Celebrating our outstanding students, grads and employees in honour of International Women’s Day
Feb. 28, 2022
The Georgian community is full of unique, inspiring people. Take Megan Edgerton as an example, she enrolled in three Georgian programs between 2009 and 2020 – Practical Nursing, a construction trades pre-apprenticeship, and Welding Techniques. We’re sharing her story and celebrating her success(es) – along with our many other phenomenal students, grads, colleagues, friends and community members – in honour of International Women’s Day on March 8.
Grad does double-duty with career in skilled trades and health-care
Female enrolment in construction programs is rising, and so is demand for skilled trades workers. That’s one of the reasons why Georgian grad Megan Edge decided to train in the traditionally male-dominated field.
Megan started her postsecondary journey in health-care when she graduated from the Practical Nursing program in 2009. She became interested in construction after doing a lot of the maintenance that comes with home ownership. When she realized she could turn her new passion into a career, she decided to make the switch from health-care to the trades, enrolling in a construction trades pre-apprenticeship program at the Muskoka Campus in 2019 and the Midland Campus’ Welding Techniques program in 2020.
Megan credits her years of working as a nurse and her education at Georgian with becoming proficient at problem-solving and planning. It also helped her multi-task – the successful business owner still occasionally does double-duty locally as a casual float nurse.
Read how her Georgian education helped pave the way to her success today, and why she says following your dreams and passions are key to succeeding in any program you take.
Why did you choose to study nursing at Georgian?
Before enrolling at Georgian, I did a lot of research. I attended other colleges prior to starting the Practical Nursing program at the Barrie Campus, but I really wanted to commit to an institution that cared as much about my future as I did. I decided on Georgian after talking with professors and learning more about the college’s strong community partnerships and student supports.
Why did you choose to switch careers and go into construction trades?
After starting a family and purchasing my first home, tending to the maintenance and fixes that come with home ownership became almost therapeutic. When I wanted to parlay this new passion into a new career, I decided to enrol in the construction trades pre-apprenticeship program at the Muskoka Campus. I had become very proficient at managing multiple priorities during my years as a nurse, so I knew I could excel in the construction industry too.
Why did you decide to enrol in Welding Techniques?
I knew I was going to start my own business in the construction industry after graduating from the pre-apprenticeship, and welding was by far my favourite subject. I own large industrial vacuums and trailers that we use often and require almost daily fixes. It’s not uncommon to have to search for a welder late at night to make a quick fix on the machines so they’re ready for the next day. I realized the welding program would work to my benefit and help the company run more efficiently.
The most rewarding part? I returned to the Midland Campus to work on the reroofing project last summer with my company, Elite Roof Vacuuming. It was a great full-circle moment that filled me with pride; it also affirmed I made the right decision when I chose Georgian for all three programs.
What are your plans for the future?
Our company services all of Ontario with a local shop in Simcoe County/Muskoka, but we have plans to expand into Ottawa and Windsor too.
Ultimately, I hope to inspire other women to get involved in the trades. We need more female representation in the field, and with the skilled workers shortage, those entering the industry can have such a positive impact. I also want to pay it forward by creating a bursary for young women who want to enter the construction trades. On a more personal level, I’m a mother of two daughters and want to encourage them to consider non-traditional female careers as an option for their future.
READ MORE STORIES OF OUR FEMALE ROLE MODELS
Georgian grad recognized as 2021 Premier’s Award recipient
Nadia George, a graduate of Georgian’s Social Service Worker program (2009), is an award-winning Mi’kmaw-Canadian actress, media personality, therapist and public speaker. Her work focuses on uplifting young voices and addressing stigma around contemporary Indigenous identity. She was honoured for her work with a 2021 Premier’s Award.
Spreading the love: Georgian student advocates for equity, inclusion and LGBTQ2S+ community
Sarah Ortiz, VP of Equity and Inclusion on the Georgian College Students’ Association (GCSA) Orillia executive and Honours Bachelor of Counselling Psychology student was inspired to champion the rights of the LGBTQ2S+ community after receiving tremendous support from the Georgian community and seeing that inclusion is key to the college’s work, school and campus culture.
Moving to Ontario spurs grad’s self-acceptance
Faryal Shehzad, a graduate of Georgian’s Research Analyst program and winner of Dig Insight’s 2021 BIPOC Leaders of Tomorrow Scholarship, says she wishes she could go back in time to tell her younger self not to hide the parts of herself she thought were different. Read more about Faryal’s story, and why she says you should embrace yourself…and your culture.
Georgian administrator helps at-risk youth access college
Michelle Rao, Manager, School College Partnerships, recently received a lifetime achievement award for her significant influence on college education. Michelle runs programs across Georgian campuses that are designed to provide opportunities for disengaged high school students to explore the college pathway.
Professor draws on experience to teach students how to manage and lead
Dr. Brenda Marshall, a faculty member and program co-ordinator in Georgian’s Honours Bachelor of Business Administration (Management and Leadership) degree, is helping others achieve personal growth and development and igniting the spark in the next generation of leaders.
Professor creates art about diversity, history and representation
Angela Aujla, a Georgian professor and visual artist, says it’s really meaningful for people to see themselves represented. “Speaking from experience – and existing research – it has a detrimental impact when you don’t see yourself in the media you consume, or if that media is stereotypical.” Her art projects are addressing social injustices and absences and inaccuracies in what we’ve learned.
Georgian grad paddles her way to Paralympics
Andrea Nelson, a Therapeutic Recreation grad, competed in the 200-metre kayak competition at the 2020 Paralympic Games. See why athletics and competition are important to her, and what she plans to do after graduation.
Dean an inspiration for women in engineering
Dr. Rebecca Sabourin, Georgian’s Dean of Engineering and Environmental Technologies and Skilled Trades is passing on her passion for engineering to the next generation of leaders and helping them manufacture solutions to make our world a better place. She’s been recognized with more than 20 honours, including the 2018 Women in Defence Award. See why she says women in engineering are often still the minority, despite fantastic career opportunities available.