DiversiTrade Resource and Connection Centre is a registered not-for-profit organization dedicated to supporting workers across Alberta’s skilled trades sector.
By bringing together existing resources into one centralized hub, DiversiTrade helps individuals more easily navigate supports, training opportunities, and industry connections. Beyond resource coordination, DiversiTrade plays an important role in advocating for underrepresented communities in the trades. Their work promotes diversity, inclusion, and belonging—while also addressing one of the industry’s most pressing challenges: strengthening recruitment and retention to build a more sustainable workforce.
DiversiTrade was co-founded in 2021 by Carmen Thirsk, Fietje Van Der Lee, and Jessica Loney. The three first connected through Alberta Women in Trades, with the support of founder Miriam Jordi, sharing a common goal of advancing women in the construction industry. As their work evolved, so did their vision. What began as a focused effort to support women expanded into a broader initiative to uplift a more diverse workforce. Today, DiversiTrade advocates for and supports a wide range of communities, including women, newcomers and ESL individuals, BIPOC workers, and members of the 2SLGBTQIA+ community. DiversiTrade’s impact extends across multiple areas of the industry. Their work includes consulting with organizations, participating in panel discussions, engaging with youth through classroom visits, and collaborating with partners to better understand and address industry needs. Each of these initiatives contributes to a shared goal: creating a more inclusive, accessible, and supportive environment for current and future trades workers.
One of DiversiTrade’s most visible initiatives is Pride in Construction. What began as a grassroots movement led by a small group of individuals advocating for safer and more inclusive workplaces has grown into a recognized and influential event withinthe industryy. The movement gained momentum as tradespeople from across Canada and around the world shared their experiences—both the challenges they faced and the progress being made. This collective voice sparked conversations, attracted media attention, and helped push for meaningful cultural change, including the display of Pride flags on construction sitesin Southernn Alberta.
Today, Pride in Construction has evolved into a formal annual event that brings together industry leaders, organizations, and apprentices. The day features workshops, panel discussions, and keynote speakers, followed by a sponsor and networking fair where attendees can connect directly with employers and industry partners. With approximately 700 to 1,000 attendees each year, the event continues to grow as a space for learning, connection, and visible support for inclusivity in the trades.