HerJourney Podcast

Crafting a New Path

Jackie Toner’s leap from academia to woodturning and entrepreneurship began as a creative escape and became a full-time career. As the founder of Woods Woman Woodworking, she designs and crafts handmade kitchenware and art pieces while mentoring young women entering the trades. In this episode, Jackie talks about turning uncertainty into opportunity, building a business from scratch, and leading a shop that values creativity and inclusion as much as craftsmanship. Her story highlights the rise of women in small-scale manufacturing, mental wellness in trades, and how passion can evolve into purpose. Whether you’re a woman apprentice, an employer, or an ally, discover how you can help strengthen the future of women in Canada’s manufacturing trades at emccanada.org/herjourney [http://emccanada.org/herjourney] Presented by Excellence in Manufacturing Consortium (EMC), produced by Memory Tree Productions.

Empowering Woman in STEM

Anna Rosina is part of a new generation redefining what it means to work in skilled trades and manufacturing. As a machinist in training at Conestoga College and FBT Machine Shop in St. Catharines, she’s already mastering the precision work of 5-axis CNC machining — cutting components to tolerances finer than a human hair. Her journey began with high school robotics, where early exposure to hands-on problem-solving sparked a lifelong love for engineering and technical design. In this episode, Anna opens up about finding confidence as one of only a few women in her program, the power of mentorship, and her goal to one day teach the next generation of women in trades. From the classroom to the shop floor, her story highlights the growing presence of women in machining, the importance of precision and patience, and how early education and outreach can shape the future of Canada’s manufacturing industry. Whether you’re a woman apprentice, an employer, or an ally, discover how you can help strengthen the future of women in Canada’s manufacturing trades at emccanada.org/herjourney [http://emccanada.org/herjourney] Presented by Excellence in Manufacturing Consortium (EMC), produced by Memory Tree Productions.

Shifting the Blueprint

Carrie O'Donnell’s story is proof that it’s never too late to start over. After decades in automotive manufacturing, she entered the skilled trades at 45 and became a Red Seal plumber by 49. Today, she works at the Stellantis Windsor Assembly Plant, one of the few women among 500 tradespeople keeping Canada’s auto industry running. In this episode, Carrie reflects on changing the perception of manufacturing and plumbing careers, building confidence in male-dominated spaces, and mentoring women entering the trades. Her story is grounded in courage, perseverance, and a belief that visibility is the first step toward inclusion. Whether you’re a woman apprentice, an employer, or an ally, discover how you can help strengthen the future of women in Canada’s manufacturing trades at emccanada.org/herjourney [http://emccanada.org/herjourney] Presented by Excellence in Manufacturing Consortium (EMC), produced by Memory Tree Productions.

Precision, Persistence, and Possibility

Courtney Rupp’s career in manufacturing and quality assurance spans welding, fabrication, and leadership. Now the Quality Assurance Lead at Tooketree in Baysville, Ontario, she helped implement CSA certification and wrote the company’s quality manual. Her story reflects a life built on adaptability, skill, and persistence. In this episode, Courtney shares how she transitioned from pharmacy technician to certified welder, built the world’s largest pile driver, and found her stride in quality systems and manufacturing leadership. She also opens up about balancing multiple jobs, running her own welding business, and mentoring other women in trades who are just starting out. Whether you’re a woman apprentice, an employer, or an ally, discover how you can help strengthen the future of women in Canada’s manufacturing trades at emccanada.org/herjourney [http://emccanada.org/herjourney] Presented by Excellence in Manufacturing Consortium (EMC), produced by Memory Tree Productions.

From Sparks to Strategy

Laura Potje has been shaping the future of welding and manufacturing education for over 40 years. From her early days welding forestry equipment and uranium refineries to her current role as an instructor at Conestoga College, Laura’s seen the trades evolve — and she’s helped drive that change. In this episode, she reflects on her journey through the welding industry, the value of mentorship, and the programs she’s built to bring more women into skilled trades, like Conestoga’s “Girls Garage Night” and “Women’s One-Day Welding.” Her story is one of perseverance, progress, and pride in teaching the next generation of tradespeople to see welding as both art and opportunity. Whether you’re a woman apprentice, an employer, or an ally, discover how you can help strengthen the future of women in Canada’s manufacturing trades at emccanada.org/herjourney [http://emccanada.org/herjourney] Presented by Excellence in Manufacturing Consortium (EMC), produced by Memory Tree Productions.