What does your typical work day involve?

Typical work day this time of year (early December) us to wake up 3:30am, be at work for 4:30am. I’ll take my big yellow truck and go and assess the route I have Been designated for the winter, and check for hazards. Apply salt as needed. Sometimes we replace road signs, sometimes we fix potholes. And after I’m done that job for the day at 1pm, I sometimes work for a guy who owns a tractor trailer… I don’t stop much!!

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

This specific job can be very routine oriented, but I chose trucking in general because you have some freedom, you are always meeting someone new, always learning something new, and there is always an opportunity to try something new.

When did you realize you wanted to work in STEM?

When I was a young girl. I remembered i was always interested in my dads line of work (he worked for the govt in the winter too!) so I’d always be watching the window for the big yellow truck…. And my uncle use to drive tractor trailers, so that’s where that interest came from!

What were your favorite subjects in school?

Music, world geography, environmental science

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

Don’t listen to any negativity from anyone who hasn’t walked a day in this world (the world of trades) Yes, some days will be hard. And yes, some days you may feel defeated, but if your are truly the captain of your own ship. If you want it bad enough, the world is yours. One day you will wonder if you’ll ever make it, and then before you know it, you wake up, your tired, and your wondering who was crazy enough to give you a chance. Because here you are , lol Don’t give up. It will be hard. But it will be so rewarding, and sooo worth it

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

I don’t really have an answer for this. We do need more women in skilled trades, I am confident in saying that. I just feel workplaces are dropping the ball in regards to equality, and it’s about time they start putting their money where their mouth is lol

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

I have had many role models over the years, I can’t narrow down to just one. My role models are people who haven’t had it easy, struggle daily, worked hard to get where they are, but keep going despite the negativity and ridicule. You can learn so much from These people, and these people know it’s hard to make it, so more times than not, they are able to help you

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

When I’m not working (which isn’t often) I like to hang out with friends, make some hearty grub, and like to explore the rural crevices of the province

What superhero do you relate to most? Why?

Wonder Woman. Because, and I quote straight from Wikipedia lol: “ Wonder Woman is a compassionate caring, stubborn, opinionated, highly competitive, outgoing, immortal Amazon. Wonder Woman is a warrior born. She tries to avoid conflict but if pressed she will engage in battle and on occasion lose herself in the pleasure of battle”

Anything else you wish to share?