An Interview with Martina Ernst on Shannon Skinner's Extraordinary Women TV

Photo-collage: Extraordinary Women TV with Shannon Skinner
& Martina Ernst, President & CEO Wo-Built
Image Credits: ThatChannel.com on blip

Extraordinary Women with Shannon Skinner

Every Tuesday 10:00 am (live on ThatChannel.com): Extraordinary Women TV with Shannon Skinner is a weekly talk show featuring one-on-one conversation with successful women from all walks of life, Canadian and international, who share their extraordinary insights on how they made it. Shannon marries her media expertise with her coaching prowess to unlock the secrets of their success.

Last month, Martina was a guest on Extraordinary Women TV with Shannon Skinner sharing her extraordinary insights: "Have confidence in yourself; confidence in yourself to know that what you are doing is absolutely right and you have no doubt of it." If you are interested in a career in the building trades, in designing and constructing homes from a women perspective, or would you like to hear top success tips this interview is certainly for you.

Audio-only version:

Watch the interview for Extraordinary Women TV Show: Shannon Skinner talks with Martina Ernst:

Extraordinary Women TV with Shannon Skinner on Blip: Shannon Skinner interviews Martina Ernst on ExtraordinaryWomenTV.com Host Shannon Skinner sits down with Martina Ernst, President & CEO, Wo-Built Inc., one of few female-led design and build companies in the Greater Toronto Area.

About this series: Extraordinary Women TV with Shannon Skinner is a weekly talk show featuring successful women from all walks of life, Canadian and international, who share their dramatic and/or extraordinary insights on how they made it. Shannon marries her media expertise with her coaching prowess to unlock the secrets of their success. Tune in, see through a new pair of eyes – and be inspired. For updates, visit: www.ExtraordinaryWomenTV.com Check it out: Shannon posted on her blog Extraordinary Women TV on April 8, 2012

Martina Ernst builds people's dream homes. As president/CEO of Wo Built, a women-led design/build company in Toronto http://bit.ly/HoqZtk

Success Strategies for Women & Trades Follow-up

Flyer: Success Strategies for Women & Trades
An event to accelerate women’s employment in non-traditional trades
Hosted by Centennial College, Toronto, March 6, 2012
Credit: Women’s Access to Trades Network

Success Strategies for Women and Trades
Date: 3/6/2012
Time: 9:00 a.m to 4:00 p.m
Location: Centennial College, Ashtonbee Campus
Who should attend?
This event will benefit all those who want more women working in the non-traditional trades.
centennialcollege.ca

#womenintrades

Today I attended the MicroSkills Success Strategies for Women & Trades Forum presented by the Women’s Access to Trades Network, held at Centennial College.

The event began with two great introductory speeches by Kay Blair, Executive Director, MicroSkills, and Karen Webb, Chair, MicroSkills Board of Directors.

Ann Buller, President of Centennial College presented a warm and welcoming speech, looking at the future of women in trades.

In Gail Smyth’s (Skills Canada-Ontario) uplifting speech highlighted the tremendous opportunities for women if given the right information and opportunities to advance.

Skills Canada has an amazing amount of programs that will help young women choose the trades as a career. According to Skills Canada, “we need to engage and enlighten young women to take the risk and go into skills trades.” The trades deserve recognition as good career opportunities for women.

I was fortunate to be the facilitator at one of the break-out sessions where we discussed the way forward of encouraging and retaining women in the non-traditional trades. Lively discussions and sharing of experiences made for really great insights which were all captured and will be of great help when the next steps are taken.

After lunch, a Success Panel convened on Leadership, Collaboration, Commitment. Discussions included strategies for getting women in the trades, provincial women's access to trades network - dedicated to accelerating women's participation in the trades.

The College of Trades presentation was very interesting and for anyone interested, check-out: The Labour Market Group: Ontario College of Trades presentation.

Thank you MicroSkills and Centennial College for hosting a fantastic forum on women in trades!

For more information on the Success Strategies for Women and Trades Forum, checkout our previous blog on the topic.

Martina Ernst
President/CEO
Wo-Built Inc. - Innovative Design and Build

Accelerate Women’s Employment in Non-Traditional Trades

Flyer: Success Strategies for Women & Trades
An event to accelerate women’s employment in non-traditional trades
Hosted by Centennial College, Toronto, March 6, 2012
Credit: Women’s Access to Trades Network

Women’s Access to Trades Network

Invites you to join us to celebrate and identify

Success Strategies for Women & Trades

Hosted by CENTENNIAL COLLEGE

An event to accelerate women’s employment in non-traditional trades

Featuring

• Launch of Provincial Women’s Access To Trades Network
• Success strategies in recruiting, training and employment
• Conditions for success - what we need to do more of
• Opportunity- envision what needs to change for change to occur
• Update on status of College of Trades

Who Should Attend?
All those who want to see more women succeed in non-traditional trades

When
Date: Tuesday March 6, 2012 - 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.

RSVP: By February 24, 2012 with Rebecca Anderson
Phone: (416) 247-7181 ext. 2328 or email randerson@microskills.ca

Location: Centennial College, Ashtonbee Campus
75 Ashtonbee Road Toronto, Ontario M1L 4N4

Public Transit Directions: From Warden Station, take the 68 Warden bus north to the campus. From Kennedy station take the 34 or 34C Eglinton bus westbound to Warden. Walk one block north on Warden to Ashtonbee Rd.

