March 8 is International Women’s Day—a global celebration that honours the social, economic, cultural and political accomplishments of women and girls, while recognizing ongoing efforts to achieve equality. This year’s theme is Accelerating Action — it’s about taking actionable steps toward a world that is diverse, equitable and inclusive and where we see value in difference and celebrate it within our communities.
In Canada, the theme for this important day is Strength in every story, which highlights the importance of amplifying the voices of all women and creating opportunities to unlock potential and drive innovation.
Considering both of these powerful themes, we asked some of our employees to share their thoughts on what International Women’s Day means to them and reflect on gender equality within our industry.
“This International Women’s Day, I find myself reflecting on how inspired I am by the amazing women I work with at Colliers Project Leaders. As a young female professional, I look up to and feel empowered by the strong, resilient, and inspiring female leaders and mentors around me as I develop my career and navigate my place within the industry.”
– Mayah Esmail, Assistant Project Manager, British Columbia
“The women I have worked with at Colliers Project Leaders, especially my people managers, are my inspiration. They have demonstrated that being a good leader is about more than being “tough and confident”, although they are these things too. The best leaders can be caring, thoughtful and empathetic as well.”
– Julia Kack, Senior Project Manager & Professional Practice Business Partner, Ontario
“The remarkable growth of Manitoba business in my nine years at Colliers Project Leaders is a testament to the impact of strong female leadership at all levels. Since joining, I have seen firsthand how having women in key leadership roles fosters a culture of collaboration, inclusivity and continuous growth. Their investment in my development has been invaluable, shaping both my career and our growing business.”
– Lukas Douglas, Team Lead, Manitoba
“My parents are both engineers and my mom accomplishes anything she sets her mind to. Their guidance fueled a passion in me from an early age and I never questioned my place in engineering. This was supported by strong women leaders early in my career who helped me navigate a very male-dominated field. I’ve seen a lot of positive changes in the industry and am excited to see more young women joining teams and taking on roles that will support their growth.”
– Luna Velez, Senior Project Manager & Team Lead, Alberta
“Like a forest, we are stronger when we grow together. Each tree stands tall on its own, but it is the roots beneath the surface—lifting and supporting other trees —that allow the forest to thrive. For me, International Women’s Day is a reminder of that interconnected strength. One woman’s courage, wisdom or resilience creates space for others to rise. This International Women’s Day, let’s uplift one another, break down barriers and recognize that our differences make us stronger. Because just like in nature, when we stand together, we are unstoppable.”
– Amanda Massender, Project Director & Practice Excellence, Ontario
“Through a recent invitation to an upcoming International Women’s Day event, I was reminded of the very powerful fact that it will take everyone’s participation to further the diversity, equity and inclusion initiatives, not just women. We are interconnected in this on so many levels!”
– Richard Sithole, Senior Project Manager, Ontario
“As I reflect on this year’s International Women’s Day theme, I think about what we can do to support our teams, communities and beyond. To drive progress for gender equality, it’s important to create an inclusive culture that allows everyone to show up as their best, authentic selves. It’s important to ‘break barriers and build bridges’ and to build up our next generation of women leaders by encouraging them to be brave and bold. Share the wisdom you’ve received from impactful mentors in your life, support local, women-owned business in your community, and support and empower female entrepreneurs.”
– Tania Way, Principal, Alberta
“International Women’s Day is an annual occasion to reflect on our connection to the global movement for gender equality, which is fundamentally about human rights. I think back to some of the women who have helped me along the course of my career, and the increase in representation of women in leadership roles that has taken place since I entered the professional world nearly 20 years ago. I look forward to continuing to help improve the landscape through my own efforts and to lend a hand to those who come after me.”
– Thaidra Sloane, Team Lead, Northern Canada
“In my relatively short time with Colliers Project Leaders I’m encouraged and excited by the increasing leadership roles I’ve witnessed for women within the capital infrastructure space, in particular as the industry moves toward more collaborative delivery models.”
– Gregor Ash, Business Development, Nova Scotia
“This International Women’s Day, I reflect on the incredible women and supportive male allies who have shaped my journey. Their strength, expertise and unwavering belief in my potential have empowered me to grow. Through their knowledge-sharing, the opportunities they’ve provided and their insightful coaching, I’ve become a better consultant and project manager. I am honored to be surrounded by such inspiring role models creating a future where women can thrive. Here’s to the women who lead, inspire and make a difference every day.”
– Camille Vincent, Project Manager, Québec
“International Women’s Day celebrates the strong, talented, women who continue to shape every industry. Colliers Project Leaders sets a leading example in project management, with women in leadership who champion growth, support and innovation. Their leadership inspires a growth mindset, fostering adaptability, collaboration and a drive for excellence.”
– Diana Chayko, Assistant Project Manager, Furniture & Equipment Planning, Ontario
