Making Their Mark:
The Changing Face of Representation by Deborah Rogers
Women make up just over half the population, and with changes in education, employment policy
and societal norms, are working in more diverse careers than ever. There are some jobs though that are still dominated by men. The facts are that only 21% of RCMP are female; less than 4% of people working in the trades are women; less than 20% of those employed in science, technology and engineering jobs are women; and women are underrepresented in leadership roles: as CEOS, on Boards and in politics. We're proud to present some examples of women in our community who represent the minority in their chosen fields. Representation is one way to open the doors to change.
Caitlin MacKenzie, CEO It is not very common for a company to have a female CEO, though in private business it's more common than in the TSX listed companies. Caitlin has been in the role at Monk Office since 2018. As granddaughter of the founder, she was perhaps a natural choice as successor, though she felt it happened sooner than anticipated. There's no doubt that being a CEO is a lonely and challenging role, with the ultimate responsibility resting on your shoulders. Having a supportive team who she has great trust in has helped. It wasn't a given that Caitlin would be a business high flyer – in fact, school was tough and she left feeling "I would never amount to much." Street smarts and experience have an equal role to play as well as the skills she brings of determination and perseverance. "I do feel really proud [to be CEO], and honoured, and a bit terrified!" The fear supports the hard work though. As a woman CEO Caitlin is often aware that she's the only female in a room, and the need sometimes to adjust the way she speaks, or reacts. She thinks it's a changing demographic in Victoria; it's a city of "self-starters, men and women." She feels that women have great skills at reaching out and connecting with one another, which makes for a positive business community.
Cathie Ounsted, Board Member Cathie has taken leadership roles throughout her career. As well as running a business with her husband, previously she has owned her own businesses, been Director of Operations at Thrifty Foods, been on the Board of the Police Authority, the Board of Peninsula Co-op, been a Councillor for Central Saanich, and is currently on the Board of the Victoria Airport Authority. She's spent her life in a very male-dominated world, including having two sons (and a male dog) and spending many years organizing a high school football program. Cathie sees that there has been a change in recruitment policies in an effort to make boards more gender balanced, but she believes skill set should always be the highest priority. She has worked hard all her life, and taking a board role was always a way of satisfying her desire for some corporate involvement, especially when her children were young and she worked less. Her advice: "Be confident, don't be afraid to dream big. If you go in with a sense of humour and no chip on your shoulder there's no reason why you shouldn't succeed. Don't bring the sense that you're not good enough to the table." MARCH 2020 | SEASIDEMAGAZINE.CA 11