Breaking barriers. Building futures.

Women in Construction Week is held each year during the first week of March. It recognizes the contributions of women across the construction industry. It also encourages more women to explore careers in the field.

At Toronto Community Housing (TCHC), we’re celebrating the talented women on our construction and development team. We asked a few of these leaders to reflect on their career choices and share advice for anyone considering a future in construction.

Holly Carrie-Mattimoe, Senior Development Manager

What do you do?

As a Senior Development Manager, I manage a handful of development projects. We deliver replacement Rent-Geared-to-Income units and look for opportunities to add net new affordable homes. From initial development concepts to full scale master planned redevelopments, I work with a team of planners, architects, and engineers to revitalize communities. This means bringing new quality homes, more community services and resources, and local community economic development opportunities to tenants. 

What led you to construction? 

I am a passionate urbanist who believes everyone has a right to housing. My role allows me to make a meaningful impact on the City of Toronto’s housing industry.

What do you believe is the biggest myth about working in construction?

That it’s just for men in trades. There are infinite roles within the full cycle of development and construction. Each discipline plays a pivotal part in the final product.

What is your favourite construction project that you have worked on at TCHC? 

Being a part of the Regent Park development team. It is known internationally for its ongoing transformation into a vibrant mixed use, mixed income community. It is delivering new homes, services, roads, and park spaces. 

What advice do you have for other women thinking about a career in construction? 

Do it. Get your foot in the door, don’t be afraid to ask questions. Learn new skills, find your voice, and believe you bring value to the table. 

Amal Abdel Wahab, Associate Construction Manager

What do you do?

I’m an Associate Construction Manager. I support the planning and delivery of construction and revitalization projects. I help coordinate site activities, monitor progress, and manage documentation. I work with contractors, consultants, and our staff to make sure projects are completed safely, on schedule, and to TCHC standards.

What led you to construction? 

My path to construction began after many years working as an architect. When I moved to Canada, I viewed construction as a way to apply my experience in a more hands‑on setting. It‘s incredibly rewarding to be directly involved in how projects take shape on site. At TCHC, I contribute to work that makes a real difference for residents and communities.

What do you believe is the biggest myth about working in construction?

That the job is mostly physical. In reality, a lot of the work is coordinating, planning, communicating, and problem‑solving. The field is far more collaborative and technical than people expect. Many roles focus on keeping projects moving safely and efficiently.

What is your favourite construction project that you have worked on at TCHC? 

It’s difficult to choose just one. Each project has its own impact. Every project is a chance to improve residents’ quality of life. This might be through safer buildings, upgrading living spaces, or better shared areas. I love watching those changes come together.

What advice do you have for other women thinking about a career in construction? 

Trust your abilities and stay committed to learning. Build strong technical and organizational skills. Approach your work with confidence. Give yourself the space to grow. You can succeed and build fulfilling careers in construction.

Lucy Peng, Associate Construction Manager

What do you do?

I manage construction for the Lawrence Heights revitalization. I work with internal teams, architects, engineers, and contractors to bring a building to life. My role is to collaborate, communicate and work as a team to provide housing for Toronto.

What led you to construction? 

I began my career in architecture. After many rewarding years I had an itch to bring designs to life from beginning to end. I also have a fascination with how things are put together. Outside of work, I am an artist and creator. Construction ties all this together and I’m never bored! Working to provide affordable housing is also a mission in life. It’s the cherry on top of the construction cake.

What do you believe is the biggest myth about working in construction?

That there are a lot of contractors out there who do a poor job. While there are bad apples in any industry, I have worked with some very capable, passionate and talented people in the field.

What is your favourite construction project that you have worked on at TCHC? 

Looking to the future, we are working on a terrific new project as part of our Phase 2 revitalization. From a technical perspective it will be fun to build out this mass-timber and geothermal building. We’re also working with some excellent architects on both the building and site plan designs. Our goal is to bring something beautiful to the community.

What advice do you have for other women thinking about a career in construction? 

There are definitely specific challenges that women face in this field. But I’d say go for it, if you’re looking for a dynamic, multi-disciplinary career.

Rasha Haider, Senior Development Manager

What do you do?

I’m a Senior Development Manager on revitalization projects at TCHC. I help plan and deliver affordable rental housing and community infrastructure. I work with a multi-disciplinary team to make sure that projects are thoughtfully developed and benefit the people who live there.

What led you to construction? 

I began my career in community planning. My background is in international development and grassroots work. Over time, I wanted to be more directly involved in bringing projects to life. This led me to housing development and construction. I’ve stayed because I value seeing that work translate into real, tangible impact in communities. 

What do you believe is the biggest myth about working in construction?

When most people think of construction, they picture steel toed boots and physical labour. But there’s so much planning, coordination, and problem solving behind the scenes. Don’t get me wrong – I get my steel toes on whenever I can. The site is where it all comes together. 

What is your favourite construction project that you have worked on at TCHC? 

Opening the public park at Allenbury Gardens. On that particularly hot summer day, kids were swarming the splash pad, having the time of their lives. As a mother, I understand how important that space is to a community and the difference it makes to have it right at your doorstep.

What advice do you have for other women thinking about a career in construction? 

Show up, fail forward and trust your abilities. Resilience is everything.