Women in Wood founders Jess Kaknevicius and Lacey Rose
Renfrew County can boast about hosting a group recently awarded for exceptional collaboration in supporting Canada’s forestry sector.
The Forest Products Association of Canada has named Women in Wood, a locally based, volunteer-run community where over 3,700 women from around the world working in, with, or for the woods can learn from and support each other, as the recipient of their 2025 Partnership award.
The award comes as founders Lacey Rose and Jess Kaknevicius celebrate 10 years of their group’s continued growth, including the creation of over 50 blogs, a private Facebook group, countless meet-ups, formal events, podcasts, interviews, presentations, and shared resources.
FPAC President and CEO Derek Nighbor is honoured to recognize the group, noting that he has “frequently heard about the difference Women in Wood has made to so many women in the sector,” providing critical peer support, career development opportunities, and a meeting place to help problem-solve, socialize, and provide mentorship.
Rose says she is humbled by the award and is “astonished at how Women in Wood still resonated with and brings people together after 10 years,” while Kaknevicius hopes “the next generation will continue to see the value of supporting other women along the way” through their work.
(written by Kasey Egan)
