International Women’s Day: Racheal Bertrand & Rose Salvarani

International Women’s Day 2021 was on Monday, March 8. We reached out and connected with multiple women at NorLand to ask about their own work experiences and what IWD means to them. The responses were so overwhelming and inspiring, that we decided to feature one or two every week on our NorLand News page and social media channels, plus March is “History of Women” month! Teammates Get Treated Like Family, and we are proud to share these experiences and stories of our own NorLand women. This week, we are featuring Racheal Bertrand (HR Generalist, NorLand) and Rose Salvarani (Accounts Payable Administrator, BEL Contracting).

Racheal Bertrand
HR Generalist, NorLand

What does International Women’s Day (IWD) mean to you?

To me it’s a day to celebrate and honor all the women in our lives and give thanks for the sacrifices and achievements they have made, while inspiring the younger generations of women to leave their own mark on the world.

Is your role what you expected to be in when you started in the workforce? How did it change?

I grew up in a boy’s world, with brothers, around heavy machinery, and always had confidence I could do whatever I wanted and I would be successful no matter what it was. My Dad always told me from a young age, “always be able to look after yourself”. I had my first job at 12 years old. I have always been independent and resilient. I’ve made many choices and changes throughout the years but when I found HR I knew this was it. This is where I will leave my legacy.

What barriers have you faced, as a woman, in becoming successful in your role? How did you overcome them?

That women are the support roles, not leaders. I worked in an office at one time that would only hire women so the company could get away with paying them less. They kept all the employees in a state of “needing them” and fearful they would not be able to do anything else if they left. One day they sat everyone down as a group and told us that they could only give us each an 88 cent raise. That was the final straw. It was a slap in the face and I could feel the anger burning inside me. I needed to leave, fast. I secretly started going to night school at SFU, while working fulltime during the day, and positioned myself to leave, and strive for a better career where I would be valued and respected.

Based on your own experience, what advice would you give to women considering pursuing a career in this industry?

Do It! The construction industry is fast-paced, dynamic and very rewarding.  There is so many exciting things happening in construction. There are more women in the industry than before, but we are not where we need to be.

How important is it for women to lift each other up and what does that mean to you?

It’s important to support women, give them confidence by example, and recognize when they need an ear.  By lifting each other up, we become unified, stronger and more powerful to affect change.

On IWD, what is the most important message you want to send to young women thinking about their careers?

Question everything! Don’t accept things as they are. And you CAN have everything. 

This year’s IWD campaign theme is #ChooseToChallenge. How do you think we can choose to challenge our own industry in regard to IWD?

I think we can choose to challenge initiatives to attract and add more women to construction-based roles. Women are definitely underrepresented in the construction industry, but they make up a large portion of the workforce in general. Education and awareness for construction or trades careers should start in high school.

Rose Salvarani
Accounts Payable Administrator, BEL Contracting

What does International Women’s Day (IWD) mean to you?

It is a time to celebrate the amazing women in my life: daughters, family, neighbors, friends, and co-workers. Young and old and all those courageous women that have gone before us to pave the way of change to better our lives and the lives of those women coming after us.

Is your role what you expected to be in when you started in the workforce? How did it change?

As my experiences have opened my eyes, my role has changed throughout the years. It not only matters how you perform your responsibilities but also how you engage with your co-workers.These experiences have taught me to recognize the humanity in people in general and I am more willing to encourage those around me.

What barriers have you faced, as a woman, in becoming successful in your role? How did you overcome them?

The barriers of earning respect and not to be seen only as support in the Construction industry can be a daunting task. By being real, open, and courageous to build relationships (even with the toughest of characters) has given me some of my fondest memories.

Based on your own experience, what advice would you give to women considering pursuing a career in this industry?

Continue to be yourself and don’t let others dictate who you are, be prepared for challenges, shine your light bright while keeping your sense of humor, and do the best you can while respecting others. It’s the golden rule respect is earned.

How important is it for women to lift each other up and what does that mean to you?

Having co-workers to joke and inspire each other throughout the days can make the work environment a joyful and meaningful place. It changes the environment and makes you look forward to going to work every day.

On IWD, what is the most important message you want to send to young women thinking about their careers?

Know there might be setbacks, but you are an over comer and do what it takes to continue to evolve and innovate yourself, that way you will become the best version of YOU!

This year’s IWD campaign theme is #ChooseToChallenge. How do you think we can choose to challenge our own industry in regard to IWD?

By being open to engage, grow, and hire more women in all aspects of the industry outside of the traditional roles.