Funded by:
The Government of Ontario
The Canadian Women’s Foundation

Follow on Twitter with the hashtag #womenintrades

update:
Success Strategies for Women and Trades: Forum Description
Showcasing and enhancing best practices and illuminating ideas to accelerate change


Success Strategies for Women & Trades: Follow-up
Thank you MicroSkills and Centennial College for hosting a fantastic forum on women in trades!

links:
thecentre.on.ca: Provincial Women’s Access to Trades Network – Halton Information Evening
Join us for the Provincial Women’s Access to Trades Network – Halton Information Evening on February 28, 2012, 5:30 – 7:30 pm
Location: The Centre for Skills Development & Training, Burlington Site – Georgetown Room
RSVP by February 21, 2012, to matozzos@thecentre.on.ca
Posted on January 27, 2012 by scottd
cupe.on.ca: Success Strategies for Women & Trades [PDF]
Success Strategies for Women & Trades. AN EVENT TO ACCELERATE WOMEN'S EMPLOYMENT IN NON-TRADITIONAL TRADES.

wobuilt.com/blog: Save the date: March 6, 2012
Success Strategies for Women and Trades: Women Trade Forum

Fulfill Your Dreams, and Have a Great Career in the Trades

Poster: Women Transitioning to Trades
Moving On celebration
Friday May 7, 2010
5 - 5:45 Food and reconnect
5:45 - 6:30 Guest spakers & video
Georgina Quartaro - Dean, School of Work and College Preparation
Elida Huignard & Martina Ernst - Wo-Built Inc.
Dee Smith - Home Improvement Technology & Services
Nadine Sookermany - Parkdale Project READ
Dixon Hall Video
6:30 - 7:00 Gifts and Thank Yous
Credit: georgebrown.ca

Women Transitioning to Trades is a George Brown College program (funded by the Ontario Women’s Directorate) that is designed to make the skilled trades and technician training accessible to women who are looking for safety, support, independence and control in their lives.

This program works with you to help you identify and assess your skills and career goals as well as the skills and training required for a wide variety of skilled trades.

If you are interested in exploring the world of trades - this is a fantastic program.
Women Transitioning to Trades Program

We were looking through some older files and came across an event last year we were invited to speak: George Brown's Women Transitioning to Trades.

We hope many of the young ladies from that course were able to fulfill their dreams to have a career in the trades.

We wish them all the best and much success.

Martina Ernst
President/CEO
Wo-Built Inc. - Innovative Design and Build

Skilled Trades – A Rewarding Career: Building & Construction Trades Showcase 2010

Collage: WoBinna: Building, Construction, Apprenticeship!? Check It Out!
Building & Construction Trades Showcase 2010, Markham Event Centre
Saturday, November 27, 2010, 10:00 am to 3:00 pm
Credit: wpboard.ca

We at Wo-Built are pleased to support this great opportunity for students to find out about the trades organized by the Workforce Planning Board of York Region & Bradford West Gwillimbury, a non-for-profit, community-based organization working to develop solutions to local labour market needs and issues.

We would like to encourage everyone interested in joining the trades to attend the showcase. Our advice: talk to as many exhibitors as possible to find out if the trades are for you. Wo-Built Inc has the mission to encourage more women to choose the building trades as a viable and enjoyable career. Through our anime WoBinna & Friends we would like to create interest in young women to consider the trades as a possibility.

Event Details:

Building & Construction Trades Showcase 2010

When: Saturday, November 27, 2010
Time: 10:00 am to 3:00 pm
Where: Markham Event Centre
Location: 95 Duffield Drive, Markham, ON L6G 0A8

This special event is provided by the Workforce Planning Board of York Region and Bradford West Gwillimbury and funded by Employment Ontario.

Find out about rewarding careers in the construction industry.
Get the Facts on Skilled Trades

The Building Construction Trades Showcase is a perfect opportunity for you to explore and discover the many occupations and apprenticeship pathways available in the construction industry. Plus, you can interact with the experts and participate in hands-on, interactive displays.

Best of all... it's Free!

This is your chance to...

• Discover and get informed about Skilled Trades
• Talk directly to construction training professionals
• Learn about educational requirements and apprenticeships
• Ask about earning potentials, the future opportunities in construction
• Get involved with many interactive, hands-on exhibits

Who should attend...

• Students in grades 7 - 12
• Parents who are helping their child find a career
• Newcomers with construction qualifications
• Unemployed or changing careers
• Retraining or upgrading skills

Watch for special guest speakers and information sessions.

Skilled Trades... a rewarding career

Contact the Workforce Planning Board at: 905-967-0605
Email: tmsf@wpboard.ca
Web: wpboard.ca
Facebook: wpboard.ca/facebook
Twitter: @WPBoard

Follow WPBoard on Twitter:

Enter the Draw for an iPAD at the Building and Construction Trades Showcase. Talk to the experts November 27 about skilled trade careers. Nov 24th via web

Find out more about loans to help buy tools and equipment on November 27. It's Free! Nov 17th via web

New apprentices can receive a loan to help them buy the tools and equipment to perform the trade in which they are registered. Nov 17th via web

Tales from the Renovation Track: Why Customers Should Never Be Their Own General Contractors

Collage: It Pays to Have a Good General Contractor
Credits: MS Office ClipArt - mp900399496

Here is the latest installment of Janice Bell’s now famous Tales from the Renovation Track – the series of articles One Woman’s Experiences of Being a Renovator. Now the understanding of why customers should never be their own general contractors.

