As Women’s History Month comes to a close, we would like to take a moment to recognize the significant contributions women have made to the workforce throughout history and the critical role they continue to play in driving economic innovation and progress in Canada. This year’s theme, Women at Work: Economic Growth Past, Present and Future, highlights the achievements of women in diverse fields, reminding us of the importance of creating inclusive environments that encourage women and girls to pursue careers in non-traditional fields. 

While we celebrate the remarkable accomplishments of women throughout history, we also honour the impactful contributions being made by women in our industry today. This month serves as a powerful reminder of how women in STEM - science, technology, engineering, and mathematics - are shaping the future of utilities and making history every day.

Earlier this month, Utilities Kingston was proud to join the Kingston Climate Expo, where community members, industry leaders, and local businesses gathered to advance dialogue on climate action and sustainability. At the Expo, our team, including Heather Roberts, Director of Water and Wastewater Services, and Conservation Coordinator Caro Casista, led discussions and highlighted the critical expertise women bring to this field. 

Heather moderated an inspiring panel where women in STEM shared their stories and strategies for navigating barriers, achieving success, and fostering inclusive work environments. Each panelist’s journey shed light on the unique approaches and adaptive communication styles that women bring to projects. These diverse styles, often adapted to fit in with colleagues, enhance teamwork and improve outcomes. Yet, the discussion also raised an important question: should women feel pressured to pivot or adapt their communication styles to be heard? Recognizing and valuing these varied communication methods strengthens collaboration and fosters a more inclusive work environment. Emotional intelligence emerged as a core theme, with the panel emphasizing its essential role in driving innovation and advancing collaboration within the industry. 

These discussions reinforce the value of women’s voices in driving climate action, a sentiment reflected in Caro’s impactful work. In her role, Caro effectively communicates and collaborates with community members and industry leaders to champion sustainable practices and energy conservation initiatives. At the Expo, Caro presented alongside Utilities Engineer Tom Brackenbury and industry experts at the Green Horizons - Low Carbon Solutions workshop, where they explored funding for decarbonization projects and shared insights into energy conservation and sustainable development. Caro later joined the Creating a Pathway to Decarbonization panel, offering valuable perspectives on achieving community-wide decarbonization and the critical role utilities play in advancing climate action.

Events like the Climate Expo not only showcase our commitment to addressing climate issues but also highlight the influential presence of women in utilities. Women like Caro and Heather, alongside the incredible team at Utilities Kingston, are elevating our operations and setting a standard for excellence within the industry.

As we celebrate Women’s History Month, it’s crucial to recognize the tangible impact women are making across various sectors. The Women of Impact in Canada gallery showcases the achievements of extraordinary women and girls in diverse fields, including STEM, politics, arts, and community leadership. Their stories serve as a testament to the vital role women play in driving progress and inspiring future generations.

From engineering and project management to customer service and leadership roles, women are at the forefront of innovation in our industry. Their expertise not only enhances our operations but also ensures we deliver safe and reliable services to our community.

Explore the gallery and celebrate these trailblazing women