Construction remains a field where women are still building representation. Sophie Delaquis (Bachelor of Science Construction Project Management ’26, Architectural Technologies ’22) noticed that reality — and rather than simply navigating it herself, set out to create more opportunity, connection and support for the students coming up alongside her.

That instinct to build for others has shaped nearly every part of Delaquis’ SAIT journey.

Her path to construction leadership didn’t begin in a campus classroom. Delaquis started SAIT’s Architectural Technologies program online from Winnipeg before moving to Calgary, expecting to continue her studies in person. Instead, pandemic restrictions kept much of her second year remote.

Looking for a way to connect with students beyond a screen, she joined the Architectural Technologies Student Association, leading its marketing team while helping organize industry nights and networking events. At the same time, she maintained a 4.0 GPA, graduating with honours.

“Since a young age, I've always had to work hard to get to where I am,” says Delaquis. “That’s what drew me to be able to take on so much while still doing well in school. My classmates, small classes and my instructors helped me be successful in maintaining a good GPA.”

After graduating, Delaquis continued into SAIT’s Construction Project Management program. She noticed immediately how few women were in the classroom and how male-dominated the industry remained.

Rather than accepting that imbalance as simply the way things were, she thought about how stronger networks, mentorship and community could help create a different experience for women entering the field.

That commitment led Delaquis to the Construction Project Management Student Association (CPMSA), where she served for three years while maintaining academic excellence. There, she helped to strengthen internal operations, mentor volunteers and improve the association’s communications, marketing and financial management practices.

Her leadership translated into tangible impact for students.

During Delaquis’ involvement, CPMSA exceeded $100,000 in fundraising to support student programming, including lunch and learns, site visits, mentorship and employer sessions. In addition, CPMSA’s 2026 Industry Night brought together over 220 students and 130 industry members and was supported by 35 sponsors — creating opportunities that extended far beyond a single evening.

“I’ve seen several of my classmates make connections at Industry Night that later turned into internships and now, as we graduate, into full-time positions,” says Delaquis. “Seeing them meet industry professionals, build confidence and start discovering the direction they want to take in their careers has been incredibly rewarding.”

For Delaquis, those moments matter because they represent students beginning to see new possibilities for themselves and tangible pathways into their careers.

Throughout her studies, Delaquis balanced her academic and leadership commitments with hands-on industry experience, completing two internships with Mattamy Homes as a Construction Coordinator as well as an Architectural Technologist at Architecture 49. In August, she’ll be joining M3 Development Management as a Project Coordinator — a role she says was made possible through the relationships and opportunities she built during her time at SAIT.

Delaquis feels lucky and grateful to have met great classmates, instructors and friends during her time as a student. “Everything happened for a reason. It all led me to exactly where I am now,” she says.