Part 13 - Why Customers Should Never Be Their Own General Contractors

If you are considering a sizable reno to your existing home or office sometime in the future, I would advise you right now that you should not attempt to be your own general contractor. Why, you may ask? Because there is so much more you should know about renovations and construction than meets the eye. I can tell you first hand, that it is imperative that you do not attempt this if you have little or no construction experience. And, it is particularly true if you have to be at a full time job during said renovations and can only be on the site part of the time.

Your first mistake is not being accessible on site at all times. You might think that because you are available via your cell phone that this is a bit trifling, but a cell phone is simply not good enough. There are always a multitude of decisions to be made on a daily basis as problems may arise at any time, and you can be sure that they will. If you are not familiar with building jargon, you will certainly not understand verbally what the problems are to begin with. You need to be present to make those on-the-fly decisions or you will run the risk of delaying the trades and costing yourself more money and time delays. Sometimes though, the decisions are purely whatever option the customer prefers.

The second mistake, and this is a huge one, is timely coordination between the trades. I will give you an example of a customer/general contractor that I had experience with this year. The flooring guys were ordered in before the drywall on the walls was up. Here was this brand new beautiful oak hardwood floor, but Oh! I can't describe what a pain it was to ensure that the floor did not get marked up while I was drywalling, painting and placing baseboards. This whole process slowed me down considerably and also became a safety hazard as the floor was protected with sheets of 1/8 inch masonite whose edges provided ample opportunity for tripping. And if you get any drywall dust in between the cracks of any type of flooring, it becomes a major job to vacuum it out of there. And yes, you can put plastic down, but then it becomes slippery to walk on, and as a result becomes a safety hazard.

Ill timed coordination is costly too! The same customer ordered me to tear down the ceiling whereupon, once the joists were exposed, it became apparent that squirrels had eaten clean through the bridging between the joists. I was then told to replace all of the bridging. At the same time the in-floor heating contractors came in as a surprise to me and tore out all the bridging I had just put in! After they left, I had to reinstall it, thus costing this customer more in time and money.

A third mistake is trying to hurry things along a little too much. The same customer had ordered another tradesperson in to jack up the floor of the house. Now, this was a considerable amount, perhaps 2 inches or so. Normally, this is usually done no more than 1/8 inch per day at the fastest rate, but this customer was in such a big hurry that he ordered the fellow to jack it up all at once. Now, this request cracked all the lathe and plaster on the walls above the portion being jacked to the point where some of the lathe itself broke in two. After fixing this, I was told that I was too slow because the customer had gone on a website and found out that most drywall was done in three coats. I had to explain that this was not new drywall, but old plaster of which the lathe had to be repaired first and required more than three coats in some areas.

Trying to help doesn't make things easier either. The same customer, again, came in late one night and decided he was going to get the job done faster by sanding the dried mud of new drywall. I had put the third coat on already, and it just needed feathering at the edges. Not knowing there is a slight bow out over drywall joints, the customer proceeded to sand it flat, and re-exposed the paper tape which I then had to put two more coats on to fix. Again, more work, more time and more money.

Finally, naive customers are not aware of all the little details that go into finishing a job. The most common mistakes they make are not allowing enough offset from a sink backsplash to the faucets, so that your hands cannot get around them. Another common mistake is placing electrical boxes too close to doorways and then choosing wide casement which then has to have an ugly cutout to fit around them.

And one final thing to remember is that if you are the general contractor and something major goes wrong, you do not have the liability insurance to cover the repairs.

It pays to have a good general contractor!

Happy Renovations.

Janice Bell
Bell Renovating

2010 © Janice Bell

Tales from the Renovation Track: One Woman’s Experiences of Being a Renovator
Part 1: All in All
Part 2: Weld on Fire
Part 3: They Were Nailed
Part 4: It Pays to Be Honest
Part 5: Rural Renos
Part 6: Messy Is Costly
Part 7: Door Hell
Part 8: Just Where Do I Stop?
Part 9: Dressing for the Trades
Part 10: Very Painterly
Part 11a: Tricks of the Trade: Recaulking bathtubs / Placing peel and stick tiles
Part 11b: Tricks of the Trade: Wheelbarrows / Cutting a plastic pipe
Part 11c: Tricks of the Trade: Drywall mud / Admixtures
Part 12: When Common Sense Should Prevail
Part 13: Why Customers Should Never Be Their Own General Contractors
tinyurl: janicereno

Wobinna, Our Animated Tradeswoman & Friends Have Their Own Blog

Collage: Screenshot Wobinna & Friends Blog
Copyright 2010 © Wo-Built Inc.

We would like Wobinna, our animated tradeswoman, to connect with younger women to encourage them to enter the building trades. We want to create story lines that through humour and information will persuade young women to consider the trades as a career or at least will provide food for thought and discussions....
Announcing Wobinna's Own Blog,
by Martina Ernst, CEO - Wo-Built Inc

Exciting news!!

