Excel Homes’ Commitment to Inclusion & Opportunity; International Women’s Day 2026

At Excel Homes, we believe the best ideas come from diverse teams. We strive to create a workplace where everyone feels empowered to grow, lead, and succeed. Through mentorship, continuous learning, open‑door communication, and supportive leadership, we work to foster an environment where representation thrives and where the industry’s next generation of women leaders can build meaningful careers.

We also recognize that meaningful progress requires ongoing effort — and we are committed to continuously evolving, listening, and supporting a stronger, more inclusive construction industry.

Spotlight: Voices of Women at Excel Homes

To honour International Women’s Day 2026, we invited some women in leadership at Excel to share their perspectives. Their insights reflect what motivates them, how they empower others, and what the future of our industry can look like.

Below are the four questions we asked, and their insightful responses.

Interview Questions & Answers

1. What would you say to women who are unsure about joining the construction industry?

Chantal Wing
“If you’re unsure about joining the construction industry, start by being curious rather than confident. You don’t need to have it figured out to belong. Construction is a good fit if you like solving problems with honesty, staying organized through complexity, and bringing real passion to work.
There is something special about project delivery—looking at what was built, reflecting on the challenges, and seeing what you helped bring to life.”

Camille Sokol
“Don’t count yourself out before you’ve even stepped in. There has never been a better time for women to enter the field. The work is diverse, the career paths are broad, and the industry needs women with fresh perspectives and strong problem‑solving skills. Construction isn’t just ‘building’—it includes project management, finance, design, safety, tech, planning, and strategy.”

Heather Stirling
“Don’t underestimate the value of your perspective. Women bring important strengths and insights that help move our industry forward. With so many career paths in construction, there truly is something for everyone.”

Chandra McClary
“Ignore the stigmas that exist—like ‘women aren’t taken seriously’ or ‘women don’t belong in construction.’ It’s untrue. Our industry is filled with many successful individuals, and many of them run some of the biggest builders and suppliers in our region.”

2. How do you empower yourself and the women around you?

Chantal Wing
“By staying authentic and bringing my full self to work, even when it feels vulnerable. I empower others by listening deeply, cheering them on, and creating space for learning and mistakes. Empowerment often means nudging someone beyond their comfort zone while supporting them as they grow.”

Camille Sokol
“I empower myself by continuing to grow my skills and surrounding myself with people who challenge and support me. Empowering other women means making space for their ideas, celebrating their strengths, and advocating for them in rooms they may not be in.”

Heather Stirling
“I empower myself by practicing gratitude and staying open to learning. Serving on industry committees has also allowed me to support and advocate for women in construction.”

Chandra McClary
“By holding confidence in my job and my place in the industry. My role allows me to work with many people, and the relationships I’ve built have given me the ability to network and earn mutual respect.”

3. What is the most important advice you have been given?

Chantal Wing
“‘Swallow the frog.’ High performance starts by doing the thing I least want to do. The work we dread often carries the most weight — tackling it early creates clarity, focus, and better productivity.”

Camille Sokol
“Be curious.”

Heather Stirling
“Growth and comfort rarely exist in the same space. To truly evolve, you must be willing to lean into challenges that stretch you. The moments that require courage often lead to the most meaningful growth.”

Chandra McClary
“Just be yourself. Passion can be misunderstood as emotion, but staying true to who you are is the best advice I’ve been given.”

4. What are some ways men can be good allies, and what do we need to do to inspire more male advocates?

Chantal Wing
“I’ve been fortunate to work with many who championed my success. Good allyship means listening, advocating when it matters, and using influence to create space for others. We grow stronger when we build each other up and celebrate each other’s successes.”

Camille Sokol
“Men can be great allies by listening, speaking up, and opening doors. Recommend women for projects, celebrate their wins, and share opportunities. Advocacy for women leads to better teams and better outcomes.”

Heather Stirling
“Start by amplifying women’s voices. Create space for us to speak and give credit where it’s due. Speak up against stereotypes and mentor women whenever you can.”

Chandra McClary
“Most of the men I’ve worked with are great allies and advocates. The industry continues to evolve, and I believe construction is a strong example of what collaboration across genders can look like.”

Looking Ahead: Building the Future Together

The future of construction is bright, and increasingly shaped by women. More are entering trades programs, stepping into leadership roles, and contributing to the technical and design innovations that will define the next generation of homebuilding. As the industry continues to evolve, elevating women’s voices will be essential to fostering healthier teams, more resilient communities, and better homes.

Excel Homes is proud to support that future.

Closing

To all the women at Excel Homes: thank you. Your leadership, creativity, resilience, and dedication make our company and our communities stronger.

This International Women’s Day, we celebrate you and the impact you make every single day.