Why Engineering? I've always liked to evaluate a situation and find a valid, reasonable solution to move forward. In high school, I spent one day a month at the local science center as part of a science enrichment program in our school district. This exposed me to so much the world could off to me and I knew very early on that I would become an engineer.
School Days I was educated in Canada at Queen's University in Kingston, Ontario. I received a BSc of Applied Science in Mining Engineering in 1993.
My Day At Work A typical day at work includes evaluating projects or project components and guide the design process for completion of the project. I'm a multi-disciplinary manager with civil/structural, mechanical, electrical and mining/tunneling engineers.
Best Part I enjoy the challenge of finding all the puzzle pieces need to complete a project and working to put the right puzzle piece in right place to have a successful project.
Proud Moments I'm proud that I'm in a position to giving back to the engineering industry by mentoring young engineers. I think this makes my journey as engineer more relevant.
Challenges The biggest challenge I've met during my career is overcoming stigma that women didn't belong in the mine contracting, specifically shaft excavation and construction. It was 1993 and I don't know how many women were working for shaft sinking contractors in the field. By doing my job and listening and learning from those around me was paramount in getting acceptance and advancing my career.
My Family I am a wife of 26 years with a 19 year old child. My child just finished their first year of college. I also have 5 dogs and 7 birds, so life is can get busy and hectic. But, I like to keep busy so I don't mind.
Dreams and Goals My short-term goal is the become a leader in mentoring within the engineering community. This means engaging with young engineers. Working will girls and women who aspire to become engineers would be fantastic. I see working in an organization such Engineer Girl would help me with this goal. As for a long term-goal, I think I would be looking forward to making my retirement plans and to start putting them into effect.
Inspiration I had some issues during my childhood years and in high school I decided that I would take control of my own future. This drive for independence really sent me on the path to engineering. Over the years, I've had many peers and supervisors that I could look up to and emulate.
Want to be an Engineer? My best advise is to listen to yourself and block out any potential influences that may tell you that engineer wouldn't be a good career direction. Find a woman engineer that's willing to talk to you and provide advice, or just be there to bounce things off. I was able to block out the negative influences, but sure would have been great to have someone to talk to about an industry that most women don't understand.
Hobbies Although I've always been crafty, I started making jewelry as a method of de-stressing after work. There's a lot to be said about forging (hammering) metal and creating something truly unique that reflects you mood at that particular time and place. After I had so much jewelry made, my husband asked me what I would do with it all and I hesitantly said "sell it?" So, I started a small business and I've been selling jewelry in my local area.