This panel explores the vital role of allyship in creating inclusive workplaces and advancing women in skilled trades. Learn how to champion equity, break down barriers, and foster environments where everyone can thrive.
Moderator
Laurel Tokuda, Associate Dean Electrical, Safety, and Systems at NAIT, RSE and Master Electrician
Laurel Tokuda is a Red Seal journeyperson and master electrician who started at NAIT as an electrical instructor more than 11 years ago. She went on to become the first woman associate chair in the Electrician program, the first Jill of All Trades coordinator, the first woman department head in NAIT’s School of Skilled Trades and is now Associate Dean - Electrical, Safety, and Systems in the School of Construction and Building Sciences.
Several years after obtaining a university degree and pursuing a career in the arts, Laurel began her career as an electrician. She worked on numerous commercial and industrial construction projects in Alberta and BC and taught electrical basics to pre-apprenticeship students at Women Building Futures.
A strong advocate for diversity in the trades, Laurel has been involved with the Women Leading and Building Canada’s Future project since the proposal stage and frequently looks for opportunities to mentor, support, and recruit diverse tradespeople.

Panelists
Matthew Lindberg, Dean School of Construction and Building Sciences at NAIT, RSE Plumber
Matthew Lindberg is the Dean for the School of Construction and Building Sciences at NAIT and has been with the post-secondary for over 19 years. Matt started his journey at NAIT as an instructor within the plumbing and gas-fitting apprenticeship programs and has held various leadership positions including program chair, department head, and associate dean academic.
As a journeyperson and educator, Matt is passionate about apprenticeship and skilled trades programs, the opportunities that education provides for students and graduates and advancing the skilled trades. Matt is proud to be a member of the Alberta Board of Skilled Trades, sits on the board for Skills Canada Alberta, and has previously been an educational board member for the Canadian Apprenticeship Forum.
Matt is the Chair for the Alberta Deans of Apprenticeship and Trades and is also heavily involved with National Council of Deans of Apprenticeship, Trades and Technology which is the advocacy, and reference group on national issues affecting trades, apprenticeship, and technology education and training in Canada.
Having grown up in rural Alberta, Matt, and his partner Jason, are proud fathers of three teenaged children and live in Edmonton, Alberta.

Craig Prodahl, Electrical Instructor at NAIT, Journeyperson Electrician
Craig Prodahl is a journeyperson electrician who has been working in the electrical industry for more than 20 years. He has a wide variety of experience as a leader and mentor in commercial and industrial construction, in life safety systems installation and repair, and as an electrical instructor at NAIT.
As a husband and the father of two daughters, Craig is a strong believer that women can do anything men can do and supports initiatives that help women achieve successful careers in the trades.

Ryan Marshall, Academic Liasion - Apprenticeship Focus at NAIT, RSE BSE Parts Technician
Ryan Marshall is an Academic Liaison – Apprenticeship Focus at NAIT, specializing in apprenticeship programming and pathways into the trades. With a Red and Blue Seal as a Parts Technician and a background in apprenticeship legislation, Ryan is passionate about supporting learners and professionals at all stages of their careers. Currently pursuing a Business for Journeyperson Pathway to Management Diploma, Ryan advocates for inclusivity, equity, and allyship in skilled trades. Dedicated to providing a collaborative environment, Ryan believes in the transformative power of mentorship and representation to build a stronger, more diverse trades community.
