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Celebrating Women In Construction Week: March 2-8, 2025 - Shannon Adams

March 3, 2025

DRE Industries is proud to celebrate Women in Construction Week (March 2-8, 2025) by highlighting the incredible leaders driving the construction industry forward. As a female-owned and operated organization, we take pride in recognizing the trailblazers shaping the future of the industry. We sat down with a few exceptional women whose expertise, leadership, and dedication are paving the way for the next generation:

Join us in celebrating their accomplishments and the unstoppable energy of women in construction.

Having started in the construction industry in 2006, Shannon has years of development management and construction project management experience; initially as Site Clerk onsite, then through roles as Project Coordinator, Project Manager, Development Manager, and currently Senior Director, Project & Development Services at Canderel, leading all new mixed use high-rise residential condo construction in Toronto. Outside of the office, Shannon is an active member in multiple industry related associations. She believes in and promotes mentorship and networking opportunities in any and all capacities, and relishes the opportunity for shared experience and development of new symbiotic professional relationships.

What inspired you to pursue a career in construction, and what has kept you motivated in the industry?

I never planned for a career in construction. As a Fine Arts student, I wasn’t sure what I wanted to do until a serendipitous opportunity led me to a Site Clerk role at a Hoggs’ Hollow townhouse development in 2006. From there, everything fell into place. I’m grateful for the leadership and mentorship that shaped my career—learning both what to do and what not to do.

What keeps me motivated is the tangible nature of construction—seeing, touching, and experiencing the results of a team’s collective work. The industry is diverse, and the real estate community fits my mindset: work hard, play hard. Despite today’s challenges in the residential market, the demand for new homes will always exist, and we’ll continue shaping the communities we build.

What advice would you give to other women who are considering a career in construction?

Find your balance—what do you want to be part of, and what do you want to accomplish? Construction isn’t about men vs. women; there’s space for everyone. Women just need to be strategic in how we navigate and show up. The construction and development industry offers immense opportunity, with strong organizational support for those starting out through groups like CAWIC, CREW, TCA’s Women in Construction, and Build a Dream. Find someone in the role you aspire to, learn about how they got there—what they love (and maybe don't love) about their position and experience.

What is one misconception about working in construction that you wish more people understood?

First, construction is far more complex than it seems. It’s not just about following drawings and securing permits—every day brings new challenges, requiring quick thinking and constant problem-solving. Managing hundreds of people and tasks makes it challenging to be proactive, which is why I love the Pre-Construction and Design Development stages. These phases allow for thoughtful planning, detailed analysis, and the opportunity to refine processes for future projects.

Second, the rough-and-tough construction stereotype is outdated. Most teams respond well to female leadership when approached with respect, kindness, and humour. Yelling constantly doesn’t earn respect—staying level-headed does. When you rarely raise your voice, people know to take it seriously. I use the same theory in raising my kids; I don’t say no often, but when I do – I mean it. For construction teams, if you are known to have a level head and carry yourself with grace and mercy, people will recognize when an issue requires critical attention.

How do you balance the demands of a construction career with other aspects of your life?

When I was younger, I worked beyond the typical 9-5, sacrificing balance, social life, and sleep. Since leaving my marriage in 2016, I've navigated life without an equal partner at home, though we maintain a great co-parenting relationship. My two boys are now almost 11 and 13, and while I don't do it all alone, juggling their needs, conference speaking, meal prep, work dinners, laundry, and running a personal charity can be overwhelming.

I was raised to tackle what needs to be done without self-pity. Finding balance means reprioritizing my time and life. I take pride in succeeding in my career, raising kind humans, and giving myself the breaks I need when the pressure builds.

What skills or traits do you think are essential for success in the construction industry?

Success in any field comes down to how you show up:

As part of our Women in Construction Week series, we’re recognizing the achievements and impact of women making waves in the industry. Let’s continue breaking barriers and building a more inclusive future.

Follow DRE Industries on LinkedIn to see more inspiring stories throughout the week.