March 11, 2026
May Bchouti Named Canada’s Top Women in Safety 2026
As organizations across the world recognize International Women’s Day, Empire Roofing Corporation is proud to celebrate a major milestone within our leadership team.
May Bchouti, CFO & Director of Safety at Empire Roofing Corporation, has been named one of Canada’s Top Women in Safety for 2026 by Canadian Occupational Safety.
The national recognition highlights women who are making a meaningful impact advancing workplace safety, strengthening safety culture, and protecting workers across industries throughout Canada.
For the Empire team, this recognition carries special meaning. This year also marks May’s 32nd anniversary with the Windsor-based company, where she has played a pivotal role in shaping both the company’s growth and the safety culture that defines the organization today.
A Leader in Safety and Business
Throughout her career, May has built a reputation for combining financial leadership with a deep commitment to worker safety.
After joining Empire Roofing in 1994, she progressed from Financial Controller to her current role as Chief Financial Officer and Director of Safety. In that dual leadership position, she oversees the company’s financial strategy while also guiding the systems, programs, and culture that support safety across the organization.
Her leadership philosophy is simple but powerful: safety must be embedded into every level of decision-making.
Rather than treating safety as a compliance requirement, May has worked to ensure that it is a core value integrated into how the company operates every day — from leadership decisions to jobsite practices.
That mindset has helped shape one of the strongest safety cultures in the commercial roofing industry.
Building a Culture of Safety at Empire Roofing
Commercial and industrial roofing presents unique challenges, requiring teams to work at height, manage complex materials, and navigate constantly changing jobsite conditions.
Under May’s leadership, Empire Roofing has taken a proactive approach to safety — investing in training, systems, and leadership initiatives that prioritize protecting workers while delivering high-quality roofing solutions for clients.
One of the most visible examples of this commitment is Empire’s annual Safety Fest.
Each year, teams across Empire’s locations pause operations for a full day dedicated entirely to safety education and engagement. Crews participate in hands-on demonstrations, training sessions, and discussions focused on improving jobsite safety and strengthening the company’s safety-first mindset.
Safety Fest has become an important tradition within the organization and reflects a belief that safety culture grows strongest when teams learn together and share responsibility for protecting one another.
Recognizing Leadership in Safety
The Top Women in Safety 2026 award, presented by Canadian Occupational Safety, recognizes women who are shaping the future of workplace safety through leadership, innovation, and advocacy.
The award celebrates leaders who are making a measurable difference by improving safety standards, mentoring the next generation of professionals, and strengthening safety cultures across their organizations.
For May, the recognition reflects decades of dedication to building systems and teams that prioritize people.
“When I started in construction more than three decades ago, women in leadership — especially in safety — were rare,” says Bchouti.
“I’ve always believed that safety is not a department, it’s a responsibility. Building a culture where people look out for one another is the most important work we can do.”
Her approach emphasizes leadership accountability, continuous improvement, and empowering workers to take ownership of safety.
These principles have helped shape a culture where safety is not just a rule — it is a shared commitment across every level of the organization.
Leadership That Inspires Others
May’s influence extends beyond internal programs and initiatives.
Throughout her career, she has been a strong advocate for encouraging more women to pursue careers in industries where they have historically been underrepresented, including construction and safety leadership.
By mentoring colleagues and sharing her experience, she continues to inspire the next generation of professionals entering the field.
Her journey demonstrates that leadership in safety is not defined by job titles or policies alone, but by the ability to build trust, accountability, and collaboration within teams.
A Recognition Shared by the Empire Team
While the award recognizes May’s individual leadership, she is quick to credit the people around her.
“Being recognized among Canada’s Top Women in Safety is incredibly meaningful,” she says.
“But it reflects the commitment of the teams who live these values every day. Safety only works when everyone believes in it.”
For Ken Gascoigne, President of Empire Roofing Corporation, May’s contributions have had a lasting impact on the organization.
“May has played a pivotal role in shaping the leadership and success of Empire Roofing,” said Ken Gascoigne, President of Empire Roofing Corporation. “For 32 years she has helped mold this company — not only through financial management, but through her commitment to protecting the people who work here. This national recognition is incredibly well deserved.”
Continuing to Build the Future of Safety
As the commercial roofing industry continues to evolve, the importance of strong safety leadership has never been greater.
Through initiatives like Safety Fest, ongoing training programs, and leadership development across the organization, Empire Roofing remains committed to strengthening the safety culture that protects its teams and supports its clients.
For May Bchouti, the recognition as one of Canada’s Top Women in Safety 2026 represents an important milestone — but the mission remains the same.
To ensure that every worker returns home safely at the end of the day.
Learn More
Read more about the Top Women in Safety 2026 recognition:
https://premium.thesafetymag.com/ca-cos-top-women-in-safety-2026-may-bchouti/p/1
Canadian Occupational Safety announcement:
https://www.thesafetymag.com/ca/news/general/cos-unveils-2026-top-women-in-safety/547340
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