Excelling in the traditionally male dominated field of Health and Safety
“Every industry I’ve worked or volunteered in – from search & rescue to mining, oil and gas, and now telecommunications – has been male dominated, but I’m comfortable in this space.”
Overseeing the implementation of health and safety programming for a diverse company with employees spread across a large northern operating area is not an easy task, but Valerie Girard has always faced the challenge head-on.
Thanks to her focus and passion, her hard work is paying off. Since taking on the role as Health & Safety Advisor for Northwestel six years ago, Valerie has seen significant progress in the company’s health and safety culture. “I see an increase in how other businesses look at Northwestel as a model for health and safety. That’s my reward, assessing our progress each year and knowing we’re heading in a great direction.”
Valerie working on a capital project health and safety validation
at Northwestel’s Fraser Upper Site in British Columbia.
One could assume being a woman in her role introduces unique challenges, but Valerie appears to excel in this environment.
“Every industry I’ve worked or volunteered in – from search & rescue to mining, oil and gas, and now telecommunications – has been male dominated, but I’m comfortable in this space. Even if I’ve experienced ‘mansplaining’, I just listen with an open mind or let it go. I move forward knowing most things are being said with good intention.”
When building a successful career in a traditionally male dominated field Valerie offers one piece of advice to other women: “Know your strengths and rely on them, even if you’re being questioned. When a woman is strong and confident she can be characterized as arrogant, but when a man acts that way he shows great leadership. Don’t focus on the double standard. Things are changing and we must stay positive for the next generations.”
At Northwestel Valerie claims that honesty, transparency, with a touch of authority and maternal nurturing, has helped her fit into her role.
“The reality is that you can be what you want as a woman in 2021, especially when working for Northwestel. I can dress up as a cancan dancer during Yukon’s Rendezvous festival and express my feminine side wearing high heels at the office, but I am also completely comfortable in steel toe boots, reflective vest, with dirt on my hands, inspecting remote job sites. I never feel like I’m held back advising employees and management across the North on health and safety.”
Merging two worlds of entertainment and outdoor adventure.
#ChoosetoChallenge this International Women’s Day
From celebrating northern women in telecommunications and technology to recognizing the achievements and contributions of our female identified employees, International Women’s Day (IWD) is a time for Northwestel to take a step back and say “Thank you”.
We encourage our northern communities and leaders to challenge inequality and confront bias. On March 8, and every other day of the year, we #choosetochallenge because from challenge comes change. Want to share your own IWD moment? Learn more about this year’s “choose to challenge” theme, then share a photo on social media using the hashtag #choosetochallenge.
Continue your IWD 2021 celebrations by reading our other employee highlight stories:
