About the Board
MWC Board of Directors
Bockstael Construction Ltd.
Kayla Gervais
Chair
Kayla is a Continuous Improvement Facilitator for Bockstael Construction Ltd. Kayla specialized in Architectural Engineering while obtaining her Civil Engineering Technology diploma, then continued her education graduating from the Construction Management degree program with a Bachelor of Technology from Red River College.
Kayla joined MWC for many reasons. “It was a great way to network and get to know people in the industry while I was still studying. Following graduation, I saw how useful MWC was to others that were just like me and wanted to continue to give back the mentorship and encouragement that I had received.”
Bird Construction Group
Alyssa Malenchak
VICE CHAIR
Alyssa began her career in the industry as a Project Coordinator with Bird Construction after graduating from the Civil Engineering Technology program at Red River College. She then moved into estimating where she achieved her Gold Seal certification and has since taken on the role of Pre-Construction Manager. “Growing up I never really considered a career in construction” she explains of her decision to get involved with MWC. “I joined MWC to connect with other industry professionals and to help promote to young women and girls that the construction industry can be a valuable and fulfilling career option.”
Alyssa grew up in a small northern community, and enjoys spending her time outdoors and traveling.
Defence Construction Canada
Amanda North
Past Chair
Amanda is currently in an acting role as the Technical Specialist for the Real Property Management Service Line with Defence Construction Canada. Amanda has held many positions with DCC from Construction Coordinator to Team Leader and has recently completed a 3-month deployed op to Kuwait.
She graduated from Red River Polytech with a diploma in Structural Technology, and has since completed the Project Management and Professional Sales certificate programs from Red River Polytech. She is currently working on her advanced certificate in Project Leadership. After starting her career with an engineering firm Amanda worked in various sales roles in the supply and manufacturing sector before joining DCC.
When asked why she joined MWC, her response was, “I wanted to help women currently in the industry and those looking to join, and encourage our youth to consider construction as a viable option for their career. MWC provides the opportunity to do this, and to also seek guidance and advice from other women. It’s empowering to know you are not alone, and that there is a fantastic support network out there.”
Amanda enjoys spending time with her family at the lake.
AMC Foam Technologies
Jacqueline Kostenchuk
SECRETARY
Jacqueline Kostenchuk, CPA, CGA, is currently the Chief Financial Officer at AMC Foam Technologies. She obtained her Bachelor of Business at the Southern Alberta Institute of Technology, where she majored in Accounting and Information Technology and completed her CGA, CPA designation in 2014. She has 15 years of accounting and management experience working in the manufacturing and construction industry where she was able to gain insightful experience in both managing the finances on large-scale commercial and industrial projects as well as the financial operations of these companies. This experience has allowed Jacqueline to combine two of her passions: construction and finance to provide value by leading collaborative and innovative finance teams in the industry.
As a proud supporter of MWC, she believes that with education, mentorship, and effective networking that women can be successful and enable each other’s advancement in construction. Knowledge is power, the more we learn and share, the more progress we can make together and enable each other’s successes and career growth in the industry.
In her spare time, Jacqueline enjoys spending time at the cabin with her husband and son. She loves entertaining and can often be found boating, golfing, and snowmobiling.
Bockstael Construction Ltd.
Samantha Lewis
TRADES OUTREACH DIRECTOR
Samantha is a Red Seal Carpenter working at Bockstael Construction Ltd.. She entered the construction industry with zero jobsite experience in 2014 after completing the Pre-employment program at Red River College. Since graduating, Samantha has built her career with Bockstael, who have helped her grow & achieve her childhood dreams of becoming a Carpenter. She grew up watching her handy-man Dad do work around the house, often handing him tools & always being in awe of the end results. Her desire to enter the trades never diminished, even while it wasn’t encouraged through high school & after seeing the lack of representation of women in trades at college.
Samantha joined MWC to find and help contribute toward a community where you could meet other women who chose a similar career path. Now almost 10 years later, from being a member, volunteer, trades outreach committee member, and now Director of the Trades Outreach Committee, Samantha has just as much passion as she did back then to show that women can choose the trades & can succeed here. Since becoming a mom to a daughter 2 years ago, she has a new drive to show that this industry can be a suitable one for not only a mother returning to work, but also while being pregnant – Helping pave the way for both employee & employer to feel comfortable and safe in this situation. Outside of her day job Samantha is a wife, group fitness instructor, and blue bomber fan who loves exploring her spirituality, be in nature & implement ways to live more kindly and sustainably with the earth.
Umina Flooring Solutions
Priscila Calderon
Professional Development Event Director
Priscila is an experienced professional in the construction industry, in Canada and abroad. She started working in project delivery 18 years ago as Project Coordinator, and before she came to Canada she was working as a Construction Agreements Manager for a large firm back in her country of origin, Ecuador, South America. In Ecuador, she attended law school and she excelled in managing regulations and her experience managing infrastructure projects.
Four years ago, she arrived in Winnipeg and studied Human Resources Management at the University of Manitoba and started working in a flooring company. Her family decided to make Winnipeg their new home. Today, they own Umina Flooring Solution, and Priscila is a business consultant in a non-profit organization in our province, and active leader in women’s rights and social justice initiatives. She teaches diverse groups of people how to open a business in Canada from her knowledge and own experience.
Priscila is also a wife, mother of 2 teenagers, dog lover, entrepreneur, and prides herself in maintaining her positive attitude and problem-solving abilities.
Republic Architecture Inc.
Hayley Rehberg
Communications Director
Hayley is an Architectural Technologist at Republic Architecture with experience in the consulting side of construction, including contract administration, building condition assessments, construction documents, and interior fit-ups. After completing her Bachelor of Science Degree at the University of Winnipeg, Hayley realized that a career in architecture was her true calling and she enrolled in Civil Engineering at Red River College to complete the Architectural/Engineering Technology program.
Hayley began her involvement in MWC as a member and then joined the Communications committee. She says she joined the board because, “I have attended many networking and educational events over the years, where I made valuable connections with others in the construction industry – some leading me to where I am today. I would only hope to be that voice and advocate for someone else wanting to get into the industry.”
Hayley loves travelling by land or sea and appreciates the diverse architecture and design in her adventures. When home in Winnipeg, she enjoys projects around the house (yes, even yardwork), spending time with her dog, and tending to her many house plants.
Akman Construction
Xuan Nguyen
Sponsorship Director
Xuan is an Estimator with Akman Construction. She graduated from the Construction Management Degree Program with a Degree in Bachelor of Technology – Construction Management while obtaining her Certificate of Honours in Project Management at the Red River College. She is also a member of the Red River College Construction Management Degree Program Advisory Committee, providing guidance and advice on matters related to the program.
Hearing all about MWC from the past chair Ellowyn Nadeau, she attended her first event in 2019. In 2021, she volunteered on the sponsorship committee working alongside Sheena Braun. She acknowledges that with the support of sponsors, MWC can provide a community to support, educate, and mentor women in construction. Xuan wanted to join the board to be able to suggest and share ideas with others that can help expand the MWC goal.
During her down time, she enjoys going to spin classes and going for runs. She is always looking to go on new adventures or try new activities.
Wolfrom Engineering Ltd.
Jessie Gregory
Social Events Director
Jessie is a structural engineer and Partner at Wolfrom Engineering Ltd. Originally from Ontario, Jessie moved to Winnipeg to join Wolfrom in 2010 after she completed her Engineering degree in Thunder Bay. Structural design and sustainability have been twin passions for Jessie as she has experienced a broad range of projects.
Jessie’s education was a College-to-University transition program, beginning with a civil technologist diploma in a class with only 2 other females. Promoting and engaging females to become involved with engineering and construction trades was always a part of her and became part of the membership committee’s team in early 2021 to pursue it more. After work Jessie is a mother of two and embraces every moment with her young family.
Bird Construction Group
Jillian Schofield
Membership Director
Jillian is a Project Coordinator with Bird Construction. She graduated with honors from Red River College’s Civil Engineering Technology program, with a focus in Architectural Engineering Technology.
Jillian attended her first MWC event because she was searching for a sense of community in a new and unfamiliar industry. After her first event, she knew it was an organization she wanted to be involved with. Jillian focuses on the mentorship and education of others as she notes that these were pivotal to her own career.
In her spare time she enjoys painting & crafting and is always looking to try a new artistic hobby.
Number TEN Architectural Group
Kateryna Kreftsun
Director-at-Large
Kat is currently working at Number Ten Architectural Group as a Junior Specifications Writer, and has been with the company for almost 4 years. She graduated with a Bachelor of Environmental Design (landscape + urbanism) in 2014 which led her to a position with a local landscape design/construction company for a number of years before starting with her current company.
Kat was introduced to MWC through another member, and started volunteering with the Membership Committee in 2021. This opportunity soon translated into also joining the Board as a Director-at-Large. Kat is passionate about contributing her efforts and support in an organization that promotes women and is focused on fostering an inclusive construction industry.
Graham Construction
Djamal Stadnyk
Director-at-large
Djamal is a HSE Supervisor with Graham Construction with over 11 years of experience working on construction sites. She graduated with honors from Red River College’s Occupational Health and Safety program and went on to further her career by obtaining here Canadian Registered Safety Professional, National Construction Safety Officer, and Gold Seal designations.
Djamal joined MWC to help promote and educate young women on the career opportunities that are available in construction. “When I was graduating high school I did not consider a career in construction as I didn’t know what opportunities were available, looking back I wish there was someone that would have opened my eyes to what the construction industry had to offer”. Djamal started volunteering with the Trades Outreach Committee in 2022 and has just transitioned onto the Board as a Director-at-Large.
Penn-co Construction
Kristen Carter
Director-at-large
Kristen is a Proposal Development Manager at Penn-co Construction. She began her career with Penn-co as an Estimator, shortly after graduating from Civil Engineering Technology at Red River College. Since then, she has achieved her C.E.T. designation and attained Gold Seal Certification.
Having attended numerous MWC events, Kristen took on a volunteer role within the Social Committee, where she played an active role in contributing to the organization’s ongoing efforts in planning networking events throughout the year. This involvement eventually led to a Director-at-Large position on the MWC Board. Kristen’s passion lies in supporting MWC’s mission to offer accessible educational and networking opportunities for women in Manitoba’s construction industry.
In her spare time, Kristen enjoys spending time outdoors, and loves activities such as camping, fishing, golfing, scuba diving, and snowboarding.
Thanks to our MWC Committee Volunteers
Social & PD Events Committee Volunteers
Anna Amoah, Concord Projects
Kristen Carter, Penn-Co Construction Canada
Hailey Zahaiko, McCaine Electric
Kimberly Carnahan-Chubaty, Apollo Flooring Ltd.
Jenna Nowicki, PTC Construction
Membership Committee Volunteers
Kateryna Kreftsun, Number TEN Architectural Group
Kennedy Peterson, AMC Foam Technologies Inc.
Chelsea Hudson, Western Industrial Services Limited
Elizabeth-Ann Gendron, Classic FLS
Communications Committee Volunteers
Alyssa Malenchak, Bird Construction Group
Carman Tang, Winnipeg Construction Association
Alexis Wilcott, Defence Construction Canada
Sponsorship Committee
Xuan Nguyen, Penn-Co Construction Canada
Sheila Ouellette, Defence Construction Canada
Michelle Sabourin, Graham Construction
Trades Outreach Committee Volunteers
Jessica Howison, City of Winnipeg
Cristina Popeil, PCL Construction
Kristina Peterson, Bird Construction
Megan Graham, Westland Construction Inc.
Shylyte Bloodworth, Red River College
