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"It's important to choose a style of learning that works for you, and Georgian's hands- on approach is what worked for me." 15 GEORGIANVIEW DIGITAL WINTER 2024-25 2024 PREMIER'S AWARDS | Lisa Bertram (class of 1989 and 1990) Civil Engineering Technology Municipal; Civil Engineering Technician "My time in the Civil Engineering Technician and Civil Engineering Technology Municipal programs offered me a different type of learning environment than what I experienced through my family's business, as well as different opportunities to apply the skills I was learning, all of which prepared me for the leadership role I hold today." For Bertram, these skills served as the basis for her own growth and the eventual evolution of her third-generation, family-owned company. She followed up her time at Georgian with an engineering degree from Lakehead University and an MBA from the University of Liverpool before finally returning to Bertram Construction, working her way up the ranks over the next 30 years through roles as estimator, project manager, manager, vice president and, ultimately, president. Bertram now helms the largest firm in Simcoe County— and the first female-owned-and-operated construction company in the area—using her vast education to significantly increase revenue and diversify the firm's business to include mid-to-high-rise construction and large-scale industrial projects. At the same time, she has also driven workplace innovation, establishing an employee shareholders' program and committing 10 per cent of annual profits to charitable organizations making a difference in the region. As the competition for top talent intensifies, Bertram's admiration for the Georgian experience has also defined how she's preparing her company for the future. Her firm actively recruits Georgian grads, who have benefitted from the same hands-on, practical training she did, and she uses her platform as a trailblazing business leader to speak with young people, particularly women, about careers in the construction sector. Even though her path seemed destined from the start, Bertram's success wasn't guaranteed. However, with a solid foundation from Georgian, she has not only built further upon her family's long history of excellence but has paved the way for a more inclusive and innovative future for the construction industry. Register for the Georgian Alumni Network to access your perks, expand your professional network, search for jobs, and enjoy all the benefits that your Alumni Association membership has to offer. Visit GeorgianAlumni.ca Join our exclusive ALUMNI PLATFORM