Women’s Day

My inspiration for entering the trades came from wanting a career where I could grow, stay challenged, and work with my hands. I’ve always had a natural interest in how things work, and becoming a technician gave me the chance to turn that curiosity into a skill. I’m also inspired by the opportunity to be a role model for other women—showing that we belong in these spaces and can succeed in roles that haven’t always been open to us.

I’m most proud of the growth I’ve achieved—both in my skills and in my confidence as a technician. I’ve taken on new challenges, built strong relationships with my team, and proven to myself that I can succeed in a demanding environment. I’m also proud that I can relate to my coworkers on a personal level. Being someone they feel comfortable talking to, someone who listens and supports them, has helped create a more positive and connected work environment. Those accomplishments have shaped who I am professionally and continue to motivate me.

Acceptance of the fact that we can accomplish the same tasks and work as an individual and a team to achieve our goals.

In a production environment, women continue to face barriers such as limited representation in technical and leadership roles, tools and equipment not designed with them in mind, and persistent assumptions about what roles they ‘should’ perform. Rigid schedules, lack of development pathways, and cultural challenges can also make it harder for women to advance. Organizations can address these barriers by ensuring inclusive equipment and PPE, providing unbiased training and development opportunities, offering predictable scheduling, and building mentorship and leadership pathways. Creating a culture of respect and belonging—where women feel heard, supported, and safe—directly improves retention, teamwork, and overall performance.

My advice for young women entering the trades is to believe in your abilities and invest in your skills. Take every training opportunity, ask questions, and don’t be afraid to step into challenging tasks. Build a network of supportive mentors, document your accomplishments, and advocate for yourself. You belong in this field, and your perspective and talent strengthen the trades more than you may realize.

To me, International Women’s Day is about honoring the women who came before me—women in my family, my community, and my workplace who worked hard, sacrificed, and made it possible for me to stand where I am today. It’s a day that fills me with pride, reflection, and gratitude, and reminds me of my responsibility to uplift and support other women.

I’m excited to keep building relationships, mentoring new employees, and helping create a workplace where everyone feels respected and supported. The culture in the trades is shifting, and I’m proud to be part of that change.

I feel valued at work when my contributions are recognized and when my input is genuinely considered. When I know my work matters, I’m more motivated, more engaged, and more willing to go above and beyond. Feeling valued creates a sense of ownership in my role, which directly influences the quality and consistency of my work.

If I could spark one meaningful change in the workplace for women, it would be ensuring equal access to growth opportunities—mentorship, leadership roles, and skill-building. Too often, women are capable and prepared, but not visible to decision-makers. Creating structures that intentionally support women’s advancement would not only benefit individuals but strengthen the entire organization by bringing more perspectives to leadership.

I worked in a sign shop that created the Central decals. My then-boyfriend started working for Central and I was drawn in by the culture and family feel. I was brought in to install decals for a customer that wrapped around the entire unit and I loved every minute of it.

Going from tech to foreman. While installing decals was the original thought when i was hired, I quickly realized how much I love working with power tools and putting together pieces of the enclosure puzzle.

I appreciate how many strong, capable women I see out on the floor.

I still see a gap in women in management. I understand this being a male-dominated industry but women can bring a lot to the table.

Don’t be afraid to learn new things.

It’s a day to celebrate the dermal gender and to bring awareness for change for women in the workplace.

The sky is the limit! I’m excited to be a part of the growth happening within the organization.

Honestly, it’s the little things. Praise for a job well-done goes a long way and Pete and Kris are great at giving it. It fuels the drive to do even better.

Radical transparency in pay, promotion, and decision-making.

My dad was a mechanic when I was young, and I often got to play in the shop or watch the mechanics tear things apart. Being in the industry and walking into our shops brings me fond memories and I am passionate about what we do here at Central Power. Whether it is getting to know individuals at the parts counter, getting to record field operations with sales and service, or planning an event where we get to interact with customers; I feel honored to work with this team every day.

I am incredibly proud of my team and this company’s ability to hire over 300 people within a year to fill our manufacturing operations. That is no small feat.

Last year, I attended an event for “Women in Equipment” and was very proud to see how many women are taking to the trades, whether in leadership or mechanic roles. And we are all doing it with such passion.

