• Lisa Laronde, president of Stouffville’s Powell Contracting, has been named one of Canada’s Top 100 Most Powerful Women by the Women’s Executive Network (WXN).
  • She is well respected for empowering women within the construction industry while building an inclusive and successful work environment for her teams.
  • Laronde became Powell Contracting’s first female President in 2020, and her leadership led to a surge in revenue and profits.
  • “It’s an absolute honour to be recognized, as this award validates all that I have done and all that I have achieved,” Laronde stated in a recent press release. “I love what I do, and I love the construction industry, but I cannot deny my belief that as a whole it needs to do more to promote women in leadership roles.”
  • In her current role, Laronde actively advocates for women to take on management positions in the traditionally male-dominated industry.
  • “I have always led by example, been my unapologetic self, and worked to be a transformational leader,” Laronde added. “I want to be part of the solution, to blaze trails together, united with one voice.”
  • She will be celebrated at WXN’s Top 100 Awards gala on November 30, taking place at the Fairmont Royal York in Toronto.

 

Powell Contracting, an RSG International subsidiary, is located in the Wesley Corners hamlet area of Stouffville. They specialize in road safety infrastructure projects and related emergency response and repair work. Prior to assuming the role of President, Laronde held various senior positions, including Vice-President and Executive Vice-President.

Laronde also serves as President of the Canadian Association of Women in Construction, a national not-for-profit organization dedicated to mentoring, influencing, and cultivating female leaders in the industry. “I don’t want women to follow in my footsteps, I want to see a path that’s free and clear,” Laronde says of her work. “Ultimately, I want to see new woman leaders surpass me.”

The Women’s Executive Network is committed to advancing and celebrating female professionals across all sectors and at all levels. WXN advocates for diversity and inclusion in businesses, corporate boards, and senior leadership teams, as elaborated on their website. They offer a network of resources and support to thousands of members while championing women throughout Canada through awards, programs, and events.

Canada’s Most Powerful Women: Top 100 Awards, initiated in 2012 by WXN, recognizes female role models in the private, public, and not-for-profit sectors. Over the years, they have highlighted 1,628 influential women, including distinguished figures such as the Honourable Rona Ambrose, the former leader of Canada’s Official Opposition in the House of Commons; Dr. Makaziwe Mandela, a global activist, head of the House of Mandela, and the daughter of Nelson Mandela; and the Honourable Dr. Jean Augustine, the first African-Canadian woman elected to the House of Commons.

“It takes a powerful woman to lead like a legend in her field, organization, or community, and it takes a powerful woman to empower those around her to do the same,” Sherri Stevens, CEO of WXN, said. “This year’s winners embody that power, giving us hope when we need it most, setting new bars and changing the status quo. They are legends celebrated not just for the things they do, but also how they touch the lives of others.”