Take a break, we’re on Smoko! We’re honoured to sit down with Aria Joughin, the founder of Make With, a queer-owned learning center dedicated to equipping individuals—especially women, queer, trans, and BIPOC folks—with essential hands-on skills in home maintenance, repair, emergency preparedness, and self-sufficiency. Aria shares the story behind the creation of Make With, born from a moment of reflection amid the chaos of climate instability, economic uncertainty, and a world grappling with rapid change.

Aria dives into their mission of creating an inclusive and supportive space where anyone can learn practical skills, build confidence, and adapt to our ever-shifting reality. With a focus on collective resilience, Aria explains how teaching pragmatic, problem-solving abilities isn't just about fixing things—it's about instilling a sense of capability, independence, and empowerment that spills over into every aspect of life.

Throughout the conversation, Aria reflects on the importance of adaptability, the power of vulnerability in leadership, and how community-building begins with honest conversations and mutual support. She shares insights into the barriers marginalized communities face when it comes to accessing these skills and how Make With is breaking down those barriers one workshop at a time.

This episode is a must-listen for anyone passionate about sustainability, community resilience, and creating inclusive spaces where learning and growth go hand in hand. Tune in to hear how Aria is not only teaching people to use tools but also empowering them to build stronger, more connected communities—one skill at a time.

Aria Joughin:

www.linkedin.com/in/aria-joughin-46a38b33/

Make With:

www.makewithpdx.com

www.instagram.com/makewithpdx

Workshops:

www.makewithpdx.com/workshops

Women/Queer/BIPOC Service Provider Directory: www.directory.makewithpdx.com/directory

The Smoko Podcast is sponsored by Peggy Workwear: workwear designed by women, for women. From the shop floor to the boardroom, Peggy Workwear creates workwear which fits and functions for your everyday. Whatever that may be! After all, we've been in your boots.

www.peggyworkwear.ca

Take a break we’re on Smoko! This week we’re joined by Rosa and Mathilde, co-presidents of the Student Association for Geography, Geomatics, and the Environment (SAGE). Together, they share their passion for environmental science, their leadership journeys, and the transformative impact of building a thriving student community focused on sustainability and interdisciplinary collaboration.

Mathilde reflects on her research in environmental restoration, studying carbon, nitrogen, and phosphorus levels across reclaimed aggregate and gravel pits in Southern Ontario​. She shares her love for fieldwork, the challenges of balancing research with leadership, and the thrill of discovery that comes with hands-on science. Meanwhile, Rosa discusses her passion for environmental entrepreneurship, inspired by companies tackling climate adaptation through innovative technologies​. She envisions a future where research and business intersect to create sustainable solutions for global environmental challenges.

They dives deep into their leadership roles at SAGE, highlighting key initiatives like the Unite Behind the Science journal club—a space for students to explore environmental research topics, build public speaking confidence, and foster cross-disciplinary discussions​. Rosa and Mathilde candidly share their personal growth stories—how stepping into leadership roles pushed them out of their comfort zones, helped them discover their strengths, and taught them the value of balancing visionary ideas with realistic execution​. From the challenges of student engagement to the joy of seeing peers light up at successful events, they reveal the highs and lows of leading a community-driven organization.

This episode is a celebration of youth leadership, the power of grassroots initiatives, and the incredible impact of students passionate about environmental change. Join us for an engaging conversation about research, leadership, and the importance of building bridges between environmental science, business, and community action.

Mathilde Tremblay:

https://www.linkedin.com/in/mathilde-trem/

Rosa Fragomeni:

https://www.linkedin.com/in/rosa-fragomeni-390806232/

Student Association for Geography and Environment (SAGE):

https://www.linkedin.com/company/utmsage/

The Smoko Podcast is sponsored by Peggy Workwear: workwear designed by women, for women. From the shop floor to the boardroom, Peggy Workwear creates workwear which fits and functions for your everyday. Whatever that may be! After all, we've been in your boots.

www.peggyworkwear.ca

Take a break, we’re on Smoko! We’re joined by the multi-talented Lindsay Reynolds, the founding president of Hancock & MacArthur, and the host of the She Wears Work Boots podcast​.

