Desiree T. Smith

“Women In Skilled Trades”

Speaker’s Bio:
Desiree Thelma R. Smith, aka “The Floor Diva”, started her career in construction through the Women in Skilled Trades Program and works for Carpenters Union – Local 27.  She holds membership at the Ontario College of Trades and is certified in the following trades: Resilient Floor Covering Installer and Terrazzo, Tile, and Marble Setter. She’s the Toronto Community Benefits Network’s proud recipient; of the Building Diversity Mentor Award (BDA) for 2022. Desiree is also a sessional instructor at George Brown College in the Interior Design & Technology Division.

Workshop Bio:
In this workshop, we will explore the many new opportunities and challenges faced by women in skilled trades professions. Participants will hear from experienced tradeswomen about their career paths and the strategies they have used to succeed in male-dominated fields. We will also discuss the benefits of diversity in the trades and practical ways to support women entering and thriving in these careers.