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Celebrating International Women’s Day 2022
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Celebrating International Women’s Day in 2022

 

Peterbilt Pacific recognizes the importance of women within the workplace and the positive impact gender diversity brings to the industry. At Peterbilt Pacific, women make up 16.5% of the workplace. From management to behind the counter, Peterbilt Pacific is committed to attracting, growing and retaining a gender-diverse workplace while amplifying the voices of women within Peterbilt Pacific to create a more diverse and inclusive culture. For International Women’s Day, we asked female leaders to share their thoughts on the significance of this day and the importance of this celebration in 2022. Here is what they had to say.

 

Ruby Lindballe with her granddaughter.

Ruby Lindballe, Branch Manager, Dawson Creek

What International Women’s Day means to me…..
For me, being given the chance to prove that you are capable of doing a job regardless of what sex you are has changed my world.

I was a stay at home Mom for 12 years and the only experience in the workforce was a job as a Receptionist for our local Ford dealer before I got married and had children.
Just starting to look at possible jobs so I could get back into the workforce, I contemplated submitting a resume to Walmart as my qualifications were somewhat lacking. I ran into someone I used to work with at a previous job. I mentioned I was looking for a job and she suggested I contact my old employer to see if there was anything available. I did and was hired to clean shelves in the store. From there, my world spiralled in a way I never thought possible.

I was a sponge for knowledge, was always wanting to learn more and to progress to the next step. I had a great employer that saw the drive and potential I had. I progressed through the department from cleaning shelves to shipping receiving, to parts counter, where I did my apprenticeship, to sales and eventually to Parts Manager. This didn’t happen without any bumps in the way. I had four school aged children that still needed their mother. I was still a chauffeur, a teacher and their mom. If someone was sick or got hurt, I was there. Juggling work and the time spent with them was always a challenge. Having a Boss that realized that even though I was at work, I was still a Mom, was the best part of that job. Phone calls for 5 or 10 minutes after they got home from school was not frowned upon.

Over the years, things change and sometimes it’s best to move on. I was hired as a Parts Manager at Peterbilt Pacific Inc. in 2017 and have worked hard, put in a lot of effort and sometimes tears. But now I can proudly say I am now the First Female Branch Manager Peterbilt Pacific has ever had. To me, this has been a goal of mine for years, and without the support of my Co-workers and Leaders at Peterbilt Pacific, this goal would not have been attainable. Currently, between the Parts and Service departments, we have 7 women working in our Branch in various roles and I wouldn’t have it any other way. I see the same drive and potential I had and can’t wait to see where their futures take them.

Happy International Women’s Day!

Karissa Sheehan with her girls.

Karissa Sheehan, Warranty Administrator, Abbotsford

My 7-year-old daughter recently came to me with a problem she was facing. “Mommy, I want to be a chef when I grow up but I also want to own a veterinary clinic. I have to choose one I don’t know what to do or how to choose.”

What an idea. We can only have one passion, one focus?

The answer was clear. You will do both!!

Not only can you do hard things, but you can do ALL OF THE THINGS!

Let’s not just stretch the limitations we sometimes face. Let’s shatter them!

Karissa McDonald, Warranty Administrator, Abbotsford

“I remember going up to my grandfather when I was 5 or 6 years old and excitedly proclaiming “Grandpa! Grandpa! I’m a tomboy!” One of the boys had called me that, trying to insult me, but I thought it was the coolest thing ever. I’ve always swayed away from convention. I would bury nail polish that I received as a gift in the front garden & would, instead, claim the neighbor kid’s G.I. Joe’s. I would come into the house after a day of playing, covered in fresh bruises & scrapes, caked in dirt. I was very competitive in sports & in games of any kind. I’d be dressed in my finest for school pictures, they would have to go to photo re-takes because my hair would be crazy or because I’d participated in a water fight right before my picture was taken. Later on in life, I’d do vocals for a hard rock band. I’d show up to gigs, makeup on point, and members of other bands would poke fun at my band because they had a ‘chick’ singer. I took joy in seeing the surprised looks on their faces when I helped carry in the drum set & giant amplifiers.

It’s only been recent, in my mid-thirties, that I’ve reflected on the past & concluded this: I wasn’t “a tomboy”. I was a girl who was adventurous, determined, fearless & competitive. I was, and still am, tough yet sensitive, strong yet soft, headstrong yet kind, vigorous yet feminine, relentless yet compassionate. Labelling strong traits as only “masculine” seems so antiquated to me now. Those strong traits, along with my sensitivity, have served me well in all of my years as a woman in this world. My versatility doesn’t make me unladylike – in fact, my versatility is my superpower! And I wouldn’t change a thing.”

Suzi Thomson

Suzi Thomson, Parts Technician Outside Sales, Delta

Being a woman in a male-dominated industry is no cakewalk… It’s time for this to change by raising awareness and encouraging others to advocate for gender equality.

Working at Peterbilt Pacific has been a positive experience because they believe in equal opportunities by supporting women and helping them achieve their goals. I would like to extend my gratification and support to all the women who are currently working in male-dominated industries and to the men who continue to be active allies.

Megan Lund, Receptionist/Administrative Assistant, Dawson Creek

International Women’s Day holds extra special meaning to me since gaining employment here at Peterbilt. To be surrounded by strong and supportive women is comforting and inspiring. Our branch manager, Ruby is a true testament to this day. She is humble, kind, extremely knowledgeable and consistently shows true leadership. She guides her staff to meet their goals both individually and as a team. I am inspired daily by my co-workers who are determined, driven and confident in what they do. They go above and beyond to help our customers and fellow employees in any way they can. I instantly felt welcomed when I joined the team. It is an honor to be part of a group that motivates and encourages each other daily. Happy International Women’s Day!