Her Story
About Joanna
Joanna Saunders serves as paint shop lead in railcar manufacturing and repair, a role she has held for the past 4 months after 4 years in the industry. She started her professional journey in retail and the food industry, including bartending, before entering a factory setting where she worked in interior blast as the only woman and later attended weld school. After a year away, she returned as a welder 2, advanced to welder 3, and secured her lead position. Joanna is pursuing a bachelor's degree in healthcare management and participates on her company's safety committee. She attributes her success to her determination to support her children and demonstrate that if she can achieve her goals, they can too, after previously working two jobs to provide them a better life. Her advice to young women entering male-dominated fields like hers is to never give up and not listen to what others say.
Her Interview
Ten minutes with Joanna
01What do you attribute your success to?
My determination to support my kids and show them that if I can do it, they can do it. I wanted a better life for them, working two jobs before this one to make that happen.
02What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
Do not give up and do not listen to what other people say.
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