Wobinna & Friends is branching out and will be moving to her own blog!!

http//wobinna.blogspot.com

Wobinna and Friends was created to encourage more women to consider the trades as a career option. We are hoping through her adventures and light-hearted style that a young generation of women searching for a career path will be able to relate, and they will realize that there are more career alternatives open to them than just the traditional ones. Wobinna & Friends is interested in all aspects of the construction industry and will reflect this in the storylines.

So please, tune in to our Wobinna blog and follow the exciting adventures of Wobinna & Friends every week.

Wobinna deserves her own blog.

Lonya is the staff writer for Wo-Built Inc.

That's Women's Work Inc. Toronto: Guest Blogging on Social Values

Collage: A Screenshot of Martina Ernst's post "Social Values a Basis for Our Company"
on That's Women's Work Inc. Toronto blog.
Credit: Women's Art Gallery & Meeting Space at That's Women's Work Inc. Toronto

Martina was one of the guest bloggers on That's Women's Work Inc. Toronto blog and she posted an article Social values a basis for our company:

I felt really inspired by having read the previous blog entries and I applaud the journey some of my fellow August bloggers had taken. So, I would like to talk about our journey and share some of our philosophies with you. ...

We were happy to contribute to this great blog. Please read the many inspiring stories.

Wobinna and Friends: A Solo Class Assignment

Comic Strip: Wobinna and Friends: A Solo Class Assignment
Illustrations and story by Dawn Palfreyman
Copyright 2010 © Wo-Built Inc.

Panel 1

Mikki & Wobinna are having a sleepover at Wobinna’s house. Already in their pajamas, they lounge around in Wobinna’s room chatting about another class assignment in Shop Class. This time the assignment is a solo project.

Mikki (asking with great curiosity): How are you going to top that project from Shop Class now!

Wobinna (hugging her pillow trying to think of a suitable project): I know!! The next assignment is a solo thing so I gotta get my thinking cap on!!!


Panel 2

The next morning Wobinna and Mikki are sitting in the kitchen at the breakfast table still talking about Wobinna’s solo class assignment over their cereal. Mikki has a suggestion for Wobinna.

Mikki (helpfully): Maybe an architectural model of a development for your final project could work?

Wobinna (liking the idea): I could make it out of wood!! Very cool!!!

Panel 3

Wobinna is in her basement working over her model development. As she puts the finishing touches on her project, she is quite pleased with the finished model. She then decides to have a little bit of fun and starts to clown around with a story about the town.

Wobinna (with a slightly wicked grin): The sleepy town never saw it coming ... the attack of the 50 ft. woman, BWHA HA! HA!.....

Hope you enjoyed this strip.
Look for a new Wobinna adventure next week.

Wo-Built Inc. is dedicated to women in the trades. We created Wobinna & Friends to encourage women to look at the construction industry as an alternative career choice with a multitude of options. Wobinna & Friends is interested in all aspects of the construction industry. We would like to see more women explore the many opportunities open to them and become successful.

Wobinna & Friends and any associated characters, storylines and/or merchandise are the sole property and copyright of Wo-Built Inc. This includes all media.

links:
Wobinna Is Born
http://tinyurl.com/wobinna
Wobinna Built a Fabulous Doll House
http://tinyurl.com/wobinna1
Wobinna and Friends Built a Fabulous Lemonade Stand
http://tinyurl.com/wobinna2
Wobinna and Friends: The Joys of Shop Class!
http://tinyurl.com/wobinna3
Wobinna and Friends: A Solo Class Assignment
http://tinyurl.com/wobinna8

Wobinna and Friends: Class Assignment: Conclusion

Comic Strip: Wobinna and Friends: Class Assignment: Part 3

Illustrations and story by Dawn Palfreyman
Copyright 2010 © Wo-Built Inc.

Wobinna & Friends: Class Assignment - Conclusion (Part 3)

Panel 1

Wobinna and all her classmates crowd into the auditorium anxiously awaiting the start of the competition. The principal is on stage at the podium making his introductory speech while the judges and teachers look on.

Wobinna (in the audience): Tough competition Rob!!

Principal (loudly and with great enthusiasm): Welcome participants! Let me say, I’m proud of all of you!!


Panel 2

Wobinna, Rob and Paul are eagerly explaining to the judge how their project works. The judge listens intently and makes her marking as they all chime in. The project all put together and spread out on the floor is called the petroleum pelican.

Paul (excitedly): The head scoops, sifts and swivels. Into the containment body it goes!!

Wobinna (continues with just as much excitement): Opens and closes too!

Rob (not to be left out, chimes in as well): The remote controls all the action!!

Panel 3

All the winners are crowded onto the stage in jubilation. With arms outstretched and cheering in triumph they hold onto their trophies & prizes while the announcements of the winners can be heard in the background.

Principal’s voice in the background: This year’s auction was amazing. Very creative projects! Now ... to the winners and cash prizes!!!

Judge: 3rd Prize Team – "Ride Baby Ride" for $150.00! 2nd Prize Team – "Domed Domicile" for $300.00! 1st Prize Team – "Pelicans" for $500.00!!

Ride Baby Ride team jubilantly: We placed 3rd dude! Cool!

In conclusion Wobinna gives the audience the thumbs up while Paul and Rob wave. All three are clutching the 1st Prize cup!!!

