Ahead of International Women’s Day, we had the pleasure of sitting down with Steacy Oliver, the dynamic force behind facilities and strategic projects at Providence Village. Steacy plays a vital role in bringing the Village’s vision to life—transforming spaces into vibrant hubs of community and connection where people can access integrated care and support services. She ensures that the Motherhouse runs seamlessly for staff, Sisters and subtenants, while guiding innovative third-party onsite developments that infuse energy into our community. In our conversation, Steacy shared how her work goes far beyond day-to-day operations and management—it’s about ensuring the enduring legacy of the Sisters of Providence of St. Vincent de Paul lives on in a thriving, evolving Village that serves our community today and for generations to come.
Steacy’s passion for her work is evident as she describes being part of a dedicated, mission-driven team at the Village. “What excites me most is being part of the team working to bring the vision of the Sisters to life,” she explains. For Steacy, every task, no matter how small, contributes to carrying out the Sisters’ vision, and building a welcoming and sustainable Village. “Our Sisters have given so much to this community, and through Providence Village their legacy will live on in the community long after they are gone,” she adds. The legacy of the Sisters, known for their compassionate care and service in response to the needs of the times, serves as a constant source of inspiration that drives her in her role. “The Sisters are incredibly intelligent, hard working, tenacious and innovative women. Their legacy inspires me to find creative ways to solve problems so we can help as many members of our community as possible,” Steacy reflects.
For Steacy, Providence Village is more than a project—it is an evolving community designed to foster connection and care. “Our biggest opportunity is to create a Village where partners can deliver their programs more efficiently and the members of our community can receive those services in a welcoming and caring environment,” she explains. Of course, turning this vision into reality comes with its challenges, such as finding the right partners for the Village and aligning them with the unique spaces within Providence Motherhouse and on the property.
However, that challenge is eased by working alongside fellow leaders like Laurie French, President & CEO, whose collaborative spirit is a cornerstone of the leadership team at Providence Village. “It’s refreshing to work for a team where women are leading and it’s a pleasure to work with Laurie and the other incredible women on our team,” Steacy notes. Their shared commitment to Providence Village’s mission inspires them to unite diverse perspectives and expertise to build a dynamic community where every employee contributes to realizing the Sisters’ vision.
“It’s refreshing to work for a team where women are leading and it’s a pleasure to work with Laurie and the other incredible women on our team.”
Steacy herself is instrumental in making that vision a reality. Drawing on her education, skills, and extensive expertise, she ensures the smooth operation of the Motherhouse while overseeing both internal and external development at Providence Village. Her journey into engineering and facilities management began with early encouragement and hands-on learning. A pivotal moment came when her grade 8 teacher, Mrs. Webb, suggested she take an Industrial Physics course in grade 9. That, combined with the inspiring and interactive lessons of Mr. Hopkins, her Industrial Physics teacher, laid the foundation for her future. “I ended up taking his class every year in high school, and at some point, he suggested I pursue a post-secondary engineering degree, which I eventually earned from Queen’s University in Mechanical Engineering,” Steacy recalls. Her journey from those early curiosity-driven experiences to her leadership role at Providence Village highlights the lasting influence of mentorship and early inspiration.
Over a 25-year career spanning roles in the automotive and construction sectors, Steacy has navigated the challenges of traditionally male-dominated industries. She recalls moments when she had to work harder to be heard and prove her value, even facing offhand remarks that underestimated her capabilities. “I feel it’s important as a woman when you encounter these types of situations to focus on the purpose of your work and not let it [the comments] bother you too much,” she advises. “I’ve been fortunate—over my career I have been privileged to work with far more collaborative and accepting male counterparts than I have challenging ones.” Steacy is grateful to see the shifting landscape in engineering and construction since she began her career, with more women now taking their rightful place at the table.
Building on these hard-won experiences, Steacy’s message for young women is a call for confidence and determination. “Always sit at the table, both literally and figuratively,” she urges. “Women can and should pursue whatever career they are interested in—women have a lot to offer in fields that have been historically male-dominated. Be confident; if you’ve put in the work you deserve any position you’ve earned through that work. Live with integrity—choose courage over comfort.”
“Women can and should pursue whatever career they are interested in—women have a lot to offer in fields that have been historically male-dominated. Be confident; if you’ve put in the work you deserve any position you’ve earned through that work. Live with integrity—choose courage over comfort.”
International Women’s Day holds profound significance for Steacy, both personally and professionally. “It’s important to acknowledge the impact women have made in the world because it wasn’t acknowledged for so long,” she reflects. However, her hope for her daughter and future generations is that there will come a time when such a day is no longer necessary because every day will celebrate the achievements and contributions of women.