Take a Break, We're on Smoko!
In this episode we have the honour to sit down with Dr. Reva Bond, the first female dean of SAIT's School of Construction. Dr. Bond has a diverse career in various industries, has managed multiple programs within the Southern Alberta Institute of Technology (SAIT), and currently serves as an Executive Advisor for the Women in Trades and Technology Program at SAIT.
Dr. Bond shares her journey into the construction industry, and how growing up in a traditional household resulted in construction not being initially on her radar. However, after accidentally landing a receptionist job in a construction company, she discovered opportunities for growth and advancement. Driven by curiosity, she asked questions, inserted herself where she could add value, and found mentors who opened doors. Eventually, she doubled her income and developed a passion for opening doors for other women in the construction industry.
Dr. Bond discusses the importance of mentorship and the need for curiosity and support to succeed in non-traditional careers. She emphasizes the rewards of working in higher education and the impact of education on students' lives and seeing their success stories years later. She emphasizes the ongoing learning and growth that occurs in the student-teacher dynamic, regardless of age.
Dr. Bond expresses her passion for increasing female participation in non-traditional careers and de-stigmatizing gender roles in various professions. She shares her journey into complexity leadership theory, and the concept of paradox as a way to make sense of conflicting forces in her role as a manager and leader.
Dr. Bond also talks to her involvement in the Women in Trades and Technology program (WITT). Reva highlights the importance of female role models in these fields and shares examples of efforts to improve gender balance. She also addresses the challenges faced by women in certain trades, and emphasizes the need for inclusive workplaces.
Overall, the episode highlights Dr. Reva Bond's groundbreaking career as the first female dean in the School of Construction and her dedication to promoting diversity and inclusion in the construction industry through mentorship and education.
Take a Smoko here:
https://open.spotify.com/episode/7LUErmBiuBZAXyP6g1O5XT?si=848cd2b9f5c14dc4