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Leading the Charge: IWD 2023
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March 8, 2023
NFI celebrates International Women's Day
Today, NFI recognizes International Women's Day (“IWD”), a day dedicated to celebrating and shining a light on women’s contributions to society and inspiring support for organizations that help women globally.
This year’s global IWD theme is #EmbraceEquity to highlight the importance of challenging biases and misconceptions to create a more inclusive and gender-equal world. IWD also aims to raise awareness about gender equality so that our society’s most vulnerable members have equal rights in all fields.
In celebration of IWD, today we highlight some of NFI's outstanding women demonstrating NFI's values - integrity, accountability, safety, sustainability, quality, teamwork; supporting their communities; and empowering others through their #EmbraceEquity message.
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Olukemi Charles-Ugbechie, Business Systems Improvement Manager, NFI Parts™
 What are your primary responsibilities in your current position?
“I oversee system-related projects to ensure internal and external resources for specific projects are available to support their completion. I am also responsible for developing system enhancements and solution design and leading the business process specialist team.”
What motivates you at work?
“I am motivated by the opportunity to make a positive impact! Also, leveraging technology to support improving our operations as a business is incredibly rewarding.”
Are you involved in any community support projects or volunteering?
“Yes, from 2019 to 2022, I served as a vice president on the board of the International Institute of Business Analysis Winnipeg chapter. Since 2018, I have volunteered with the Project Management Institute Winnipeg chapter. Also, I am volunteering with STO Global Concept Inc., a not-for-profit organization providing support services and solutions to life's challenges for our community members.”
What would be your message in support of #EmbraceEquity?
“As a firm believer in equal rights and opportunities for all, I stand in support of gender equality. Women have made incredible strides in various fields, yet we still have a long way to go to achieve true gender equality while eliminating glass ceilings. Our collective responsibility is to challenge gender stereotypes, promote women’s leadership, and create an inclusive work environment that fosters diversity and equity.”
What would be your advice for a young woman starting a career?
“My number one piece of advice to any young woman starting her career is to believe in yourself and have confidence in your ability to succeed. Although there will be times you have deliverables and don’t know how to go about them, it is ok to ask questions. Not knowing or making mistakes is not gender specific! Take on new challenges, be a continuous learner, and learn upwards.”
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Anna Gavrysh, Material Data Coordinator, MCI
 What are your primary responsibilities in your position?
“I’m responsible for managing data collection and maintenance in relation to the set key performance indicators, metrics, and daily operational requirements. Also, I’m dealing with parts sales orders and post-processing sales orders. I joined the MCI team in June of 2022.”
What motivates you at work?
“My main motivation in life is personal and professional growth. That’s why I like challenging situations that make my daily routine more exciting. I must admit that I’m lucky to work in such a great team.”
Are you involved in volunteering?
“As a member of the MCI Social Committee, in February 2023 I volunteered at the Manitoba Harvest food drive, sorting food for donations."
What would be your message in support of #EmbraceEquity?
“I strongly believe that, through the participation of both genders, better business decisions can be developed.”
Why is it important for women to support each other?
“It’s clear that we all are different, emotional, empathic, creative, and able to focus on many tasks at once. That’s why we need to get support from someone who is on the same page with us to speak out and feel women’s power."
What would be your advice for a young woman starting a career?
“Believe in yourself, set goals, and move towards them every single day. There are no small steps, as every step brings you closer to your dream.”
What is a fun fact about yourself?
“I was a professional synchronized swimmer. When I had to choose between study and sports, I selected knowledge. Nevertheless, at the age of 13, I could easily swim a 50-meter distance under the water.”
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Ngor Chuku, People Services Specialist, New Flyer
 Tell us about joining New Flyer.
“Emigrating to Canada a year ago from Nigeria, West Africa, is the most significant life-changing decision I have ever made, which came with many sacrifices and risks. I continue to learn and adapt to a new culture personally and professionally.
