrical contracting industry, Haylee Morgan has led complex institutional, commercial, and residential projects with a strong focus on quality and execution. She is an active champion of innovation, driving company‑wide adoption of new technologies and building processes that create consistency and enhance project performance. As a Division Manager, Haylee is dedicated to developing future industry leaders, fostering a collaborative culture that empowers teams and strengthens the construction community.
Holynde Smiechowski
Corporate AI Lead at PCL Construction
Holynde Smiechowski is Corporate AI Lead at PCL Construction, recognized for leading through complexity, change, and growth with resilience and clarity. Since joining PCL in 2012, Holynde has turned concepts into built reality—delivering complex projects across health care, commercial, entertainment, and civil infrastructure, underpinned by strong contract management expertise and a deep commitment to advancing technology in the construction industry.
Her career reflects adaptability, perseverance, and a people-first leadership style grounded in trust and accountability. Holynde balances technical rigor with strategic perspective, helping teams navigate uncertainty, adopt new ways of working, and deliver results. Today, she focuses on enabling PCL to evolve responsibly by fostering learning, experimentation, and confidence in the face of change.
Jeannine Martin
VRCA PRESIDENT
As President of the Vancouver Regional Construction Association (VRCA), Jeannine champions the Vancouver construction industry through advocacy, education, and facilitating business connections, elevating over 1000 member companies through proactive and inclusive leadership. With more than 25 years of experience in construction and engineering, she brings industry understanding and expertise that elevates her ability to uplift issues important to the construction industry.
Jeannine’s success in the male-dominated fields of construction and engineering inspires resilience and leadership among women, fostering growth and diversity within the industry.
Sam Brezden
Founder & Lead Strategist, Swain Solutions
With over a decade of experience in custom home building and design, Sam transitioned into commercial development, specializing in Indigenous Relations and Public Relations. As the head of a PR consultancy, she works closely with Indigenous communities and construction firms to build meaningful partnerships and promote economic opportunities.
Sonia Hartwell
President at Berto Contractors Ltd.
Sonia Hartwell, President of Berto Contractors Ltd., a leader in civil design and construction across British Columbia. With over 15 years of experience delivering complex infrastructure projects in Telecom, Hydro, Streetlighting and supporting large capital projects, she is recognized for driving innovation, operational excellence and community connectivity.
Sonia is an active contributor to industry associations including the BC Common Ground Alliance focusing on underground safety and damage prevention. She is passionate about championing infrastructure that strengthens the fabric of BC’s communities—ensuring they remain resilient, connected and ready for the future.
Melissa Holland
Senior VP of Capital Infrastructure Project Delivery at BC Hydro
Melissa Holland is BC Hydro’s Senior Vice-President of Capital Infrastructure Project Delivery. This portfolio is comprised of Indigenous Relations, Environment, Properties and Project Delivery and is responsible for delivering $23B in capital investment projects including properties, dam safety, generation and transmission stations, lines, telecom and interconnection projects. Melissa has more than 23 years of experience in the energy and utilities sector including strategy, regulatory, environmental assessment, aboriginal consultation, project and program management, large capital project development and contractor claims defence. She believes how we work and communicate is as important as what we work on. Melissa holds an MBA from the Richard Ivey School of Business at the University of Western Ontario and currently serves as Chair of the Powertech Board of Directors. She lives in Vancouver with her family.
Regina Marklund
Project Director at Turner Construction Company
Regina has been with Turner Construction for over 18 years and holds a Mechanical Engineering degree from Hofstra University. Her expertise spans estimating, project management, business development, and construction management. She played a key role in establishing Turner’s Vancouver office in 2016 and has been actively involved with VRCA ever since. Regina is committed to fostering industry growth and professional development.