Last month during the 2021 Virtual AD Supplier Summit Industrial & Safety – Canada Division, AD Canada launched its Women in Industry Network, which is aimed at “fostering the empowerment and development of women in underrepresented industries within AD Canada’s divisions.”

AD Canada says the initiative is open to everyone from AD’s member and supplier community “looking to make an impact in the area of supporting the success and development of women in fields regarded as traditionally male-dominated.”

“This network is significant for a number of reasons, but it is especially groundbreaking because it marks the first undertaking to span all three of our Canadian AD divisions — welcoming members, suppliers, staff, and board members from all backgrounds to unite to instigate meaningful change in an area that directly impacts each one of us, ” said Rob Dewar, president of AD Canada. “For me personally, I am blessed to have two sons and a daughter. My goal is to make sure that no door is ever closed on my daughter due to the mere fact that she is female. I am confident that with the help of this group, we will see a day where that is our reality. ”

AD Canada Marketing Program Specialist Caroline Ebeid is spearheading the initiative.

“We are ecstatic that the kickoff was such a great success,” Ebeid said. “With the support of both women and men across AD Canada, we keenly anticipate the ability to prompt meaningful change in our community. We look forward to bringing our network members additional events, workshops, resources, and experiences, all with the dedicated goal of contributing positively to equaling the playing field. ”

The launch featured two panel discussions focusing on “accomplished women from a variety of backgrounds within AD’s member and supplier ranks.” Panelists included: Marie-Claude Desrochers, president, Equipements Industriels Joliette; Cara Backman, marketing manager, Franklin Empire; Shelley Vallee-Ewing, district sales manager, Vista; Carol McGlogan, president & CEO, Electro-Federation Canada; Suzanne Jackson, key account manager, 3M; Kelly Robertson, president, Safety Express; Mary-Anne Damerchie, mortgage agent, Synergy Mortgage Group; Zoey Taylor, Marketing Manager, Riverside Millwork Group; Caitlin Cocchi, human resources manager, AD; and Haly Baran, marketing coordinator, AD Canada.