From her early days studying civil engineering to finding her passion on active construction sites, Lindsay shares candid reflections on overcoming the fear of failure, discovering her love for project management, and ultimately taking the step to start her own business as an owner’s representative construction project manager​.

Fueled by her experiences and a deep desire to foster connection and representation, Lindsay launched She Wears Work Boots, a podcast dedicated to amplifying the voices of women in construction. Lindsay dives into the power of storytelling, the importance of community, and the ongoing challenges women face in male-dominated spaces​.

Lindsay discusses the enigma of women in construction—the complex, sometimes frustrating, and often deeply rewarding journey of navigating gender biases and cultural shifts within the industry​. She highlights the importance of creating spaces where men can engage meaningfully in conversations about equity and representation. Join us for an unforgettable conversation about breaking barriers, building bridges, and the transformative power of storytelling in the trades.

Lindsay Reynolds:

https://www.linkedin.com/in/lindsay-reynolds-392b1649/

She Wears Work Boots:

https://www.instagram.com/shewearswb/

https://open.spotify.com/show/6FofefQsxdwwhIJKMpOYxk

The Smoko Podcast is sponsored by Peggy Workwear: workwear designed by women, for women. From the shop floor to the boardroom, Peggy Workwear creates workwear which fits and functions for your everyday. Whatever that may be! After all, we've been in your boots.

www.peggyworkwear.ca

Take a break, we’re on Smoko! We’re joined by Emma Priestner, a Technical Education Specialist with the Canadian Welding Bureau (CWB) Foundation and a driving force behind transformative initiatives like the Women of Steel program. Emma shares her inspiring journey, from her first welding certification experience at a Women of Steel workshop to becoming a leader shaping the future of trades education in Western Canada​.

Emma dives into the profound impact of the Women of Steel program, highlighting its role in breaking barriers, offering accessible certification opportunities, and empowering women to pursue fulfilling careers in welding and skilled trades​. She also explores the broader work of the CWB Foundation, including programs like Arcs and Sparks for Indigenous youth, Mind Over Metal workshops for adults and students, and educator training initiatives​.

Emma discusses her passion project, Hashira Ladies, an organization she founded to foster female representation in motorsport drifting. She reflects on the unique challenges and triumphs of building safe and inclusive spaces in traditionally male-dominated arenas​.

Emma's story is a testament to the power of resilience, representation, and community-building. Join us on Smoko as we celebrate Emma's journey and her dedication to building vibrant, inclusive communities in both the welding and motorsport worlds.

The CWB Foundation:

The CWB Foundation is a national charitable organization dedicated to advancing skilled trades careers, including welding and materials joining. Committed to preparing the future workforce and fostering inclusivity, we collaborate with partners to support the demand for skilled professionals, contributing to North America’s economic prosperity. Our mission is to forge partnerships between industry, education, and government, empowering individuals to pursue careers in the skilled trades. Through innovative programs, we reduce barriers and promote awareness and access to career exploration, regardless of identity factors or social and financial status.

The CWB Foundation works with delivery and funding partners to deliver hands-on awareness camps for youth, pre-employment programs for adults, educator training for technical educators, as well as invests in the future of industry through grants for welding education programs and student awards.

• www.cwbweldingfoundation.org
• www.facebook.com/cwbweldingfoundation
• twitter.com/cwb_foundation
• www.instagram.com/cwbweldingfoundation/
• www.linkedin.com/company/cwb-welding-foundation/

Women of Steel:

The Women of Steel program is designed to empower women and non-binary individuals to pursue careers in welding and welding-related industries. Through collaboration and partnership, the program provides participants with valuable skills and experience through virtual and hands-on learning opportunities in a safe and inclusive space. This initiative directly addresses the skilled labour gap and promotes gender diversity in traditionally male-dominated fields, encouraging women to explore and excel in well-paying and fulfilling careers in the skilled trades and technologies.

