Ramona Soosay is the second child of five born to Sylvia Arcand and the late Corporal Ray Arcand in Edmonton, Alberta. A proud Cree woman raised on Alexander First Nation in Treaty Six Territory, Ramona has always carried the strength of her heritage with her.
“Being an Indigenous woman in trades means blending two worlds: the traditions and strength of my culture and the practical hands-on knowledge of the trades. It’s a powerful reminder that as Indigenous people, we are adaptable and capable of thriving in any field. Our hands are not just skilled—they are empowered by our history and ancestors. Every project I complete is a reminder that we as Indigenous women can break barriers, build futures, and forge new paths.”
Before stepping into the skilled trades, Ramona worked in various roles, including claims clerk, construction admin, and safety administrator at Alstom, where she was first introduced to the world of trades. Her curiosity and drive led her to explore different fields, but pipefitting captivated her. She knew she needed to learn more.
In 2015, Ramona discovered Trade Winds to Success, a pre-apprentice program designed to support First Nations people in trades. She enrolled in the Pipe Trades course, and after completing the sixteen-week program, she took the initiative to reach out to Superintendent Brent Fairbrother at Alstom, seeking an opportunity to get her start. The outpouring of support from Brent and the mentorship she received launched her career with UA Local 488, where she found not just a job, but a community that welcomed her as family.
“Trade Winds has been encouraging and a reminder that I was part of an important start to my career. They connected me to my path, acknowledged my journey, and have cheered me on every step of the way. For this, I am forever grateful.”
Since earning her Pipefitter ticket in 2019, Ramona has worked on a wide variety of projects, gaining experience and stepping into leadership roles along the way. She has held positions as Flange Management Lead, Planner, Materials Coordinator, Piping Foreman, and is currently working as a Flange Management Tech at Alexander-Waiward Industrial at Shell Scotford.
With every step in her career, Ramona has been surrounded by mentors and fellow tradespeople who have offered guidance and support, reinforcing her belief that Indigenous women belong in the skilled trades.
Her passion for the industry is deeply personal—her family has followed in her footsteps. Her husband is a plumber/pipefitter, her youngest son is a plumber and apprentice pipefitter, and her daughter is an apprentice pipefitter.
“This is my daughter’s second career, and two years ago, she made the choice to follow in my footsteps. She has successfully been on a project’s crew, learning every skill of being a pipefitter. Now, she is attending trade school to become a third-year apprentice. She has made me proud every step of the way.”
To Indigenous women considering a career in the trades, Ramona offers this advice: “Step into this world with confidence. There may be challenges, but they are the very things that will shape you into a strong, skilled worker. The trades need women—especially Indigenous women—because we bring a fresh perspective, dedication, and a work ethic that is unmatched.
Find your voice, speak up, and let your presence be known—whether it’s on a construction site or in a meeting room. Stay connected to your culture, as it will be your foundation in times of struggle, but also draw strength from the community of women in trades who are paving the way alongside you.”
Ramona is a lifelong learner, constantly striving toward self-improvement by setting and achieving new goals. She balances her demanding career with family, travel, golf, reading, and reconnecting with her roots.
Ramona is honored and humbled to be featured in this spotlight on Women in the Trades for International Women’s Day.
🔨 Watch Ramona in action!
📽️ Hear her speak at NABTU’s The Building Trades Tradeswomen Build Nations conference, the largest gathering of unionized tradeswomen in the world (2022).
🔗 Watch Here
