What does your typical work day involve?

What do you love most about your profession? Why did you choose this career?

At the end of a day’s work, I can see a physical structure, which I contributed to that improves the quality of life of the people in my community. Accomplishing engineering projects provides me with a feeling of satisfaction and pride.

When did you realize you wanted to work in STEM?

I am the eldest of two children. I was born and raised in the tiny country of Belize, located in the Caribbean. I moved to Newfoundland when I was 19 to attend MUN. My brother and father are also engineers, so it would be fair to say engineering runs in the blood. My father worked for our local power company when I was a child. My brother and I gained exposure to what it means to be an engineer by seeing his projects and work. If we were traveling around the country, we’d always stop to see some hydroelectric plant, substation, diesel generator, or transmission line. I was attracted to the practicality of engineering.

What were your favorite subjects in school?

What advice would you give girls, who are still in school, who might be considering a career like yours?

Why do we need more women in skilled trades and STEM?

Who was your role model? What about this person inspires you?

What do you do for fun? What are some of your hobbies/activities?

Outside of work, I love being physically active. I try, and fail… spectacularly, to play many sports. I love traveling, hiking and power lifting. The feeling of euphoria I get from a heavy lift in the gym translates to every aspect of my life. If I’m capable of squatting 225 pounds, then I can do anything!

What superhero do you relate to most? Why?

Anything else you wish to share?

I am a feminist. I am an immigrant, a person of color, a female in a traditionally male-dominated field. In most aspects of society, I am a minority. But, I know that I deserve the same opportunities and rights of any other person, and I’ve worked hard to achieve a degree of success. I advocate for all minorities, and I am living proof that diversity is important. I volunteer for WISE-NL and sit on the Provincial Advisory Council for the Status of Women. While growing up in Belize, I volunteered with other groups for indigenous rights, sexual and reproductive health rights, and youth rights & youth political participation.