The Smoko Podcast is sponsored by Peggy Workwear: workwear designed by women, for women. From the shop floor to the boardroom, Peggy Workwear creates workwear which fits and functions for your everyday. Whatever that may be! After all, we've been in your boots.

www.peggyworkwear.ca

Take a break, we’re on Smoko! This week we sit down with Carly Steiman, an entrepreneur and a licensed electrician with nearly 20 years of experience, eight which operating her residential electrical business Lady Electric. Carly specializes in lighting consulting and smaller scale jobs.

Carly shares her story of discovering her passion for electrical work, starting her career right after high school, and eventually founding her own residential electric business. She speaks candidly about the challenges she’s faced, the milestones she’s celebrated, and the unique blend of problem-solving and creativity that defines her work. Carly has also worked in film lighting, bringing imaginative designs to life on set. Her passion for lighting as both a technical and artistic craft shines through in her storytelling, offering listeners a glimpse into the diverse and dynamic world of electrical trades.

After repeatedly being asked for referrals to other women contractors, Carly realized it was time to expand and use her voice and network to connect homeowners with other skilled tradeswomen and entrepreneurs. Which led to the creation of Workbee: a community that
empowers and serves homeowners while supporting women and gender diverse folks working in the skilled trades. Carly is now on a mission to shake up business as usual in the residential service sector and strengthen our community!

Throughout the conversation, Carly discusses the importance of mentorship, the evolving landscape of skilled trades, and her mission to encourage more women to enter and thrive in the industry. Her honesty, humor, and practical advice make this episode not only informative but also deeply relatable.

Carly Steiman:

https://www.linkedin.com/in/carly-steiman-b35b75300/

Workbee:

https://workbeehomeservices.com/

The Smoko Podcast is sponsored by Peggy Workwear: workwear designed by women, for women. From the shop floor to the boardroom, Peggy Workwear creates workwear which fits and functions for your everyday. Whatever that may be! After all, we've been in your boots.

www.peggyworkwear.ca

Take a break, we’re on Smoko. This week, we sit down with Marg Latham, an influential leader in engineering, project management, and mentorship. With an impressive career spanning decades Marg has not only excelled in technical expertise but has also been a driving force in fostering inclusion and diversity in STEM.

Marg Latham, P.Eng., was the only woman to graduate in civil engineering from Queen’s University in 1974. Since then, she has continued to be a pioneer and trailblazer. After graduation, Marg began managing multi-family residential construction projects, the only woman on these sites. In 1984, she joined UMA Group as a construction superintendent. In 1997, Marg moved to UMA’s head office, first as director of quality systems, then as vice president of knowledge management—UMA’s first female vice president—and later as vice president at AECOM. In these roles, she led ISO 9001 quality management implementation, industry-leading CADD standards and automation, and a Canada-wide health and safety program.

In 2010, she founded Aqua Libra Consulting focusing on professional practice, quality management and project delivery. In 2011, she was instrumental in helping to develop Engineers and Geoscientists BC’s Organizational Quality Management Program. Since then, Marg has assisted over 200 organizations in becoming OQM Certified. She is now helping several major organizations assess practice gaps and develop Professional Practice Management Plans to improve professional practice and public safety.

Marg has also been a champion for women in engineering across Canada. She has volunteered with Engineers and Geoscientists BC for many years and served on the Women in Engineering Task Force. She was president of Canadian Construction Women from 2004 to 2006. In 2012, she became a director, and then chair in 2019, of the Canadian Centre for Women in Science, Engineering, Trades and Technology (WinSETT. Marg Latham is a role model, mentor, and leader whose commitment to project management, professional practice, and diversity and inclusion has made a lasting impact on the professions in BC.

This episode goes beyond Marg's professional accomplishments, offering listeners a glimpse into her motivations, values, and vision for the future of engineering. Whether you're an aspiring engineer, a seasoned professional, or someone passionate about diversity and equity in STEM, Marg's wisdom will leave you with valuable lessons and actionable takeaways.

