Women make up less than 5% of tradespeople in Canada — but that number is slowly yet surely rising thanks to industry leaders like Mary-Anne.
Based on Vancouver Island, Mary-Anne Bowcott, AKA The Lady Plumber, is the owner and operator of Westcom Plumbing and Gas Ltd., with over 21 years of experience in the construction and plumbing industry. A highly skilled tradeswoman and a powerhouse in the field, Mary-Anne has built a loyal social media following of over 300,000 by proving that women have a powerful place in the trades.
From overcoming adversity early in life to becoming a role model and mentor for aspiring and active tradespeople, she continues to break barriers and inspire the next generation.
Highlighting Impact of Women in Trades for Women’s History Month
As part of Women’s History Month, we wanted to spotlight women who are redefining leadership in historically male-dominated industries and hear their stories. Mary-Anne’s journey is one rooted in resilience, advocacy, and paving the way for others.
Rikka, President of Envol, had the honour of sitting down with Mary-Anne to talk about her story and the future of women in trades. What emerged was a powerful reflection on courage, self-doubt, and the choice to take up space.
From Fear to Force: Embracing Her Identity in the Trades
When asked about the biggest barrier she’s faced and how she overcame it, Mary-Anne’s answer was real and raw:
“Is my company going to be successful with people knowing that it’s owned by a female?”
She continued:
“The most significant barrier has changed a lot over the years. It really has. …But this was a very big deal and it was a very big decision whether to promote my company as a woman-owned and operated plumbing and gas company.
…I decided to hide it. And I went with a very corporate sounding name. …I didn’t even put my name on my business card for two years because I just was really afraid that people wouldn’t hire me because I was female.
…But I was very much wrong. It was just fear. And that had evolved into further barriers.”
Her vulnerability in sharing this moment speaks volumes about the pressure women face when trying to succeed in male-dominated industries. It also highlights how far she’s come — from hiding her identity to proudly owning her voice and platform.
At Envol, we’ve seen firsthand how stories like Mary-Anne’s can shape workplace culture — and how important it is for businesses to support women at every level.
“I had zero mentors because there wasn’t anybody that looked like me in the industry that I knew of anyways. And, you know, it wasn’t as easily accessible. …And so I just kind of figured it out as I went along, which is why now I do really try and go out of my way to mentor women.”
Mary-Anne is a strong believer in the power of mentorship as a tool for change. She knows that seeing someone who looks like you in a leadership position can be the difference between choosing to stay in the trades — or walking away.
Forging Her Own Path: How Mary-Anne Built Her Career in the Trades
Mary-Anne’s path to becoming a plumber wasn’t what she had originally planned. In fact, she stumbled into the trades almost by accident. But once she was in, she was hooked.
“I went to the [subcontractor] boss…the next day and asked him for a job and he put me on a roof with a bunch of guys and I ended up roofing for a bunch of years after that until I started plumbing.”
She quickly learned that success in the industry wasn’t just about technical skills — it was about resilience, hard work, and building the right connections. From gender bias to the absence of mentorship, she faced tough challenges. But instead of backing down, she forged ahead — clearing a path for other women to follow.
Changing the Blueprint: Mary-Anne’s Advocacy for Diversity, Equity and Inclusion
Through her journey, Mary-Anne has become a champion for diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) in the trades. She’s passionate about creating an environment where women feel welcomed, valued, and empowered. While she’s seen firsthand how much the industry has changed over the years, she’s quick to point out that there’s still work to be done.
Mary-Anne: “I see a lot of companies that are very inclusive and, you know, do their part to address all these things, but there’s a lot that sure don’t.”
Rikka: “And you know, you’re right. There are a lot of organizations who don’t have a strategy around this. And we’re a huge proponent of DEI being embedded into a strategy because it’s so difficult [as] a business owner, you know, you’re wearing so many hats. There’s so many things that need to be achieved. To add this bucket item to say ‘I need to have diversity’, like, what does that mean? It becomes really hard.”
At Envol, we understand that same reality. We’ve seen companies make genuine strides, and we’ve also supported those just beginning their DEI journeys. Change doesn’t happen overnight — it takes commitment, strategy, and the right partners.
Building a Platform to Inspire Women in Trades
It’s no surprise that Mary-Anne’s social media following continues to grow. She’s using her platform to rewrite the narrative and show the world that the trades aren’t just for men — they’re for anyone willing to get their hands dirty and work hard.
Her content resonates with women of all ages, encouraging them to break out of traditional paths and consider careers in skilled trades. She’s showing that success isn’t about fitting in — it’s about showing up, standing out, and building something meaningful.
Mary-Anne’s impact goes far beyond her own accomplishments. She’s using her platform to lift others up — building a community of women who support each other and believe in the power of the trades. By showing up, speaking out, and leading by example, she’s challenging outdated norms and proving that the trades aren’t just for men — they’re for anyone willing to do the work and lead with purpose.
“…It’s just definitely something to consider as well. If you’re looking at hiring a female, that it just might make your entire crew work a little bit harder and things get done a lot faster.”
Challenging the Status Quo for Women in Trades
In our conversation, Mary-Anne emphasized the importance of doing exceptional work, building strong relationships, and never shying away from challenging the status quo.
“You really, really had to prove yourself back then and you really, really had to learn how to keep your mouth shut … I have no problem now with being as vocal as I want on a job site.”
Her confidence has become a tool for transformative change. By claiming her own voice, Mary-Anne is creating space for others to be heard — and showing that strength comes in many forms.
Partnering with Businesses to Build Truly Inclusive Workplaces
At Envol, we’re helping businesses like yours integrate DEI into their business foundation.
Mary-Anne’s story is a powerful reminder of what’s possible when women are given the opportunity to succeed in industries like plumbing.
But opportunity doesn’t happen by accident — it’s built through intentional action, inclusive hiring, and cultures that empower women to lead.
That’s where we come in.
We partner with businesses across North America to move beyond performative DEI. From inclusive recruitment strategies to real-world mentorship initiatives, we equip organizations with the tools to attract, support, and retain top talent in traditionally male-dominated fields. We help companies shift mindsets, break down systemic barriers, and create workplaces where women are empowered to truly thrive.
Building a future where women like Mary-Anne aren’t the exception, but the norm, starts with businesses like yours.
Ready to make your workplace more inclusive and drive transformative change?
Book your free consultation with our team of experts today, and let’s take the first step together.