EHRC is proud to announce two inspiring recipients of our bursaries for women entering the electricity industry— Laura Tyrrell and Jeniishaa Bhagudeva. These exceptional individuals are driving change and advancing gender diversity in Canada’s electricity sector.
The bursaries support women pursuing careers in the trades and STEM, celebrating those demonstrating excellence and leadership in traditionally male-dominated fields. Increasing
Women’s participation is essential to building an electricity sector that meets climate goals while powering homes, supporting industry and driving innovation.
EHRC is pleased to award $2,000 bursaries to Laura and Jeniishaa in recognition of their dedication, resilience and passion for shaping a more inclusive and sustainable energy future as they complete their education and prepare to enter the industry.
Meet the recipients
Laura Tyrrell – Trades bursary recipient
Laura is a first-year Electrical Apprentice based in Sooke, British Columbia. Employed by Houle Electric, she has spent the last two years learning the trade on the Cowichan District Hospital project (Quw’utsun Hulitun-ew’t-hw). She began her training in 2024 through the Watts program (workplace alternative trades training), an initiative designed to reduce barriers to entry for underrepresented groups in the skilled trades.
“Having started my career later in life and as a single mother, I couldn’t have afforded the training and costs necessary for the apprenticeship without it.”
Laura brings that same determination to the job site every day, growing her skills alongside an experienced team and embracing the many opportunities and career paths the trade has to offer as Canada’s electricity sector continues to expand.
“I genuinely look forward to going to work each day, to learn and grow my skills in the electrical field with an excellent team. There are so many opportunities, prospects and career paths in the trade which can and will benefit the world as a whole and I am excited to be a part of it all.”
Jeniishaa Bhagudeva – STEM bursary recipient
Jeniishaa is a fourth-year Electrical Engineering student at McMaster University. She recently worked with the Independent Electricity System Operator (IESO) on the Markets Forecast Integration team, where she gained valuable insight into electricity market operations, outage assessments and the importance of maintaining a reliable power system. Passionate about innovation and leadership, she is committed to contributing to Canada’s evolving electricity sector.
“Throughout my journey in engineering, I have been fortunate to learn from inspiring mentors and industry professionals who have shown me the impact engineers can make in shaping the future of energy.”
Jeniishaa channels her technical background and interest in project leadership into developing innovative solutions and is committed to helping build an electricity future that is more inclusive, more sustainable and ready to meet Canada’s growing energy needs.
“Seeing women contribute and lead within the electricity sector has reinforced the importance of representation and encouraged me to continue pursuing opportunities where I can create meaningful change.”
Building a stronger, more inclusive future
Laura and Jeniishaa exemplify the passion, resilience and innovation needed to shape the future of Canada’s electricity sector. Their achievements in traditionally male-dominated fields are helping break barriers and inspire greater participation from women across the industry.
Congratulations to Laura and Jeniishaa. Your leadership and dedication are lighting the way for a more diverse and sustainable energy future.
The next application period for bursaries opens on Feb. 1, 2027. Learn more at ehrc.ca/bursaries.
If your organization is interested in supporting the next generation of electricity professionals, opportunities to sponsor more bursaries for women are now available. To learn more, get in touch with our team at [email protected].