Marg Latham:

https://www.linkedin.com/in/marglatham/

WinSETT:

https://winsett.ca/

The Smoko Podcast is sponsored by Peggy Workwear: workwear designed by women, for women. From the shop floor to the boardroom, Peggy Workwear creates workwear which fits and functions for your everyday. Whatever that may be! After all, we've been in your boots.

www.peggyworkwear.ca

Take a break, we’re on Smoko. We’re thrilled to be joined by Lindsay Lashley, ancivil engineer and concrete materials specialist involved in Canada’s rail and transportation sectors. Lindsay has made remarkable contributions to high-frequency rail projects, demonstrating both technical expertise and a commitment to driving positive change in her field. She is also a prominent leader in Black Engineers Canada, where she works tirelessly to promote diversity, equity, and inclusion in STEM.

Lindsay’s story is one of determination, innovation, and resilience. She takes us through her professional journey, sharing her experiences navigating complex engineering challenges while ensuring that inclusion remains a top priority in every project. From breaking barriers in a traditionally male-dominated industry to leading initiatives that foster mentorship and representation, Lindsay’s work is a testament to the power of persistence and community-focused leadership.

Throughout the conversation, Lindsay discusses the technical aspects of rail engineering, shedding light on the intricacies of high-frequency rail systems and the sustainability challenges facing modern transportation infrastructure. She also speaks candidly about the realities of advocating for equity in STEM spaces and the importance of representation at all levels of decision-making.

Listeners will gain insights into Lindsay’s personal motivations, her vision for a more inclusive future in engineering, and her advice for young professionals entering the field. Whether you’re passionate about transportation engineering, advocacy work, or simply love hearing stories of people creating meaningful change, this episode is a must-listen.

Join us as we explore Lindsay Lashley’s inspiring career, her advocacy for diversity, and her vision for the future of sustainable rail systems in Canada.

Lindsay Lashley:

https://www.linkedin.com/in/llashley/

Black Engineers of Canada:

https://www.blackengineers.ca/

https://www.linkedin.com/company/black-engineers-canada/posts/?feedView=all

The Smoko Podcast is sponsored by Peggy Workwear: workwear designed by women, for women. From the shop floor to the boardroom, Peggy Workwear creates workwear which fits and functions for your everyday. Whatever that may be! After all, we've been in your boots.

www.peggyworkwear.ca

Take a break, we’re on Smoko. We sit down with Caeley Looney an aerospace and space systems engineer and passionate advocate for diversity in STEM fields. With an enthusiasm for both engineering and outreach, Caeley has dedicated her career not only to advancing aerospace technology but also to breaking barriers and creating space for more women and underrepresented groups in the industry.

From her early fascination with space and flight to her current work on cutting-edge aerospace projects, Caeley shares her journey into one of the most challenging and innovative fields in STEM. She opens up about her experiences navigating the male-dominated world of aerospace engineering, the mentors who guided her along the way, and the moments that solidified her passion for both technical excellence and advocacy.

Caeley is deeply involved in outreach initiatives aimed at empowering young women to pursue careers in STEM. Having served STEM educational materials to about 400,000 students worldwide since 2019 through her nonprofit Reinvented. Its print and digital magazine for 6th- to 12th-graders features female STEM role models, while its hands-on building programs have put power tools such as drills in the hands of some 17,500 kids.

Caeley discusses the importance of visibility and representation in engineering, the systemic challenges that women in aerospace continue to face, and her thoughts on how to build more inclusive and supportive workplaces. She also offers practical advice for young engineers just starting out and shares her hopes for the future of aerospace innovation and diversity in the field. Join us for an engaging conversation about aerospace, advocacy, and the power of representation.

Caeley Looney:

https://www.linkedin.com/in/caeleylooney/

https://www.forbes.com/profile/caeley-looney/

Reinvented:

https://www.reinventedmagazine.com/

The Smoko Podcast is sponsored by Peggy Workwear: workwear designed by women, for women. From the shop floor to the boardroom, Peggy Workwear creates workwear which fits and functions for your everyday. Whatever that may be! After all, we've been in your boots.

www.peggyworkwear.ca