Mackenzie Zavitz has always been tenacious and passionate by nature, so of course, she brought those traits into her professional life when she became a small business owner. Mackenzie co-owned a movement studio, but after having to pivot and reposition the business multiple times to survive the COVID-19 pandemic, she was burnt out and ready to make a change.
Mackenzie had watched some of her female friends build successful and rewarding careers in the trades and, although she had never touched a tool, she became determined to do the same. Not knowing exactly where to start, something drew her to welding, so Mackenzie applied for a Welding Techniques program at her local college. It was there that her journey led her to Nikki Noble, Lambton College’s Welding Program Coordinator. She didn’t know it at the time, but Nikki would become a mentor and a prodigious influence in this new chapter of her life.
After graduating from the Welding Techniques program, Mackenzie eagerly started working as a welder and mechanic at a local railcar repair shop. Before she knew it, she had completed her apprenticeship as a brake technician, learning more about railcars than she could have ever imagined!
Shortly after, Mackenzie saw an opportunity to work at Dow. Coming from chemical valley in Sarnia, Ontario, she trusted Dow’s reputation, so she packed her bags and moved to Toronto, excited to continue building her career.
In March 2024, Mackenzie began working with Dow as a Logistics Technician In September of 2024, she accepted the role of Associate Operator in Area 2 of Dow West Hill, primarily learning how to process batches. Then, after successfully completing her Training Review Board for Area 2 and really leaning into that role, Mackenzie is now training on utilities and front-line maintenance as well as supporting the SPARKS UP program in partnership with Lambton College.
The idea of SPARKS UP started with Nikki Noble, who had always wanted to host an inclusive and accessible welding workshop for people who wanted to gain experience in the art of welding, without worrying about all the credentials. Mackenzie was inspired after seeing a presentation by Jess Macdonald, Community Relations Manager for Dow Canada, on opportunities for grants to support local initiatives. Immediately Mackenzie thought of Nikki and set out to connect the two, hoping to "spark" something that could help inspire others to check out what the trades have to offer.
In August of 2025, Dow and Lambton College partnered on a three-night SPARKS UP workshop in Sarnia, Ontario for those who wanted to learn more about skilled trades and give welding a try.
“I think it’s so important to give someone who has never touched a tool before the chance to practice at SPARKS UP because, not long ago, I was that person,” says Mackenzie. “I never thought that a career in the trades was possible for me, until I saw at a grass roots level other women around me succeeding.”
“Organizing the SPARKS UP workshop for the first time was a lesson in adaptability and growth,” said Nikki Noble. “While there were a few bumps along the way, nothing stood in the way of the participants’ success. Every attendee finished on time, proudly presenting a welded rose that captured their journey from curiosity to competence.”
Mackenzie is excited to continue to represent Dow and support Nikki as SPARKS UP continues to grow, giving more people the opportunity to test out the trades.
When she’s not at Dow, you can find Mackenzie teaching yoga, exploring the city with friends, heading back to her hometown to work on her classic car (a 1968 98 Oldsmobile), and pursuing her favourite creative outlets, including writing and movement-based practices.