Look for new adventures of Wobinna and Friends next week!!

Wo-Built Inc. is dedicated to women in the trades. We created Wobinna & Friends to encourage women to look at the construction industry as an alternative career choice with a multitude of options. Wobinna & Friends is interested in all aspects of the construction industry. We would like to see more women explore the many opportunities open to them and become successful.

Wobinna & Friends and any associated characters, storylines and/or merchandise are the sole property and copyright of Wo-Built Inc. This includes all media.

links:
Wobinna and Friends: Class Assignment
http://tinyurl.com/wobinna6
Wobinna and Friends: Class Assignment: Part 2
http://tinyurl.com/wobinna6b
Wobinna and Friends: Class Assignment: Conclusion
http://tinyurl.com/wobinna6c

Wobinna’s Dream Home Contest: Submission #2 Tree House

Image: Design Competition 2010

Wobinna Wants to Know: What's Your Dream House? Is It ...
#2 ... Maybe Lots of Nature, Like a Tree House ...
Illustration by Dawn Palfreyman
Copyright 2010 © Wo-Built Inc.

More ideas from the Wo-Built staff, this time about the tree house.
Dawn’s interpretation of a tree house is living in a tree with separate structures, but Lonya has a new take on it. Here is what her tree dreamhouse is all about.

The Tree House

In these days of green awareness and eco-friendliness, what could be more ideal than maybe ... a tree house? Not only does a tree house epitomize sustainability but it brings us back to a simpler and quieter time. A time when we were younger, innocent, and freer. And certainly, to a time when we could and DID let our imaginations run riot.

It seems that in these modern times, people are rediscovering tree houses and their joys and as such a few companies that specialize in tree houses have sprung up. Of course these are still for children only, but if you yearn to get away from it all, imagine living in a custom-built tree house just for you.

My dream tree house would actually be nestled between some trees away from prying eyes, but not necessarily IN a tree. It would be high enough off the ground to be able to walk underneath, a glassed-in area (sort of like a family room underneath your house) and supported by a number of beams.

There would be a staircase to access the main floor area. It would consist of a wraparound balcony and it would be divided into 3 rooms - 2 bedrooms and an open concept kitchenette, living and dining area with a huge bay window to be able to see the forest animals frolicking (remember this is a dream!) – but hopefully no bears!

Although I am a nature lover, but not really one for roughing it too much, an indoor washroom is needed with, of course, indoor plumbing. And being environmentally conscious my tree-house would have to be "green" (no pun intended).

This would certainly be my ideal getaway, away from prying eyes, back to nature and a more leisurely pace of life.

Lonya is the staff writer for Wo-Built Inc.

Next design idea: The Grand Staircase

Wo-Built Inc. is dedicated to women in the trades. We created Wobinna & Friends to encourage women to look at the construction industry as an alternative career choice with a multitude of options. Wobinna & Friends is interested in all aspects of the construction industry. We would like to see more women explore the many opportunities open to them and become successful.

Wobinna & Friends and any associated characters, storylines and/or merchandise are the sole property and copyright of Wo-Built Inc. This includes all media.

Wobinna and Friends: Class Assignment: Part 2

Comic Strip: Wobinna and Friends: Class Assignment

Illustrations and story by Dawn Palfreyman
Copyright 2010 © Wo-Built Inc.

Wobinna and Friends: Class Assignment continues (part 2)

Panel 1

Wobinna is in the workshop at Rob’s parent’s garage with Paul and Rob and their project all wrapped up (literally!) in huge boxes. Paul gives the thumbs-up, while Rob looks on with relief and joy at a job well-done.

Wobinna (with her arm up triumphantly declares with excitement): Yes!! All done... Great job guys!!!

Panel 2

Wobinna is in the driver’s seat of the van while Rob and Paul load up the boxes with the project into the back of the vehicle.

Wobinna: Have we got all the boxes?

Rob (looking around for any stray boxes): Ummm……..

Paul (panting and struggling to load a huge box onto the van): I hope so!!

Panel 3

Wobinna, Paul and Rob are in the auditorium with all their other classmates unpacking the boxes and setting up their project.

Paul (bringing in the last box): We got this in the bag!!

Rob (with enthusiasm): Fer sure man!!!

... to be continued.

Look for the exciting conclusion and the announcement of the winner next week!!

Wo-Built Inc. is dedicated to women in the trades. We created Wobinna & Friends to encourage women to look at the construction industry as an alternative career choice with a multitude of options. Wobinna & Friends is interested in all aspects of the construction industry. We would like to see more women explore the many opportunities open to them and become successful.

Wobinna & Friends and any associated characters, storylines and/or merchandise are the sole property and copyright of Wo-Built Inc. This includes all media.

links:
Wobinna and Friends: Class Assignment
http://tinyurl.com/wobinna6
Wobinna and Friends: Class Assignment: Part 2
http://tinyurl.com/wobinna6b
Wobinna and Friends: Class Assignment: Conclusion
http://tinyurl.com/wobinna6c

Wobinna and Friends: Class Assignment

Comic Strip: Wobinna and Friends: Class Assignment

Illustrations and story by Dawn Palfreyman
Copyright 2010 © Wo-Built Inc.

Panel 1

Wobinna is in her shop classroom as her teacher reads out their assignment. She gets a brainstorm and starts whispering excitedly to her classmate.

