Stephanie McLean has been sharing her experiences in the construction industry as a woman of color and was recently awarded for it — twice.

“Stephanie is widely seen as someone who represents the trade and Local 804 with pride and integrity,” Kitchener, Ontario, Local 804 Business Manager Derek Brooks said. “Her successes demonstrate the diversity of talent in our local by creating a more welcoming environment for future members.”

McLean has been an IBEW member since 2019, initially with Toronto Local 353 before joining Local 804 in 2023. Spurred by a friend to check out the trades, she started researching her options, and one name rose to the top.

“I started learning about nonunion electrical jobs versus unionized electrical work,” McLean said. “In short, I found the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers to be the top union in Ontario.”

McLean credits her IBEW brothers and sisters with helping her through the challenging times, as well as celebrating her successes.

“The support, unity and commitment shown by fellow members has demonstrated what solidarity truly looks like, and it’s reminded me why the IBEW remains such a powerful organization,” she said.

McLean has had a lot to celebrate recently. She participated in a panel discussion on skilled women in the trades hosted by 100 Accomplished Black Canadian Women, or 100ABCWomen, in early October.

“The event was amazing,” McLean said. “We were all sisters in solidarity, sharing our journeys and stories.”

McLean was also one of the winners in the “2025 Canada’s Most Powerful Women: Top 100 Awards” in the skilled-trades category. The award recognizes women’s leadership, innovation and impact in transforming their organizations and communities across Canada. It’s also more than just recognition, McLean said. It’s about sparking important conversations around leadership and inclusion.

“It means a great deal to be recognized with this award, especially as the only woman of color among the winners in the skilled-trades category,” she said. “It’s a reminder that anything is possible with commitment and determination.”

One of the many ways McLean is helping to transform the trades is through social media.

“I use my platform to share my experiences as a woman in the trades, highlight the stories of other women, and promote opportunities within the industry,” she said. “It’s also a way for me to help people connect with one another, build community and encourage more women to explore careers in the trades.”

McLean has also attended IBEW Canada events, including the Women’s Caucus and the All Canada Progress Meeting,

“I felt genuinely inspired by these opportunities, both about my own path within the IBEW and about the strength and dedication of the membership as a whole,” she said. “Attending those meetings reinforced my belief that meaningful involvement in the IBEW can happen.”

For McLean, meaningful involvement occurs beyond just the jobsite.

“I like the educational opportunities that are available to members. I like how you can get involved with various committees and social activities,” she said. “And I love the fact that, since I’ve joined the union, there’s been a pension growing and yearly benefits available for me and my family.”

McLean’s advice to women of color is wisdom that anyone who’s having a tough time could benefit from:

“Stay focused. The short-term challenges are worth the long-term rewards. Build a support network early, and lean on it when you need to,” she said. “Seek out a mentor as soon as you can. Guidance from someone who understands the industry is invaluable. And never let anyone dissuade you. You belong in the trades, and your strength will carry you through.”