Building Foundations: The Power of Female Mentorship at Lafarge Canada

In an industry traditionally dominated by men, female mentorship can be the key to unlocking potential and breaking down barriers. At Lafarge Canada, Lisa Defoe, Jennifer Bolibruch, and Shea Burn show that empowering one another transforms how women show up at work and grow into leadership roles. Their stories illustrate the true impact of mentorship on personal growth, fostering resilience, and creating opportunities for the next generation of female leaders in construction.
 

Personal Journeys: 

• Lisa Defoe, Operations Manager, RMX, Eastern Canada, knows firsthand the power of having someone believe in you. Early in her career, she faced challenges as a woman in a male-dominated industry but found support from mentors who helped her grow. Now, she’s dedicated to giving back by mentoring others, and creating a safe space for women to thrive in their careers. 

Mentoring Jen has been incredibly rewarding. It reinforces the importance of sharing knowledge and building a supportive community.

Lisa Defoe 

• Jennifer Bolibruch, Operations Manager, Eastern Ontario Aggregates, is a testament to the value of mentorship. One piece of advice from Lisa transformed her perspective: "Own your voice." Learning to speak up, be confident, and trust in her expertise not only changed how Jen approached her work but also helped her become a stronger leader in a space where women’s voices need to be heard.

My career journey taught me that being authentic and assertive is crucial in any role, especially in a male-dominated industry.

Jennifer Bolibruch 

A Ripple Effect:

• Shea Burns, Plant Manager at Woodstock Quarry, experienced firsthand the ripple effect of female mentorship. Mentored by Jennifer, Shea benefited from a culture of support and empowerment that extends beyond her own experiences. 

When one woman rises, she creates opportunities for others to follow.

Shea Burns 

She now feels inspired to mentor others, contributing to a network of strength and resilience that fosters collaboration and paves the way for future generations of women in construction.

Female mentorship at Lafarge Canada is more than just guidance; it's about creating lasting change, inspiring confidence, and building progress together. As we celebrate Women’s History Month, we recognize that the journey of one woman can inspire countless others.