While no organization is perfect on any given day; I think the real barrier lies within ourselves. We have softer demeanors and tend to feel deeply rather than push through certain situations, leading us to feel overseen or wronged. Standing up for what we know to be right or true and finding the courage to have healthy debates will take us further than complaining of unfairness. It is difficult to find balance within the workplace at times, but is well worth the effort.

Find ways to learn as many areas of the industry as you can. The broader your understanding of the business and how the whole unit flows TOGETHER, not just within your role. Growth lies within the understanding of the big picture and how to help your team accomplish goals better than other teams.

Central as hired some great women both in field and in office, and I am grateful to know them. Women bring a differing perspective and touch to any project, and I see great beauty in that.

Watching this industry evolve is phenomenal. Our leadership team has evolved with it and it is a blessing to witness first hand how we keep changing to meet industry needs.

I love having a role where I get the opportunity to meet so many people within our company, as well as outside. Getting to brag on this company and our team members at trade shows to potential customers is the highlight of my work day. Getting to be myself and nurture relationships incredibly satisfactory to me.

That women start believing what we’re capable of earlier in our career. And perhaps that some people would restrain from speaking over others so frequently in meetings…

To make a difference and utilize my knowledge to grow our brand

Built 4 brands from the ground up, opening 600 locations

Being a woman from the early 90s to now, a lot has changed. The most impressive is seeing how woman have managed to balance the industry bringing a different perspective.

Being a woman in a predominantly male industry women sometimes have to work harder to earn trust. Not saying its not possible or achievable. It takes grit and passion to earn your place in the industry. No room for softness.

Follow your dreams, dont let anyone tell you that you cant achieve your goals. Remember to be humble, you aren’t perfect, you can make a mistake. Own it and move on.

Honestly its just another day. I strive to be my best every day.

The growth of the company excites me. To know we’re going to grow 1/3 larger in just a year….. I cant wait to look back and know I had a hand in building the Central empire.

I know I have a hand in making sure ppl go home in the same condition they came to work. I know that this creates balance for the employees. Their families need them just as much if not more than us.

Don’t be discouraged, keep pushing. We as women have come so far over the last 20+ years. We bring the balance the industry needs.

I stumbled into the world of EA by chance. I was a Commercial Lender for a major bank here in Kansas City. I was unsatisfied in my career and had put in my two weeks notice. The owners of the bank (a family) said no to my resignation, and said that I would now be working for them as their Executive Assistant. That’s where it all began!

Learning to flow like water, adjust to the many many changes that happen in the day in the life of an EA.

We were once thought of as lesser than our Executives, now we are thought of as Partners.

I personally have only seen self inflicted barriers in my profession. We are as good as we want to be. If an EA is not where she wants to be, then grow your skills, become a Rockstar the Executive can’t live without!

You are only as good as the bad habits you refuse to ingest. You are a professional, in a very important and valued role. Understand the politics behind your position, be an “ever learner”, improve daily, and you will grow leaps and bounds.

We are valued in the Marketplace, and that’s exciting!

The skies the limit, in my career and in my company!

I create value by giving back time to my Executives, freedom from carrying their work loads alone. It’s important for me that they come to know that I’ve got their back.

Stop playing the role of a professional and be one… you are an equal.

I always wanted to be a mechanic, and finally had the opportunity to go to trade school for Diesel Technology. It was a dream I always had, and made the decision to pursue it.

Starting a new career path at the age of 30, and having the courage to go into a field that was completely new to me. I am so glad I did, and Central Power hired me right after I finished school.

As a female field tech, I have had great experiences working in the shop and the field. Customers give me the same trust to fix their equipment as anyone else.

I don’t believe there are barriers as long as you are willing to put the hard work in, and show commitment to your profession.

Honestly, it’s just another day. My loved ones make me feel valued and special year round.

We are valued in the Marketplace, and that’s exciting!

Continuing to grow as a tech and learning something new every day. I am enjoying the journey, and plan to continue training and gaining experience.

I appreciate that Central Power hired me right out of school. They took a chance on me, and i will forever be grateful. I love what I do, and look forward to my future with CP.

This is a hard question. In my own personal experiences I have not had any challenges in my workplace because I am a woman. However I do recognize that not all women have the same experience as myself. Just do the best you can and chase your dreams, because the dream won’t chase you back!