10/19/2026
October is Women’s History Month in Canada, a time to recognize the women who challenged expectations and helped pave the way for future generations.
This month, we’re shining a light on Shelley Harding-Smith, a trailblazer in the electrical trades.
Born in 1955 in Windsor, Ontario, Shelley grew up tagging along to jobsites with her dad at the family business, Harding Electric. She persevered through a challenging apprenticeship and earned her Master Electrician certification at a time when women in the trade were few and far between, eventually going on to run the business herself.
But Shelley didn’t stop at her own career. She taught skilled trades in local high schools, mentored young people, apprenticed her son (who also became a Master Electrician), and established a fund to help local youth pursue careers in the trades. Her sister said people would remember her as “a fighter.”
Women like Shelley helped show that the trades are for anyone with the skill and drive to do the work. Every woman who challenged the status quo helped make the path a little easier for those who followed, strengthening our industry along the way.
That brings us to our own crew. We’re proud of the women at Osprey Electric: the technicians, apprentices, project leads and office team who keep things running. You’re a big part of why it’s brighter over here.
Thank you for everything you do!
