Monday, June 23, 2025

Daniela Morales Is Building New Foundations in Canada

The Local 6 member gave up her career in Chile as a civil engineer to move to Canada, seeking a better future for her family

Guide magazine Local 6

By Lucy Lantz

BORN AND RAISED IN CHILE, the decision to move to a new country was not an easy one for Daniela Morales. She left behind a successful career, as well as family and friends and a country she loved.

For Daniela, it was all about the opportunities she wanted for her family.

“My decision to move to Canada was primarily based on the future of my family,” she says. “My husband came to Canada to continue his studies, and as a family, we saw this as a great opportunity for our daughter’s education and to improve our quality of life.”

After immigrating to Canada in 2023, Daniela and her family settled in Kitchener, Ontario, where she works for Zehr Construction Inc. as a general labourer. In leaving her home country, she had to give up the job title she had previously worked under for over 10 years. But, she says, she has no regrets.

“This opportunity has been very helpful, as it has allowed me to learn how things are done here,” says Daniela. “I remind myself that every experience is valuable and that I’m working toward my long term goals. Patience and perseverance help me stay motivated and maintain a positive mindset.”

SEBASTIÁN, DANIELA’S HUSBAND, CAME TO Canada as an international student, and she accompanied him with an open work permit, a visa that allowed her to work here.

Arriving in Canada, Daniela did not plan to begin immediately in the construction field, as she faced a significant language barrier. Although she had extensive experience in civil engineering, she knew she needed to take time to improve her fluency in English. Over time, she gained confidence in the language and then began to explore opportunities in the construction field.

Sebastián had done an internship at Zehr, which inspired Daniela to seek work as a general labourer at the same company. Her goal was to gain Canadian work experience and continue improving her language skills, as well as adapt to the local work culture.

In this position, she has been given the opportunity to help in the technical office and now spends her time organizing documents, preparing reports, and providing field support. Daniela is very thankful to her supervisor, Jessica Allin, who gave her the opportunity to start by assisting her in the office. She is enjoying the work but also continues to look ahead at her future.

“Currently, I am in the process of learning as much as I can and taking advantage of any opportunities that come my way,” says Daniela. “I am also considering the possibility of pursuing a postgraduate degree once we have residency, which will allow me to expand my knowledge and credentials in the Canadian context, while continuing to study English.”

DANIELA SAYS SHE DOES NOTICE differences between the working environments in Chile and Canada. She says that overall, these differences tend to be positive.

“Here, workplace safety laws are stricter and consistently implemented, which provides a safer and more organized working environment,” says Daniela. “Also, in Canada, communication between teams and project management seems more structured and focused on collaboration, while in Chile, hierarchies tend to be more pronounced.”

Daniela was pleasantly surprised by the way women are treated on construction work sites in Canada.

“What caught my attention the most when I arrived in Canada was the number of women working in construction,” she says. “In my experience in Chile, the construction industry is predominantly male. But in Canada, I have seen a much more inclusive environment, where women hold various roles, from operational to technical and leadership positions. This diversity in the workforce has pleasantly surprised me, and I greatly value it, as it shows a real commitment to gender equality and inclusion.”

It isn’t easy to navigate an immigration process, and it’s complicated to continue in a career where your native country’s credentials are not necessarily recognized. Despite the setback of working first as a civil engineer, and next as a general labourer, Daniela is not disheartened about the way her new country recognizes her abilities.

“I feel that my skills and experience are valued in Canada, although the process has been gradual,” she says. “What I truly appreciate is that, despite the initial barriers, I have always been given the opportunity to learn and grow within the industry. The openness and focus on professional development have allowed me to integrate, and I feel that my experience is starting to be appreciated more fully as I continue to adapt and demonstrate my capabilities.”

WHILE THERE IS MUCH TO be thankful for, Daniela reflects that there are challenges that continue with moving far from home.

“I miss many things about Chile,” she says. “Especially the food and the warm weather. I long for the delicious empanadas, asados, and, of course, the refreshing melon con vino during summer. The Mediterranean climate in central Chile, with its hot summers and mild winters, is something I also deeply miss.

“Additionally, I really miss the proximity of both the mountains and the ocean. Where I lived, we had the privilege of admiring the beauty of the mountains, and best of all, we were just a couple of hours away from the ocean.

“But more than anything, what I miss the most is being with my family and friends. Being far away from them is the hardest part. The warmth of the people and the strong sense of community in Chile make it a place where family and close relationships are always at the heart of everything.”

While she thinks fondly of Chile, Daniela has a love for her adopted country as well. She shared that she has grown in her appreciation for Canada in just a short time here.

