Trailblazer Award: Celebrating Women in Construction

Awarded: October 7, 2025 | Submission Deadline: August 13, 2025

This award honours a woman in the construction industry who demonstrates outstanding leadership, drives innovation and inclusion, and actively shapes a more equitable future for all. The recipient is a role model whose influence extends beyond her organization and into the broader industry and community.

The Trailblazer Award recognizes not only career success, but also a deep and lasting impact on others—through mentorship, advocacy, education, and service. The award recipient exemplifies resilience, vision, and commitment to building a better and more inclusive construction sector.

Eligibility Criteria

  • The nominee must identify as a woman.
  • The nominee must be or has been employed by a CANS member company in good standing.
  • The nominee must reside in or conduct work in Nova Scotia.
  • Nominees may be involved in any sector of the construction industry.
  • Self-nominations and third-party nominations are welcome.

Submission Requirements

All nominations must include a written submission of no more than 1,200 words that clearly address the following five criteria. Supporting materials are welcome and encouraged.

1. Personal Biography and Pathway into Construction (maximum 20 points)

Describe the nominee’s professional background and how they came to work in the construction industry. Include role(s), major milestones, career highlights, and any barriers they have overcome.

2. Industry Leadership and Workplace Impact (maximum 20 points)

Detail the ways the nominee has demonstrated leadership within their organization and/or the broader construction sector. Examples may include:

  • Supervisory or executive roles
  • Leading teams or projects
  • Implementing policies or practices to improve workplace culture, safety, or inclusion
  • Mentorship or sponsorship of other women in their workplace

3. Empowering Women in Industry (maximum 25 points)

Provide examples of initiatives, formal or informal, that the nominee has led or participated in to support and advance other women already working in construction. This could include:

  • Internal mentorship or peer support programs
  • Advocating for equitable policies (e.g. maternity leave, pay equity)
  • Hosting or facilitating women-in-trades networks, workshops, or panels

4. Inspiring the Next Generation (maximum 20 points)

Highlight the work done to attract and inspire women and girls—especially youth and underrepresented groups—to consider careers in construction. Examples might include:

  • Participating in school or career outreach events
  • Partnering with youth-serving organizations
  • Developing materials or campaigns targeting young women
  • Sharing the nominee’s personal story publicly through media, conferences, or social media

5. Advocacy and Thought Leadership (maximum 15 points)

Describe how the nominee has served as an advocate for women in the industry. This may include:

  • Participation in policy discussions or advocacy campaigns
  • Public speaking engagements or published writing
  • Serving on boards, advisory councils, or committees that influence workforce development or diversity

Supporting Materials

Nominees are strongly encouraged to include up to three supporting documents, such as:

  • Letters of support from colleagues, supervisors, mentees, or partners
  • Photos or social media content of activities
  • Program brochures, news articles, or media features
  • Communications highlighting impact

All supporting materials should be clearly labelled and referenced in the written submission. Appendices should be included at the end of the nomination package.

 How to Submit

  • Submit your nomination by August 13, 2025, at 4:00 p.m. (Atlantic Time).
  • Email nominations to: kderksen@cans.ns.ca
  • Use the subject line: Trailblazer Award Nomination – [Nominee Name]
  • Include primary contact information.
  • Include 3-4 high-resolution photos that complement the submission and/or nominee.
  • Submissions must be in PDF or Word format.
  • Late or incomplete submissions will not be considered.

 Selection Process

A committee of industry and community leaders will review all nominations. Each submission will be scored out of 100 points based on the criteria outlined above. The award recipient will be selected based on total score, clarity and quality of submission, and demonstration of impact in industry.

The winner will be notified of the outcome in September 2025. The award will be presented at CANS 163rd Annual General Meeting on October 7.