I've been operating heavy equipment for over a decade. When I was 19 years old I worked for the local Rural Municipality mowing ditches, patching roads, and eventually running a grader. I've been operating ever since, ranging from a zamboni to massive earth moving machines at a coal mine. I have felt welcomed by some and looked down on by others. It can be lonely and intimidating having no women by your side but it doesn't have to be. It can be rewarding and empowering to work among men and be treated with respect. There is a whole network of women working in the trades, let's join forces.