I was a certified human resources professional back in Nigeria. Most career-driven women found it difficult to thrive in the culture prevalent in my home country as we constantly had to prove our capabilities and competencies in the workplace; getting into a leadership role as a female was a challenging feat! Before coming to Canada, the uncertainty of my tomorrow was my main stressor as I was unsure if I would get a job without Canadian work experience. New Flyer broke down a couple of my fears.
My job search had many hitches. Having applied for more than 25 jobs within the first month of landing in Canada, I was not hired because of a lack of Canadian experience until New Flyer saw beyond that and gave me a chance to use my transferable skills and prove myself! I started as a term employee in a junior role, but within a year became a permanent one alongside a promotion, too. New Flyer’s respectful and inclusive work environment enabled me to integrate, learn and grow quickly.”
What are your primary responsibilities as a People Services Specialist?
“I act as a front-line contact and partner to employees and the leadership team in staffing and recruitment, policy and procedures, employee relations, and performance management and improvement programs.”
Why is it important for women to support each other?
“Together we are more empowered to break barriers, as we can mentor other women, and eliminate unhealthy rivalry between us.”
What would be your advice for a young woman starting a career?
“Be intentional about your career development. Work on your plan and remain focused. Failing does not make you a failure, so do not give up when your attempts do not get the desired result or meet barriers!” |
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Lynsey Gardner, Head of Procurement, Body & Electrical, Alexander Dennis
 What are your primary responsibilities in your current position?
“My main responsibilities are to set the sourcing strategies for the body and electrical commodities and to select the best suppliers to partner with. Managing costs is also a key responsibility within my role.”
What motivates you at work?
“Knowing that my team can make a difference, whether helping secure supply for our production, saving money in supplier negotiations, or helping team members develop. I am proud to work with a great team of people!”
What would be your message in support of #EmbraceEquity?
“We are all different – and to truly embrace equity, it’s not something that we need to just talk about, it’s something that we need to truly believe in. We need to seek out inclusion in everything we do.”
Why is that important for women to support each other?
“Our ability is not defined by our gender. Women need to support and help one another grow. Our responsibility is to help develop the next generation of strong women.”
What would be your advice for a young woman starting a career?
“Trust in your own ability, and do not be afraid to speak up. Reach out to other women as a support network, and always be honest.”
How do you like spending your leisure time?
“I have a young son who takes up most of my free time - he keeps me busy. When I get some leisure time, I enjoy catching up with friends and going out for dinner with my husband.”
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Shauna Lowe, Plant Manager, Carfair Composites
 What are your primary responsibilities in your current position?
“I am responsible for leading the manufacturing operations of the Carfair facility in Winnipeg, MB, and ensuring both long- and short-term goals are achieved through the implementation and completion of set targets and corporate goals.”
What do you enjoy most about your job?
“I love the people I work with and the company’s goal-oriented leadership and the core values of the NFI Group.”
Are you involved in any community support projects/volunteering?
“For the last six years, I have been an executive at Kidfish, a non-profit organization supporting Manitoba’s communities. We have raised over $600,000 for the Children’s Hospital and Cancer Care Manitoba. I also have my own girls fishing program, mentoring kids in the foster care system. You can also find me at Cabela’s on weekends doing seminars teaching woman how to fish and bow hunt.”
What would be your message in support of #Embrace Equity?
“My message to support gender equity is continuing to educate. It is essential to educate everyone about the importance of equity and why it’s needed in the workplace. I would like to increase accountability and transparency while reflecting and committing to change.”
Why is it important for women to support each other?
“Women must provide each other the space to share, learn, encourage, and grow together. Woman supporting woman is crucial to ensure a safe, equal, and happy society for both men and woman.”
What would be your tip/best practice for a young woman starting a career?
“Tips for success – play to your strengths. Empower yourself by understanding your strengths and using them to overcome your weaknesses. Engage others. Seek advice from those senior to you, motivate your peers and coach your staff for success. Make complacency your enemy and ALWAYS stay positive no matter the situation.”
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To learn more about diversity, equity, and inclusion at NFI and its sustainability campaigns, visit nfigroup.com/esg.
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