Big Sister WCW Spotlight: Meet Ruth Irene
This week, our Big Sister WCW Spotlight celebrates Ruth Irene, Senior VDC Coordinator at EllisDon Corporation, whose career combines engineering, technology, and a passion for improving how construction projects are delivered.
Ruth works in Virtual Design and Construction (VDC), Building Information Modelling (BIM), and digital project delivery. She enjoys using technology to improve collaboration, streamline project delivery, reduce risk, and solve complex challenges within the construction industry.
Her interest in STEM began with a love for problem-solving and understanding how things work. Engineering gave her the opportunity to combine creativity with analytical thinking while contributing to the built environment. As her career developed, she discovered a particular passion for digital construction and BIM because of their ability to help teams work better and deliver projects more efficiently.
Her journey has also required resilience. Working in industries where women have historically been underrepresented, Lisa learned the importance of continuous learning, mentorship, professional development, confidence, and perseverance.
Like many women in STEM, Ruth has also had to navigate moments of self-doubt and build confidence in environments where women remain underrepresented. She credits preparation, continuous learning, quality work, mentorship, meaningful relationships, and believing in her own abilities with helping her grow personally and professionally.
Big Sister Advice
Her advice to girls and early-career women in STEM is simple: do not wait until you feel 100% ready before pursuing an opportunity.
Stay curious, ask questions, seek mentors, take on challenges, and keep learning.
Ruth reminds us that success in STEM is not about being perfect. It is about resilience, growth, and continuing to show up with confidence, even when the path feels uncertain.
Read Ruth's Full Big Sister WCW Feature
There is more to Ruth’s story. In the full Big Sister WCW Spotlight booklet, she shares more about her STEM journey, the challenges she has navigated, the lessons that shaped her leadership, and her advice for girls and early-career women in STEM.
Download the free booklet below to read the full feature and save Ruth’s Big Sister advice for later.
Ready to Move Your STEM Career Forward?
LaunchHer Mentorship Program is a 12-week virtual cohort for early-career women in STEM in Canada, designed to help you build the career strategy, confidence, and connections you need to move forward.
Applications are now open.
