Member Spotlight: John Sengia
Originally from Pennsylvania, John is a chemical engineer working in the climate tech space. He’s a digital nomad who loves travelling, seeing new places, enjoying the wilderness and doing lots of hiking. His work focuses on sustainable refrigeration systems, including heat pumps and chillers, as well as consulting related to climate policy for companies and, occasionally,…
Meet the Maker: Donna Onumara
Meet Donna, Yukonstruct’s Social Media and Community Coordinator! If you’ve spent time in the Makespace or CoSpace lately, you’ve probably seen Donna — camera in hand, chatting with members, or capturing the everyday moments that make Yukonstruct feel alive. As our Interim Social Media + Community Coordinator, she’s helping amplify the voices of makers, founders,…
Introducing Our 2026 Board of Directors!
We are grateful to the dedicated and amazing individuals serving on Yukonstruct’s Board of Directors for the upcoming term. Your leadership, expertise and commitment to our organization means so much to us, and we’re excited for what you will continue to build together. Hello Yukonstruct, I’m delighted to be working with an energetic and diverse…
Community Spotlight: Shanti Morrison-Doherty
Meet Shanti Morrison-Doherty, the founder of Balanced Bookkeeping, a Yukon-based business helping local entrepreneurs take control of their finances with flexible bookkeeping services. Since starting her business in 2022, Shanti has navigated the challenges of building trust, managing every part of her operation, and growing a sustainable business, all while staying true to her values…
Meet The Maker: Bec Weldon
Meet Bec Weldon, the new Makespace Program Coordinator at Yukonstruct. Since arriving in the Yukon in September 2025, she’s been on the hunt for creative communities and spaces where people can learn from each other, experiment, and make cool things. Safe to say, she found the right place. Bec is all about curiosity and trying…
Community Spotlight: Cheryl Rivest
Meet Cheryl Rivest, a longtime Yukon entrepreneur, artist, and absolute legend in wearable art. Cheryl’s work is driven by a genuine love for creating and connecting. From raising her family while building her practice, to adapting as the retail landscape changed, she continues to meet each new chapter with intention and curiosity. Her focus now…
Member Spotlight: Jodie McKitchen and Riley Denneny
Some partnerships just make sense, and Jodie McKitchen and Riley Denneny’s, is one of them. Both passionate about bringing people together, they met through community events and instantly connected over their shared love of creating memorable experiences. With strong backgrounds in event planning, community engagement, and relationship-building, they’ve teamed up to design events that highlight…
Member Spotlight: Candice Nicloux
Some entrepreneurial journeys start with a business plan. Candice Nicloux’s started with a simple question at Big Bear with a bold, “I can make you hot sauce.” What began as small-batch experiments in mason jars has grown into That Saucy Lady, a proudly Indigenous-owned hot sauce venture fueled by creativity, culinary skill, and a love…
Wrapping Up the First Cohort of the Hougen Group of Companies Mentorship Program
Whitehorse’s entrepreneurial scene just hit an exciting milestone. The first cohort of the Hougen Group of Companies Mentorship Program has officially wrapped up, bringing together emerging founders and seasoned business leaders for six months of learning, collaboration, and real relationship-building. Operated in partnership with Yukonstruct and the Whitehorse Chamber of Commerce, and proudly supported by…
Community Spotlight: Tara Larkin
We’re excited to highlight a leader whose work is deeply rooted in the North and grounded in purpose. Tara Larkin, founder of Pursuit Coaching Services and Eve Rising, has spent years helping people reconnect with who they are, how they lead, and what they’re capable of becoming. Raised in the Yukon and shaped by decades…
Meet The Maker: Dennis Athron
If you’ve hung out at Makespace, you’ve probably met Dennis, the creative whirlwind who’s always building, fixing, modifying, or dreaming up something cool. As he celebrates one year as our Operations Assistant, he’s become a big part of what makes Yukonstruct feel so welcoming and inspiring. From video art to vintage electronics, and from sculptures…
Introducing Our New Board of Directors!
A heartfelt thank you goes out to the incredible individuals who are serving on the Yukonstruct Board of Directors this upcoming term. Your commitment, expertise, and passion for our organization are deeply appreciated, and we’re excited to see what we can achieve together. ***** Hello Yukonstruct, Your new Board is actively working in service of…
Winefest Yukon 2025: A Toast to Community, Creativity, and Connection
We kicked off Winefest this year with a Premium Tasting Dinner at Belly of the Bison, where guests enjoyed an evening of exquisite pairings, elegant ambiance, and meaningful conversation. The intimate setting offered a chance to slow down and savour every bite from the beautifully prepared courses to the curated wine pairings that elevated each…
Member Spotlight: Meshell Melvin
From Ontario to Victoria, Atlin to Whitehorse — Meshell Mervin’s path as an artist has been shaped by movement, discovery, and community. Her creative spark was first lit at 19 while traveling in Kenya, when she painted a Baobab tree and realized she had found something she never wanted to stop doing. Since then, she’s…
Rural Entrepreneur Spotlight: Jane Mendoza-Mendez and Grace Mendez
Jane moved to the Yukon after spending almost ten years in Edmonton. She came with her family, and now her kids, aged 10 and 13, are growing up surrounded by nature and the warmth of a small town. One of the people who helped build that sense of community is Grace Mendez. She started Grime…
Meet the Maker: Dennis Trudeau
In March 2025, Dennis became the Makespace Program Coordinator after spending years in the federal public service. Looking for a change, he came across this role and saw something exciting. He had heard about Yukonstruct before, but when he learned more, he found a community filled with creativity, collaboration, and great people. Now, he is…
