Description

Are you ready to be inspired and take your career to new heights?

Join the HAVAN Women’s Council for the inaugural Agents of Change event—an evening designed to empower, connect, and ignite meaningful conversations.

Featuring a powerhouse panel of industry leaders including Lesa Lacey of Lacey Construction; Dani Ferenc of TPMA Consulting Ltd., and Wendy McNeil, Acting CEO of HAVAN, Agents of Change delivers actionable strategies to drive transformation in residential construction. The night will culminate in an exclusive fireside chat with Olga Ilich of Suncor Developments, who will share her journey of breaking barriers and paving the way for future generations.

Moderated by the dynamic Bianca Solterbeck, these conversations will spark fresh perspectives and foster an inclusive space where women at all career stages can build alliances, gain insights, and explore new opportunities for growth.

Event Highlights:

• Panel Discussion:
       Agents of Change – Lisa Lacey, Lacey Construction; Wendy McNeil, HAVAN Acting CEO;
       Dani Ferenc, TPMA Consulting Ltd.
• Fireside Chat: Olga Ilich, Suncor Developments Ltd.
• Networking opportunities with women leading the way in residential construction
• Complimentary appetizers and two drink tickets included

Why Attend?
This is more than just an event; it’s a chance to forge connections that matter. Meet inspiring leaders who are shaping the residential construction industry and engage with peers who share your drive to advance careers. By building relationships with those in influential roles, you’ll gain valuable insights and open doors to new opportunities. Together, we can create a stronger network of women driving growth and change in the industry.

Tickets:
🎟️ $59.00 per person – Includes appetizers, drinks, and access to all panels and networking.
Limited Seating: Only 95 tickets available. Tickets go on sale February 20, 2025.

Don’t miss out—reserve your seat today and join the movement! This event welcomes everyone committed to supporting and advancing women in the residential construction industry.

MEET THE POWERHOUSE PANEL OF WOMEN

Wendy McNeil, Acting CEO
Homebuilders Association Vancouver (HAVAN)

With over 23 years of dedicated service to HAVAN, Wendy McNeil has been a driving force in shaping the association’s core pillars of marketing, education and member engagement. Stepping into the role of Acting CEO in mid-2024, Wendy has taken on complex industry-wide advocacy issues and ensuring the association’s voice is heard on key matters such as Development Cost Charges (DCCs), energy efficiency, and housing delivery.

Wendy’s tenure is marked by a deep passion for the residential construction industry and the members with whom she collaborates. Under her leadership, HAVAN has seen significant advancements in public and industry-facing initiatives, expansion of its industry-focused educational programming, and is building support for Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) initiatives to address the industry’s labour shortages. Her ability to balance tenacity and grace has earned her the respect of peers and stakeholders alike.

Before joining HAVAN in 2001, Wendy earned a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology from UBC and a Diploma of Technology in Marketing Management (with honours) from BCIT. She brings a unique blend of strategic vision, project management expertise, and an innate ability to build collaborative networks that amplify HAVAN’s mission and impact.

Born and raised on the West Coast, Wendy grew up in Richmond and now resides in Surrey with her husband and two active sons. When she’s not championing the industry, Wendy enjoys exploring local eateries, travelling, and spending time with family and friends.

Dani Ferenc, President
TPMA Consulting

A seasoned construction management professional with over two decades of experience in various build forms. Throughout her career, Dani has honed her construction management and leadership skills, particularly in and building strong teams, recognizing the importance of skilled and motivated professionals in the industry.

Her commitment to excellence and her ability to effectively manage complex projects have earned her a reputation as a respected leader in the field.

Beyond her professional accomplishments, Dani is a dedicated advocate for diversity and inclusion within the construction industry. She actively champions the advancement of women and minorities, recognizing the valuable contributions they bring to the sector. Her advocacy efforts extend to raising awareness and promoting opportunities for underrepresented groups in construction.

Dani's dedication to the construction industry, combined with her passion for social responsibility, makes her a driving force for positive change.

During the COVID-19 pandemic, Dani fundraised for a school in Tanzania, but the project was delayed due to travel restrictions. Undeterred, she established NEST Projects Foundation, a charitable organization to continue supporting various schools and remove barriers to education and expand its social impact.

Lesa Lacey, Business Manager
Lacey Construction

Lesa is active in the community including Board of Governors at University of the Fraser Valley, Vice President of CHBA-BC, Past President of CHBA Fraser Valley and BC Construction Safety Alliance, and board member with CORCAN Advisory Board, Skills Canada BC and Mission Association for Community Living.

Lesa is also the Founding Member at Fraser Valley Women in Construction Group and CHBA Fraser Valley Boot Bank loaning steel toed footwear out to high school students to attend field trips and pursue careers in trades. She is the recipient of President’s Award from Mission Chamber of Commerce, Member of the Year Award from CHBA BC, and President’s Award from CHBA Fraser Valley. In her volunteer roles, Lesa is passionate about volunteering to support women in trades and trades as meaningful careers – including volunteering with Skilled Trades BC and Correctional Service of Canada. Lesa enjoys spending time volunteering in corrections in the United States with Defy Ventures and Hustle 2.0.

Olga Ilich, Founder and President
Suncor Developments Ltd.

Since its founding in 1997 Suncor Developments has successfully completed hundreds of multi-family and single-family homes as well as commercial developments in the Metro Vancouver area of British Columbia.

Prior to 1997, Ms. Ilich was Executive Vice-President of Progressive Construction Ltd. Ms. Ilich has been in the real estate development business for forty-five years and has partnered with some of Vancouver's most prominent developers to complete projects in the Lower Mainland, the Okanagan, and other areas of British Columbia, as well as in Alberta, Washington State, and California. In addition, Ms. Ilich was a partner in Performance Construction Ltd., a general contracting company based in Richmond, BC.

Ms. Ilich was a Member of the Legislative Assembly of British Columbia between 2005 and 2009 representing Richmond Centre and served as the Minister of Tourism, Sport & the Arts, as well as Minister of Labour & Citizens’ Services.

In 2012, Ms. Ilich was asked by the Mayor of Vancouver to Co-Chair the City of Vancouver Mayor's Task Force on Housing Affordability.

Ms. Ilich is a past Chair of the BC Assessment Authority, a past President of the Urban Development Institute (Pacific Region), a past Director of the Vancouver International Airport Authority, a past Director of UBC Properties Investment Ltd., and a Director and Chair of the Board of the Canadian Tourism Commission, Destination Canada. Ms. Ilich is a recipient of Canada’s Top 100 Award, an award that recognizes influential women across the country.

In 2024, Olga Ilich was inducted in the Urban Development Institute’s Hall of Fame for leadership in the property development business.