Teacher: New Project…Blah, Blah, Blah. You can win prizes!

Wobinna (whispering excitedly): I have an idea Paul! Let’s meet in the caf!

Paul listens intently.

Panel 2

Paul, Rob and Wobinna sit at the cafeteria table and talk excitedly about their ideas for the upcoming project over lunch.

Paul again listens intently and eats as Wobinna and Rob enthusiastically discuss their plans.

Wobinna: What about a robot that can clean the oil from the beaches?

Rob (waving his hand excitedly): Awesome! I think teach will love it!!

Panel 3

Paul, Rob and Wobinna are back in the workshop as Wobinna shows the boys her idea drawn out on paper. They go over their plans for the project and Paul and Wobinna start assembling materials and tools.

Wobinna (carrying some boards): You find it?

Paul (triumphantly): Ya, It’s over here!

Meanwhile Rob sets up a working area at his house.

Paul and Wobinna go shopping for the rest of the needed materials.

In a flurry of excitement the assembly begins.

... to be continued.

Stay tuned to the exciting conclusion of the project!

Wo-Built Inc. is dedicated to women in the trades. We created Wobinna & Friends to encourage women to look at the construction industry as an alternative career choice with a multitude of options. Wobinna & Friends is interested in all aspects of the construction industry. We would like to see more women explore the many opportunities open to them and become successful.

Wobinna & Friends and any associated characters, storylines and/or merchandise are the sole property and copyright of Wo-Built Inc. This includes all media.

links:
Wobinna Is Born
http://tinyurl.com/wobinna
Wobinna Built a Fabulous Doll House
http://tinyurl.com/wobinna1
Wobinna and Friends Built a Fabulous Lemonade Stand
http://tinyurl.com/wobinna2
Wobinna and Friends: The Joys of Shop Class!
http://tinyurl.com/wobinna3
Wobinna and Friends: A Summer Job Project Like No Other
http://tinyurl.com/wobinna4
Wobinna and Friends: Class Assignment
http://tinyurl.com/wobinna6
Wobinna and Friends: Class Assignment: Part 2
http://tinyurl.com/wobinna6b
Wobinna and Friends: Class Assignment: Conclusion
http://tinyurl.com/wobinna6c

Wobinna’s Dream Home Contest: Submission #1 Conservatory

Image: Design Competition 2010
Wobinna Wants to Know: What's Your Dream House? Is It ...
#1 ... Maybe Lots of Glass, Like a Conservatory ...
Illustration by Dawn Palfreyman
Copyright 2010 © Wo-Built Inc.

Earlier this year we resurrected our intention of hosting a Dream House contest and bit by bit it is taking shape. The contest explores the notion of the dream house or home and we want to see the many forms this can take.

Over the next several weeks we are going to publish several dream house designs concepts and stories from our staff. As much as we want to see your design ideas we want to hear the reason and the stories behind the dream.

Dream House Ideas Which Will Be Featured from the Wo-Built Staff

We are influenced by popular culture or movies. Many of our ideas come from the images we see. My personal favorites are often the designs of futuristic movies, such as the set for Blade Runner. Creating environments for the future apparently gives us the leeway of dreaming big, different or out of the box.

In an age where we as a society excel in mediocrity and where often the lowest common denominator rules this contest will push the envelope of home design, of ideas, of finding out what is important to you. Dream houses do not have to be realistic or obtainable. Part of the joy of dreams is that one works towards an ideal.

We will feature:

• the conservatory
• the tree house
• the grand staircase
• the condo
• the houseboat

The Conservatory

My idea for a conservatory started when I went with my sister to Doi Angkhang in the northern parts of Thailand close to the Burmese and Cambodian borders in 1999. Doi Angkhang is a research station which studies the viability of different crops that can be farmed successfully in the area.

When we visited, the facility had grown to several large garden compounds, cultivating fruit trees, vegetables and other crops and a simple resort. One of my favorite places was large tented area with its own stream/pond and walkways. Since then I wanted to own a conservatory, but not a small one attached to the house, but a small house attached to a large conservatory.

Even though the Thai facility did not have buildings attached to the green houses, the idea is really an extension of the court yard one. Court yards were used to regulate temperature, used for relaxations and other purposes.

I don’t like large living spaces for the sake of being large, but I love the idea of a large garden you can live in through out the year.

Therefore my dream home is a conservatory with satellite buildings.

The satellite buildings would house small bedrooms, offices, kitchen and bathroom facilities, but the bulk of the central area would be used for growing food (hydroponics), lovely dining experience and the relaxing living area (no TV) amongst the plants.

Martina Ernst
CEO
Wo-Built Inc.

Next design idea: The Tree House

Wo-Built Inc. is dedicated to women in the trades. We created Wobinna & Friends to encourage women to look at the construction industry as an alternative career choice with a multitude of options. Wobinna & Friends is interested in all aspects of the construction industry. We would like to see more women explore the many opportunities open to them and become successful.

Wobinna & Friends and any associated characters, storylines and/or merchandise are the sole property and copyright of Wo-Built Inc. This includes all media.

Wobinna and Friends: A Summer Job Project Like No Other

Comic Strip: Wobinna and Friends: A Summer Job Project Like No Other

Illustrations and story by Dawn Palfreyman
Copyright 2010 © Wo-Built Inc.

