Summer 2026 - Flipbook - Page 15
ENGAGEMENT
WOMEN IN CONSTRUCTION GALA
Celebrates Excellence, Connection and Member Engagement
By ANDREW SAMPOGNA, OGCA Vice-President
T
HE ONTARIO GENERAL CONTRACTORS ASSOCIATION'S (OGCA) ) 2026 Women
in Construction Gala marked a significant milestone for
the association and its membership, bringing together
approximately 220 industry professionals for an evening
dedicated to recognition, networking, and community
building.
Held on May 21, 2026, at Universal EventSpace, the event was
created to connect industry leaders, celebrate accomplishments,
expand professional networks, and inspire attendees through the
stories and achievements of women helping shape the future of
construction. The strong attendance highlighted the growing enthusiasm among members for opportunities that foster meaningful engagement and strengthen connections across the industry.
The journey to the Gala began months earlier when the OGCA
invited contractor and APP members to participate in a special
initiative: the nomination process for the association's 昀椀rst-ever
Women in Construction Awards. Members were encouraged to
recognize colleagues, mentors, team members, and community
leaders whose contributions exemplify excellence, leadership, and
dedication.
The awards were designed to shine a spotlight on women
OGCA.CA
making remarkable impacts within the construction industry
and the communities it serves. Through the nomination process,
members helped identify individuals whose efforts have elevated
others, strengthened workplaces, and contributed to a more inclusive and collaborative industry.
Three award categories were established for the inaugural
year: Mentorship, Field Operations Excellence, and Community
Involvement.
Opening the awards ceremony, attendees were reminded of the
signi昀椀cance of the occasion.
"Tonight is a special moment for all of us. As we come together for
this year's Women in Construction Gala, we're not only celebrating
our industry, we're celebrating the people who shape it."
The introduction emphasized that the awards were created to
recognize women who lead, support, inspire, and help move the
industry forward. The recipients selected by their peers exemplify
the values the awards were intended to honour.
Celebrating the Power of Mentorship
The evening's first presentation was the Women in Construction
Mentorship Award, created to recognize a woman who has
SUMMER 2026 • the generals 15
