Virtual Summits
Pursuing DEI – Enhancing your workforce and community
April 24, 2024 at 1:00pm ET

Kenny Leon
Kenny Leon is Vice-President of Marketing Innovation and Industry Collaboration at the Canadian Construction Association (CCA). He has 22 years of experience as a management, marketing, and communications professional, is a Chartered Marketer, and holds a master’s degree in business administration.

Under his leadership at CCA, he has introduced a number of programs to advance innovation in the industry, including scaling up a national innovation mentorship program, digital readiness, and others. Kenny also leads the organization’s DEI efforts in collaboration with its integrated partner members.

Brandi Ferenc
Brandi is a Red Seal 313A Refrigeration Mechanic/Gas Fitter 1 journeyperson. She teaches HVAC part-time at Georgian College, and works with Support Ontario Youth as a mentor for women and apprentices in the skilled trades.

She is also the founder of Fair-Trades Toolbox: a female-owned business on a mission to educate skilled trades employers on how to seamlessly integrate women into their workforce.

For 17 years, Brandi has shared her experience to educate, mentor, and inspire women about the career paths available within the skilled trades. Through her efforts, she continues to break the bias for women, advocating for the inclusion of women in the industry.

Recently, Brandi was recognized with two prestigious awards: Canada’s Most Powerful Women: Top 100 Award Winner from the WXN Network, and “Lady of the Trade” at the AHR Expo (HVAC Tactical awards).

Graeme Aitken
Graeme began his career as a construction and maintenance electrician, following his father’s footsteps at IBEW Local 105 in Hamilton, where he also served on the Joint Apprenticeship Council.

After a stint as recording secretary of IBEW 105, and as an Organizer for Locals 105, 303, and 804, Graeme went on to get his Bachelor of Laws (LLB) from Osgoode Hall at York University and practiced labour law.

He then joined the International Union of Bricklayers and Allied Craftworkers for 15 years. This was followed by EPTCON (a Cambridge, Ont.-based high-voltage EPC contractor), where he oversaw labour relations and contracts until, ultimately, he joined ECAO as Executive Director.

Graeme is deeply committed to advancing Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion within the electrical industry. He spearheaded initiatives to promote D&I through mentorship programs, training sessions, and diverse hiring practices. Notably, in 2022, Graeme secured $1.7 million in Skills Development Funding for the electrical community, enabling a year-long DEI training program. This initiative aimed to enhance workplace practices, boost performance, and instigate cultural change within the industry.

He has dedicated over three decades to the unionized construction industry across Canada. His journey from tools to the boardroom reflects not only his comprehensive understanding of the challenges we face, but also a deep commitment to its growth and success.

Graeme continues to shape the future of ECAO with a strategic vision and collaborative spirit to champion the interest of its members and ensure ECAO remains at the forefront of the evolving electrical landscape in Ontario.

Maraika De Groot
Maraika De Groot excels at many things, but perhaps her greatest skill is getting other people to do the same. In addition to leading safety services and project delivery accounts for several clients, she hired 60 per cent of Maven’s workforce in just three years, and her efforts to develop its corporate culture have resulted in multiple “Best Place to Work” awards.
Maraika began her career as a geological engineer and has business operations experience in various industries including academia and finance. All of these elements have made her a well-rounded leader with a penchant for recruiting quality applicants, then helping them to fully harness their talents. In addition to her engineering degree, Maraika also holds a masters in management, innovation and entrepreneurship, and her industry and volunteering credits are too numerous to count.

Luanne Whitecrow