... summer has arrived ...

Panel 1

Wobinna and her friend, Micki enter Tamie’s Place, the local hangout where all the students from the neighborhood high school meet. As they enter, Wobinna turns to Micki and asks ...

Wobinna (curiously): How’s your summer job going?

Micki (smiling): Well ... you know ...


Panel 2

While having a cup of coffee Micki and Wobinna talk enthusiastically about Micki’s Project Management position for the summer.

Micki (excitedly): Let me tell you about my office reno, it’s gonna be like ... soooo sic!!

As Micki talks about her mental picture of the project, she explains its progress. During their conversation they both envision all the building activities.

Micki (giving building directions with vigor): I need this here ... Oh, and here ... And I want this here ... Especially there!

Builder (rolling his eyes in confusion and thinking Blah! Blah! Blah!): Where do you want the door?!

Wobinna (captivated by all the details): With all your explaining, building should be a breeze!

Panel 3

Micki takes Wobinna to the job site to show her the progress. To her dismay she realizes that her instructions where not completely understood.

Micki: LOOK! ... After all my explaining he still put the door in the wrong place!!!

Builder (looking more confused than ever, thinking to himself with a shrug): That’s what you told me you wanted.

Wobinna (thoughtfully): Maybe we have to draw pictures!!

Hope you enjoyed this strip.
Look for a new Wobinna adventure next week.

Wo-Built Inc. is dedicated to women in the trades. We created Wobinna & Friends to encourage women to look at the construction industry as an alternative career choice with a multitude of options. Wobinna & Friends is interested in all aspects of the construction industry. We would like to see more women explore the many opportunities open to them and become successful.

Wobinna & Friends and any associated characters, storylines and/or merchandise are the sole property and copyright of Wo-Built Inc. This includes all media.

links:
Wobinna Is Born
http://tinyurl.com/wobinna
Wobinna Built a Fabulous Doll House
http://tinyurl.com/wobinna1
Wobinna and Friends Built a Fabulous Lemonade Stand
http://tinyurl.com/wobinna2
Wobinna and Friends: The Joys of Shop Class!
http://tinyurl.com/wobinna3
Wobinna and Friends: A Summer Job Project Like No Other
http://tinyurl.com/wobinna4

Toronto by Night: It Was a Hot Night on the Town

Photo Collage: The Full Moon Fire Jam at Kensington Market in Toronto
2010 © wobuilt.com

Ever wonder what happens in Toronto after the sun goes down? Well this week, I visited with some people at Bellevue Square Park in the Kensington Market, who enjoy the night and who have a passion for fire and play. It was a "fire jam" where fire spinners, fire jugglers and other flaming entertainers come together for an evening of showing their skills on one of the city's dry splash pads. Flaming poi, staffs and fans and eating torches were all well represented there - even a flaming bull whip.

In the safety of bright twilight, before the real talent lit up, I tried the more simple manoeuvres of the practice pois. After about a half hour and with nightfall rapidly approaching, I decided the little bruises I acquired were a sign that I should not try this with fire. However, I was not disappointed because the performances that evening were....illuminating.

With J9 on the staff, Scarlet on the poi, Ari (another one, not me) on the bull whip and JQ on the flaming balls it was a hot night on the town. Actually, it really was. Each time the fire eater blew out flames, it warmed the air all over the splash pad.

There was also another skill demonstrated that night. It was a fire jam spa session where the girls lined up for depilation. Not hot wax, not razor and cream, but flaming hair removal! it was fast, painless (so they told me) and smooth as a baby's bum when done. I'll just have to take their word on it. For a brief moment, I thought about having them try to tidy up my Ignatieff eyebrows, but that was a really brief moment.

It's really dark when the show gets into its rhythm, so there are more bad pictures than good ones. Also, given that the performers are all playing with fire, I stayed a respectful distance from the action. That said, here are some of the highlights of what you can find in Toronto late at night when the kids are in bed.

____________________________________
This article was contributed by Ari Berman, a Management Consultant from Toronto, Canada, with a specialization in operations and process change. He has helped companies spanning aircraft builders to soda drink manufacturers to increase their value - finding and improving important details that never got attended to in past. His work in the construction industry includes overseeing commercial construction projects in retail shopping malls across Canada. He can be reached at 647-235-8181 or via e-mail on ari.berman@cmc-advisor.com.

link:
youtube.com: Kensington Market June 1, 2010: Fire Fan Dance: New Model Circus Army Fire Jam
from: StreetHeatStoryNMCA | June 02, 2010

Wobinna and Friends: The Joys of Shop Class!

Comic Strip: Wobinna & Friends: The Joys of Shop Class!

Illustrations and story by Dawn Palfreyman
Copyright 2010 © Wo-Built Inc.

... as time goes by ...

Panel 1

Wobinna must choose her course selection for grade 11. She and her Mom get comfortable on the couch and go thru all the options available to her.

Mom (excitedly): Oooh, wood shop, you should take that!!!

Wobinna (happily responding): That would fit!! PERFECT!

Panel 2

After finishing her first shop class, she puts her tools away into her locker. The girls just finishing their home economics class are whispering.

Blonde girl to her brunette friend (incredulously): Can you believe she has shop class?!

