Gallery: GOHBA’s HOWL – Women Breaking Ground Event
Thomas Gilbert (CEO of Ottawa Rapid FC) saying a few words before the panel discussion at GOHBA's HOWL - Women Breaking Ground, TD Place, May 13th, 2026. Photo by Tia MacPherson-Abdulla for OBJ. (From L-R) Co-moderator Siobhan LeCours (Mr. Foundation Inc.), Soula Burrell (GOHBA), Panelist Diana Matheson (Founder Northern Super League), Panelist Alyssa Stack (Cardel Homes), Panelist Chief Warrant Officer Bouchard (Chief Professional Conduct and Culture Command Chief Warrant Officer (CPCC CCWO), Co-moderator Jenniffer Alvarenga (Good Story - RE/MAX Hallmark Realty Group)
The Home Builders of Ottawa Women Leaders (HOWL) community hosted Women Breaking Ground, a gathering that celebrated and empowered women across Ottawa’s homebuilding and housing sectors. The event brought together builders, developers, real estate professionals, lenders, designers and advocates for an evening focused on leadership, collaboration and inclusion in the industry.
Through networking opportunities and community engagement, organizers highlighted the growing impact of women in the traditionally male-dominated field of homebuilding. The event also created space for established leaders and emerging voices to connect, share experiences and discuss the future of more inclusive communities across the region.
Organizers said = broader HOWL initiative aims to foster innovation, strengthen industry connections and elevate the voices of women helping shape Ottawa’s housing landscape.
Natasha Rubin-Coupland (TD Bank), Ellen Shumway (Ottawa Rapid FC ownership group) and Neal Broughton (TD Bank) at GOHBA’s HOWL – Women Breaking Ground, TD Place, May 13th, 2026. Photo by Tia MacPherson-Abdulla for OBJ.Celina Stipanic and Sharon Adunmo (both of Shepherds of Good Hope) at GOHBA’s HOWL – Women Breaking Ground, TD Place, May 13th, 2026. Photo by Tia MacPherson-Abdulla for OBJ.Karen Clark (Asco Construction) and Jennifer McGahan (Showroom Furniture + Lighting ) at GOHBA’s HOWL – Women Breaking Ground, TD Place, May 13th, 2026. Photo by Tia MacPherson-Abdulla for OBJ.Kelly Cooper (Centre for Social Intelligence) and Krystle Verhulp (Ring Electric) at GOHBA’s HOWL – Women Breaking Ground, TD Place, May 13th, 2026. Photo by Tia MacPherson-Abdulla for OBJ.Nathan Veley and David Dwyer (both of Home Hardware) at GOHBA’s HOWL – Women Breaking Ground, TD Place, May 13th, 2026. Photo by Tia MacPherson-Abdulla for OBJ.Brigitte McElligott (Canada Lands Co.), Melissa Reeves (COO at Linebox Studio) and Micheline McElligott (Brickland Timberlay) at GOHBA’s HOWL – Women Breaking Ground, TD Place, May 13th, 2026. Photo by Tia MacPherson-Abdulla for OBJ.Hope Wood (Big Brothers Big Sisters Ottawa), Shawna Blanchard (Habitat for Humanity Greater Ottawa) and Erin Helmer (Big Brothers Big Sisters Ottawa) at GOHBA’s HOWL – Women Breaking Ground, TD Place, May 13th, 2026. Photo by Tia MacPherson-Abdulla for OBJ.David Renfroe (Renfroe Land Management/Ottawa Rapid FC) and Chloe Wade (Ottawa Rapid FC) at GOHBA’s HOWL – Women Breaking Ground, TD Place, May 13th, 2026. Photo by Tia MacPherson-Abdulla for OBJ.Mikaela Coon and Caroline Lavigne-McGregor (Canada Lands Co.) at GOHBA’s HOWL – Women Breaking Ground, TD Place, May 13th, 2026. Photo by Tia MacPherson-Abdulla for OBJ.An inspirational night listening to this incredible panel at GOHBA’s HOWL – Women Breaking Ground, TD Place, May 13th, 2026. Photo by Tia MacPherson-Abdulla for OBJ.Vivian Ufodike (La Africana Cuisine), Chief Warrant Officer Sandra Bouchard (Chief Professional Conduct and Culture Command), Kelly Cooper (Centre for Social Intelligence) and Wei-Ling Tan (vice-chair, Commercial Services Division at Ottawa Real Estate Board) at GOHBA’s HOWL – Women Breaking Ground event, TD Place, May 13th, 2026. Photo by Tia MacPherson-Abdulla for OBJ.
