Throughout the decades, the Vancouver Regional Construction Association (VRCA) has seen the city and industry evolve, with thoughtful adjustments to ensure continued value and innovation.
Regina Marklund’s appointment as the second female Chair in VRCA’s 95-year history marks a significant milestone. However, for Marklund, the focus isn’t solely on gender.
“I don’t necessarily want to tag this as just a female achievement,” she explains. “For me, it’s about doing the best thing for the construction industry as a whole.” Her leadership reflects a broader vision—one that prioritizes advocacy, engagement and fostering a stronger, more inclusive industry.
Engaging the next generation through mentorship and education
Mentorship, education and diversity are key to building a stronger industry.
Marklund emphasizes the importance of supporting professionals at all career stages and bringing attention to the variety of opportunities within the industry. “Having senior leaders advocate for the younger generation is crucial,” she says. “There's lots of opportunities in construction outside of swinging a hammer. And I think it's just educating the industry as a whole and what those different roles can be. I think that's really an area that we need to continue to focus on.”
But it’s not just about supporting women—VRCA also recognizes the importance of supporting men. “If we want true equity, we need to ensure that men have the support they need to thrive as well,” Marklund says.
Laying the foundation with advocacy and inclusion
At its core, VRCA is committed to advancing the construction industry through advocacy and education. One of its priorities is ensuring that all members have access to the resources they need to thrive and the ability to upskill these resources with the growth of their business.
“We’re working on better tracking and supporting companies that fall within underrepresented groups,” Marklund says. This effort aligns with broader industry trends in which owners and municipalities increasingly seek diverse workforces for public projects.
Marklund recalls that when she joined the board, she was the only woman present. Today, there are two additional female Board members, and VRCA is actively exploring ways to track and support diverse businesses.
Supporting career growth with the right resources
Marklund highlights how the construction industry continues to evolve, driven by advances in technology and initiatives that foster a more inclusive workforce. Programs like VRCA’s LEAP Women in Construction Conference and the Construction Leadership Forum provide valuable resources to support career growth.
Women represent a minute percentage of construction industry roles, so there is a tremendous opportunity to continue to build the workforce and future construction leaders. Taking place on March 7, the LEAP Conference focuses on developing confidence and leadership skills. “One key theme is finding your voice,” Marklund explains. “This conference will empower women with the tools to pursue opportunities and advance in the industry.” Other discussions will include leadership under pressure, repairing trust in the workplace, amplifying key strengths, building inner strength, work-life balance and mindfulness strategies for managing stress.
The Construction Leadership Forum is a recurring annual event that offers construction teams an opportunity to upskill together on leadership, future planning and current hot industry topics in addition to building business relationships.
Building a stronger community: How VRCA engages and supports its members
Through strategic advocacy, industry education and initiatives like the LEAP Conference and the Construction Leadership Forum, VRCA is making tangible progress in shaping a more inclusive and engaged construction community.
Marklund’s leadership reflects a commitment to driving meaningful change, ensuring that all members—regardless of background—have the opportunity to succeed.
Interested in learning more or getting involved? Visit VRCA’s website to explore membership benefits, advocacy efforts, and upcoming events.