Two of Wobinna’s classmates spot her: There she is!!

Panel 3

Wobinna and her two (male) classmates are joking around in the school hallway while the Home Ec. girls look on enviously.

Brunette to her blonde friend: …and that’s not all she has!!

Hope you enjoyed this strip.
Look for a new Wobinna adventure next week.

Wo-Built Inc. is dedicated to women in the trades. We created Wobinna & Friends to encourage women to look at the construction industry as an alternative career choice with a multitude of options. Wobinna & Friends is interested in all aspects of the construction industry. We would like to see more women explore the many opportunities open to them and become successful.

Wobinna & Friends and any associated characters, storylines and/or merchandise are the sole property and copyright of Wo-Built Inc. This includes all media.

links:
Wobinna Is Born
http://tinyurl.com/wobinna
Wobinna Built a Fabulous Doll House
http://tinyurl.com/wobinna1
Wobinna and Friends Built a Fabulous Lemonade Stand
http://tinyurl.com/wobinna2
Wobinna and Friends: The Joys of Shop Class!
http://tinyurl.com/wobinna3

Wobinna and Friends Built a Fabulous Lemonade Stand

Comic Strip: Wobinna & Friends Built a Fabulous Lemonade Stand
Illustrations and story by Dawn Palfreyman
Copyright 2010 © Wo-Built Inc.

The Early Years...

Panel 1
Young Wobinna (about 10 years old) and her best friend, (Michaela, Micki for short) are lying in the backyard on the grass. It’s the week-end and they’re bored. They’re looking for something to do. Micki comes up with an idea.

Micki: Why don’t we set up a lemonade stand?

Wobinna with an enthusiastic response: H’mm….I like it, I’ll build the stand!

Panel 2
They are now in Wobinna’s room at her drafting table creating a plan for their lemonade stand. They’re both excited about the ideas that they’ve come up with.

Wobinna: What if we had an extra piece (of wood) here?

Micki (excitedly): Ooooh! And here!!

Panel 3
With the final constructed stand, they set up for business at their local park. With their unique design, they attract a lot of attention and sell a lot of lemonade!

Young couple buying lemonade: WOW! Cool stand!

Micki in response: (Yeah) She (Wobinna) loves to build!

We really hope you enjoy this story.
The next comic strip to follow!

Wo-Built Inc. is dedicated to women in the trades. We created Wobinna & Friends to encourage women to look at the construction industry as an alternative career choice with a multitude of options. Wobinna & Friends is interested in all aspects of the construction industry. We would like to see more women explore the many opportunities open to them and become successful.

Wobinna & Friends and any associated characters, storylines and/or merchandise are the sole property and copyright of Wo-Built Inc. This includes all media.

links:
Wobinna Is Born
http://tinyurl.com/wobinna
Wobinna Built a Fabulous Doll House
http://tinyurl.com/wobinna1
Wobinna and Friends Built a Fabulous Lemonade Stand
http://tinyurl.com/wobinna2

Wobinna Is Born

Photo-collage: Wobinna is born
2010 © wobuilt.com
Artist: Dawn Palfreyman

Wobinna, our animated spokesperson, our anime, is finally here. We first talked about having an animated tradeswoman about two years ago when it became apparent that we needed to connect with younger women to encourage them to enter the building trades. We want to create story lines that through humour and information will persuade young women to consider the trades as a career or at least will provide food for thought and discussions.

Please stay tuned for the first story.

Martina Ernst
CEO
Wo-Built Inc.

links:
Wobinna Is Born
http://tinyurl.com/wobinna
Wobinna Built a Fabulous Doll House
http://tinyurl.com/wobinna1
Wobinna and Friends Built a Fabulous Lemonade Stand
http://tinyurl.com/wobinna2
Wobinna and Friends: The Joys of Shop Class!
http://tinyurl.com/wobinna3

Affordable Housing Opportunities in Toronto: the City’s Plan

Screenshot: Housing Opportunities Toronto:
An Affordable Housing Action Plan (PDF)
Housing Opportunities Toronto HOT Action Plan 2010 - 2010 -
a comprehensive 10-year strategy for meeting
the affordable housing needs of Toronto's residents
Credit: toronto.ca

Anyone who is interested in affordable housing in Toronto should read the City’s proposal for action for this new decade (2010 – 2020).

We are looking at this document very carefully to see if we can be part of the building of new and the renewal of the existing housing stock. These are large scale projects that would allow us to train women in the building trades and at the same time help the community.

Martina Ernst
CEO
Wo-Built Inc.

About HOT Action Plan
A new Toronto Housing Charter is a key component of the Housing Opportunities Toronto HOT Action Plan 2010-2020, adopted by City Council August 5, 2009.
The Toronto Housing Charter - Opportunity for All is the first of its kind in Canada. The Charter is designed to guide Council and staff in their efforts to assist those who often face challenges finding affordable housing, from newcomers and single parents to seniors and those with disabilities.
HOT contains 67 recommended actions to be undertaken by the City of Toronto and the federal and provincial governments. It calls for new investment of $484 million annually for the next 10 years to help 257,700 households struggling with high housing costs or inadequate accommodation.
HOT will serve as a roadmap to guide federal and provincial investments, as well as public and private sector activity.
Credit: toronto.ca: Housing Charter Highlights HOT