|

Moving the Needle Forward on International Women’s Day

CEW-28-EFC-WomensDay-400.jpg

March 2, 2022

By Daniela De Marco, Marketing Manager, Electro-Federation Canada (EFC)

On March 8, 2022, individuals, organizations, industries, and supportive communities worldwide will celebrate achievements, raise awareness, and pledge to take further action to tackle the systemic barriers that can often hold women back. This year’s International Women’s Day theme centres on breaking gender-conscious and unconscious-bias.

The Electrical and Automation industries are set to take part in this global movement. Our innovative markets thrive on new technologies, superior services, and a talented workforce – and we lean on and learn from one another to empower and support a strong network of diverse people. 

In 2019, the industry banded together when EFC launched its Women’s Network with partners from BCEA’s Women’s Network and AEA’s Women’s Network to offer members from coast-to-coast access to professional development and personal empowerment to support women in the industry. Since then, Affiliated Distributors Canada has joined this important cause as the need expands across industry sectors. 

In honour of International Women’s Day, EFC will host a celebratory virtual event on March 8th that includes a national panel discussion. The panel will acknowledge the need to mobilize the #BreakTheBias movement and discuss solutions to create a level-playing field to support gender equality across our industry. Moving the needle forward takes a collective effort of community initiatives and individual practices. We are proud that industry peers are ready and willing to make a difference for diversity, equity, and inclusion.  

On International Women’s Day, we will hear from both women and men who are making a difference for gender parity in the electrical and automation industries.

The panelists include:

  • Catherine McKeown, Chief People Officer, Hammond Power Solutions
  • Krystyna LeBlanc, CIO & Director of eCommerce & Marketing, Eddy Group
  • Salma Siddiqui, Director of Sales, Ascot Capital Group (Stanpro)
  • Vanessa Ricard, Business Development Lead, Agence Ricard
  • Rob Dewar, President, AD Canada

All are welcome to join this celebration and critical discussion. Visit EFC’s event page for more details; click here. (https://www.electrofed.com/events/efc-celebrates-international-womens-day/)

To learn more about EFC’s Women’s Network, click here (https://www.electrofed.com/womens-network/).

“Imagine a gender-equal world. A world free of bias, stereotypes, and discrimination. A world that’s diverse, equitable, and inclusive. A world where difference is valued and celebrated. Together we can forge women’s equality. Collectively we can all #BreakTheBias.

Related Articles


Changing Scene

  • Bartle & Gibson and Eaton Announce New Partnership

    Bartle & Gibson and Eaton Announce New Partnership

    Bartle & Gibson Co. Ltd. and Eaton Industries (Canada) Company have recently announced a new regional partnership that expands access to Eaton’s electrical solutions across Western Canada. This agreement enables customers throughout the Western provinces to procure a broad range of Eaton products, including Electrical Power Distribution and Control Solutions, Bussmann series, B-Line series, Crouse-Hinds, and… Read More…

  • Mike Smith Honoured with the 2026 EFC Award of Excellence

    Mike Smith Honoured with the 2026 EFC Award of Excellence

    On March 25, 2026, Electro-Federation Canada (EFC) proudly presented the Award of Excellence to Mike Smith, formerly of Rockwell Automation, in recognition of his exceptional contributions to the electrical industry. The EFC Award of Excellence is a peer-recognized distinction that honours individuals who have demonstrated outstanding leadership and impact in the areas of codes and… Read More…


Peers & Profiles