Women Building Futures’ Board appoints New President and CEO

Published On

June 19, 2025

Landa Richards, Chair of Women Building Futures’ Board of Directors, and Bob Masterson, Chair of the Board’s Executive Search Committee, are pleased to announce that Carla Madra has been named the organization’s new President and CEO, effective July 7, 2025.

Ms. Madra will take over from Carol Moen, who after nearly six years at the helm of WBF, is retiring to focus on family and personal growth.

Ms. Madra is a seasoned executive and Chartered Professional Accountant with more than two decades of experience, most recently as a Partner with Ernst & Young in Edmonton.

She understands WBF’s mission. Throughout her career, Ms. Madra has been an advocate for women’s advancement and economic security, leading initiatives to advance women in leadership and foster inclusive workplace cultures.

“I am excited and humbled by the opportunity to lead the next chapter of this highly respected organization,” said Ms. Madra. “WBF’s mission to help women achieve economic security in industries where they are underrepresented is something I believe in wholeheartedly. Throughout my career I have worked to create inclusive spaces, and now is the right time for me to focus on that full-time.”

“We’re thrilled to welcome Carla to the organization,” said Ms. Richards. “With her professional expertise and personal experience, she is an ideal candidate to carry the WBF torch into the future.”

Mr. Masterson added, “Carla was a standout in a very crowded field of candidates. WBF’s mission and its reputation attracted a lot of very strong applicants and we thank them all for their interest. Carla has been described as an empathetic leader who fosters a culture of inclusion and inspires positive energy. I look forward to working with her.”

Ms. Richards thanked Ms. Moen for her tireless dedication to the organization and the people it serves. “Under Carol’s leadership, this organization has grown and helped more women achieve great things for themselves and their loved ones. In 2023-24, a record 284 individuals completed our programs, for a graduation rate of 95 per cent. Eighty per cent found employment in their chosen fields within six months of graduation. This is Carol’s legacy: hundreds of changed lives and an organization that is well-positioned to meet the future.”

Ms. Moen will remain on as a Senior Advisor to support Ms. Madra’s transition into her new role.

“Over the past six years, we have built a very solid team that will support Carla every step of the way,” said Ms. Moen. “WBF is in very good hands, and I can’t wait to see what lies ahead for our students, alumni and those who have yet to join our wonderful WBF family.”

Media inquiries: 

Andrew Hanon, senior manager,

marketing and communications,

Women Building Futures

780-932-7644

Ahanon@womenbuildingfutures.com

Background

Women Building Futures is a non-profit organization that offers skilled trades training programs to unemployed and underemployed women and gender-diverse individuals. We also offer commercial transportation training in Alberta.

We have been operating since 1998, and over the years have helped thousands of women take control of their lives through careers in the skilled trades and transportation industries.