Celebrating Women in Construction: Breaking Barriers and Building Progress
TORONTO, Ontario, July 3rd, 2023
We are living in a time of transformative change, where barriers are being broken and progress is being made by those who are passionate about making a difference. In the realm of architecture, engineering and construction (AEC), an industry that has traditionally been male dominated, we are witnessing an inspiring shift towards greater gender diversity. Women are stepping into leadership roles, challenging stereotypes, and advocating for change. This article highlights some recent developments and exceptional individuals that demonstrate the increasing presence and influence of women in the AEC industry.
This past month, the Ontario government reported a surge in apprenticeship registrations, with a remarkable 24% rise in the past year alone. This surge includes a significant 28% increase among women. These numbers reflect the growing recognition of the construction industry as a viable and rewarding career option for women. As barriers are dismantled and opportunities expand, more women are embracing apprenticeships and paving the way for future generations. This rise in female registrations signify the potential for a more diverse and inclusive construction workforce, empowering female perspectives and enriching the industry as a whole.
Among the remarkable women making significant strides in the AEC industry, Claudia Cozzitorto stands out as a trailblazer in the Building Information Modeling (BIM) community. With over fifteen years of experience as an architect practicing in Ontario and British Columbia, Cozzitorto has honed her expertise and dedicated herself to digitally transforming the industry through the power of collaborative workflows and technological advancements. She is also an active mentor within the Ontario Association of Architects (OAA), where she generously imparts her knowledge and experiences to aspiring architects, nurturing the growth of future female leaders within the industry.
Driven by her passion for BIM, Cozzitorto has become a prominent leader and advocate for its adoption and implementation in Canada. She founded the Toronto BIM Community (tBIMc) and serves as the Executive Director of buildingSMART Canada, a highly influential organization that facilitates the exchange of knowledge, best practices, and collaborative efforts among industry professionals. In her current role as the COO and Project Director at AECO Innovation Lab, Cozzitorto continues to push boundaries with her innovative work. Through her accomplishments, she not only underscores the immense value of BIM but also serves as an inspiration for countless women seeking to pursue careers in this rapidly expanding domain.
Another woman breaking barriers and pushing for progress is Ashley Borzellino, the recently crowned Miss Canada, who intends to use her platform to promote female recruitment into the AEC industry. As a municipal development inspector, she possesses firsthand experience in the field and recognizes the importance of embracing diversity and empowering women. By leveraging her public platform, Borzellino’s passion and dedication will undoubtedly inspire young women to explore careers in these traditionally male-dominated areas.
By creating more opportunities, fostering supportive environments, and celebrating the achievements of women like Claudia Cozzitorto and Ashley Borzellino, together we can build a future where gender equality is the norm, not the exception, in the AEC industry. While progress has undoubtedly been made, we must continue to work collectively to challenge outdated stereotypes and dismantle systemic barriers. Encouraging young women to pursue careers in STEM fields, providing mentorship and support networks for women entering the construction industry, and fostering inclusive workplaces are just some of the steps we can take to accelerate change.
AECO Innovation Lab is pleased to work with organizations like RESCON, an important advocate for championing women in construction. We celebrate the increase in female apprenticeship registrations, the achievements of leaders like Claudia Cozzitorto, and the inspiring work of Ashley Borzellino. As we move forward, let us continue to build an AEC industry where the contributions of women are recognized, valued, and celebrated. Together, we can create a future where gender equality and diversity flourish, enabling us to build a better world for all.
For more information:
Kristen Tam
Marketing and Communications Manager
AECO Innovation Lab
kristen.tam@aecoinnovationlab.com
