Name: Ashleigh Kaliszuk
Position: Red Seal Crane Operator
Company: IUOE Local 955
Location: Edmonton, Alberta, Canada
What do you enjoy the most, working in the field of construction & development?
What I enjoy most about working in construction is using my voice and platforms to inspire other people, and to shed light on the abilities of women. In this modern world, there’s so much opportunity to promote ourselves and each other. We are in a perfect position to build upon the foundations that have been laid by women before us. I want to put my strength and energy towards the good I can do in this industry, and impact change.
Where do you see your life in the next 5 years, what possibilities are ahead of you?
In five years, I see myself still advocating for women, but at a higher level. I hope to be more established in my industry, as someone who helps to influence the changes we need to see for women. We need to incorporate more concrete diversity and inclusion plans into our construction industry, and I want to help initiate that movement.
If you could write a letter to a 13-year-old ‘you’ what would you say?
Believe it or not, 13-year-old me wanted to be a coroner! Even as a young girl, I never believed there would be restraints put on my career path because of my gender. If I wrote my younger self a letter, though, I would remind myself that I am capable of anything, and though there will be people who doubt you along the way, never take no for an answer.
What are 3 skills you have had to develop to get to where you are presently?
- Emotional Intelligence
- Patience
- Problem Solving
