This International Women’s Day, the theme “Give to Gain” reminds us that when we share our time, knowledge, and support with others, we create opportunities that benefit entire communities. Meaningful change often begins with individuals who are willing to invest in something bigger than themselves.
For Erika Woods, Civil Engineer – Land Development, giving is woven into every part of her career, from designing communities that address real housing needs to mentoring the next generation of women entering STEM. Through her work and leadership, Erika demonstrates how investing in others can create meaningful and lasting impact.
Engineering as Impact
Land development is the foundation of how communities take shape. It brings together housing, infrastructure, green spaces, and public amenities to create neighbourhoods that support everyday life. When done thoughtfully, it helps address housing demand while building stronger, more connected communities.
The Williamsburg Green Subdivision is a strong example. In addition to much-needed housing, the project incorporates community-focused features such as parks, activity hubs, a library, and a network of hiking and biking trails that encourage residents to stay active and connected.
Erika supported the project across multiple stages—from advancing housing applications to participating in municipal discussions with the City of Kitchener. Having contributed to the project throughout different stages of her career, Williamsburg Green reflects how incremental work can create tangible community impact.
“Seeing families move into these carefully curated spaces is a powerful reminder that sustained effort leads to meaningful change.”
A Full-Circle Moment
While Erika’s work shapes physical communities, she is equally passionate about supporting the people who will build the future of the profession.
Mentorship plays a powerful role in shaping careers, particularly in fields like engineering where women remain underrepresented. Early exposure to role models can help young people see possibilities they may not have otherwise considered.
For Erika, that moment came when she attended a Women in Engineering event as a high school student. Hearing directly from female engineers helped transform curiosity into a clear career path.
Today, she continues that cycle by volunteering her time to mentor students, support programs that encourage girls to explore STEM, and judge university capstone projects. By sharing her experiences, Erika helps ensure the next generation has the same opportunity to discover their potential.
A Culture Shift
Over the course of her career, Erika has also seen the engineering profession continue to evolve.
Engineering has long been a male-dominated field, where women have often been told they simply need to “toughen up” to succeed. For many, this meant adapting to a culture that doesn’t leave space for different perspectives or leadership styles.
Representation plays a critical role in changing that narrative. When women are visible in engineering: contributing ideas, leading projects, and shaping communities, it signals that success in the profession doesn’t require fitting into a single mold.
For Erika, leadership means helping create environments where people feel supported, respected, and empowered to contribute.
The Power of Giving
For Erika, the idea of “Give to Gain” is reflected in how she approaches both her work and her profession.
- Giving through engineering builds communities.
- Giving through mentorship builds future leaders.
- Giving through leadership shapes culture.
Together, these efforts create a ripple effect that extends far beyond any single project or career.
This International Women’s Day, Erika reminds us that when we invest in our communities and in each other, the impact multiplies.