Building Community. Building Equity.

Joel Kitaka is a General Carpenter and community builder, advocating for equity, diversity, and inclusion in the skilled trades. As Chair of the Equity, Diversity & Inclusion Committee at Carpenters’ Local 27, he takes a hands-on approach to connecting the skilled trades with historically marginalized communities.

Motivated by his father, an electrician, Joel pursued studies in Construction Engineering Technology at George Brown College. He began his career as an assistant site supervisor in the ICI sector but soon discovered that his true passion lay in hands-on building. After completing a formwork pre-apprenticeship program, he joined Carpenters' Local 27, where he has since built a role not only in construction, but also as a bridge and mentor within the community.

Through his work as a Community Benefits Ambassador with the Toronto Community Benefits Network (TCBN), Joel supports youth and equity-seeking individuals as they navigate careers in the skilled trades. His outreach spans school visits, recruiting events, and public engagements across Toronto. His leadership has fueled impactful initiatives such as a $20,000 humanitarian build in Jamaica, to a seniors’ community garden project, to organizing Local 27’s inaugural Black History Month celebration through the Equity, Diversity & Inclusion Committee.

Whether mentoring future tradespeople or organizing on behalf of his union, Joel is committed to using the trades as a platform for opportunity, advocacy, and justice.