“What I love most about Canada is how safe and clean it is,” she says. “I also really appreciate how much Canadians enjoy sports—whether it’s hockey, golf, or other activities, sports seem to be an integral part of the culture.

“Additionally, the stunning landscapes are something I truly admire. From the majestic mountains to the beautiful lakes and forests, Canada’s natural beauty is truly breathtaking.

“The food isn’t bad at all, and we’ve already had the chance to try some of the most typical dishes, like poutine and traditional Canadian drinks. Although I haven’t tried many more yet, I’m looking forward to it.”

WITH MUCH ALREADY ACCOMPLISHED IN her 30 years, Daniela has her eyes on the future.

“Over the next five to ten years, my goal is to continue developing myself as a professional in the construction field,” she says. “I plan to keep expanding my knowledge through further studies, such as a postgraduate degree, to strengthen my credentials and be better prepared for the challenges in the sector.

“My goal is to get involved in innovative and sustainable projects that contribute to infrastructure development in Canada, while continuing to bring my experience and skills gained throughout my career. On a personal level, I hope to keep building a stable life for my family, ensuring that we have a prosperous future.”

Throughout our conversation, one theme that shone through was Daniela’s love for her daughter, Olivia, and the dreams she has not only for her own future, but those she has for her child. She shared with me what she hopes her daughter learns from her parents’ story of immigrating to a new country and beginning a new life there.

“I want my daughter to understand that success doesn’t come without effort and that embracing new opportunities—even when they seem difficult or uncertain—is essential for growth,” says Daniela. “I hope she sees the value in staying true to herself—regardless of the obstacles she may face—and that no matter where life takes her, she can always make a positive impact and follow her dreams. I believe she has already embraced many of these lessons. For a seven-year-old who arrived in a new country without knowing the language, she has already learned so much, and we are very proud of her.”

Women Rule at Kitchener Building Project

Daniela Morales is currently working on a redevelopment project in downtown Kitchener, Ontario, where Local 6 members employed by Zehr Construction Inc. are converting a former office building into residential units. The new apartments will be used to house postsecondary students from nearby Conestoga College.

This project is unique in the construction world, as many of Daniela’s coworkers are women. The project management team consists almost entirely of women, and Daniela is one of several female labourers on the site.

Source: therecord.com

A Picture Perfect Side Hustle

On top of her work as a labourer for Zehr Construction Inc., Daniela Morales owns and operates a small business. Her online store, Petit Olivia Magnets, sells personalized custom photo fridge magnets.

Daniela was inspired by her own need to keep loved ones close. Helping people turn their photos and memories into physical keepsakes is important to Daniela, who knows the importance of staying close with people who are geographically far from us.

Check out her website at petitoliviamagnets.com or find her on Instagram @petitoliviamagnets.

Chile is Quite the Stretch

Daniela Morales’s home country of Chile is the southernmost country in the world, located in western South America. The country is long and narrow, stretching over 4,200 kilometres from the dry Atacama Desert in the north to the cold, frozen landscapes of Patagonia in the south. This is only 400 kilometres short of Canada’s length from north to south, which extends about 4,600 kilometres.

Chile has impressive geographical diversity, which Daniela spoke of in her interview. Towering peaks in the Andes mountains, beautiful beaches, lush rainforests, and frozen glaciers make Chile a haven for nature enthusiasts and adventure seekers.

Santiago is the capital, and the cultural and economic hub of the country. There you’ll find modern skyscrapers alongside colonial architecture.

Influenced by Spanish colonization, but also by indigenous cultures, the country has a unique and rich cultural identity. Chile is also well-known for its world-class wine, which comes from vineyards in the temperate and fertile valleys of central Chile.

From the stunning summits of Torres del Paine National Park to the mysterious Moai statues of Easter Island, Chile is not short on natural wonders. Its diverse landscapes, rich cultural heritage, and thriving cities contribute to its distinct identity in South America.

Source: britannica.com

Jessica Allin (site supervisor), Taylor Freiburger (health and safety representative), Daniela Morales

Huilo Huilo Waterfall: This is an impressive waterfall located within Chile’s Huilo Huilo Biological Reserve, a protected area covering a large expanse of native forest. The waterfall has a drop of approximately 50 metres.

Lake Caburga: Daniela and Sebastián’s daughter, Olivia, stands in a glacier-origin lake situated in Chile’s pre-Andean mountain range, known for its crystal-clear waters and landscapes surrounded by native forests.

Daniela Morales Is Building New Foundations in Canada

Women Rule at Kitchener Building Project

A Picture Perfect Side Hustle

Chile is Quite the Stretch

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