Growing up, PCL Constructors Canada Inc. (PCL)’s special projects manager Cheyanne Hammell witnessed her mother pursue success as a pilot in a male-dominated industry and become the first female captain in her company to fly a Boeing 757. Her mother’s passion inspired Hammell to focus on an exciting career in construction without being deterred by stereotypical gender roles. During a co-op term at PCL in 2005, her ambition to transform ideas into action kickstarted her love for building.
After three more co-op terms and completing her studies, she began working on some of PCL’s most complicated projects, gaining expertise in engaging project complexities to provide targeted solutions on a fast-track schedule. Her skillful contributions to projects like Ontario’s first accelerated build long-term care project Lakeridge Gardens – completed in just 13 months – combined with her strengths in communication, collaboration, technical ability and team leadership, position her as a key senior leader in her district.
Establishing quality relationships
Hammell’s natural drive to get involved in projects and contribute to greatness means that she eagerly engages with business goals, and forges long-term relationships with clients and other industry players. After working through various management streams, she earned her role as manager of PCL’s small-contractor services offering, special projects.
Hammell actively encourages young women to expand their horizons and explore careers in construction.
Placed in a division focused on supporting clients on the Toronto district’s unique, small-scale projects, Hammell’s ability to build relationships, get to know people and understand their drivers enables her to adapt her approach and provide customized, tailored solutions to best meet project needs.
Encouraging women in construction
As a member of PCL’s diversity, equity and inclusion committee, Hammell actively encourages young women to expand their horizons and explore careers in construction. Hammell brings awareness that an exciting career in construction is possible, while demonstrating PCL’s investment in a foundational culture of belonging and respect.
On Dec. 1, 2023, PCL announced that Hammell, a Mohawk College alumnus and trailblazer for women in construction, was awarded the 2023 Premier’s Award for Technology.
Presented at the Colleges Ontario Higher Education Summit in Toronto, the Premier’s Awards recognize recent and past college graduates from seven categories who have made outstanding social and economic contributions to their local communities, the province and beyond, and who have made important contributions to Ontario’s post-secondary system.
“(Hammell)’s transformational leadership and dedication to improving inclusion within the industry makes her an incredible role model to emerging students and established professionals alike,” said Marc Pascoli, senior vice president and district manager, PCL.
The recipients, chosen from nominations submitted by Ontario’s 24 public colleges, must demonstrate outstanding achievement related to their college experience and have made a significant contribution to their communities. A graduate of Mohawk’s architectural technology program in 2007, Hammell was inducted into Mohawk’s Alumni of Distinction this past fall in celebration of her professional achievements and dedication to improved diversity in the construction industry.
Hammell’s natural drive to get involved in projects and contribute to greatness means that she eagerly engages with business goals, and forges long-term relationships with clients and other industry players.
“The success of these individuals shows us how Ontario’s colleges are producing talented graduates with the knowledge, skills and experience they need to have rewarding careers and drive the growth of our economy,” said Minister of Colleges and Universities Jill Dunlop. “Their amazing achievements – from developing electric vehicle maintenance curriculum, to managing the design of a long-term care home that was completed in just 13 months – are strengthening the workforce in key provincial sectors and making a tangible difference in the lives of Ontarians.”
Moreover, Hammell was also recognized as a Top 40 Under 40 in Canadian Construction in 2022 and as a Women’s Leadership Initiative Champion in 2021. In 2020, she was the Toronto District recipient of PCL’s Robert Stollery Construction Leadership Award, given to one rising project management star per year who models excellence and inspiration. Hammell graduated from Mohawk College with an architectural technology diploma in construction management and holds both LEED Green Associate and LEED AP Building Design + Construction credentials. 