Tara’s had an upward trajectory throughout her career at EECOL. She started in shipping and receiving, worked to her way to the front counter, then moved into outside sales for EECOL’s Data and Communication division.

 This new role meant being on the road and travelling across the province. To some this could sound intimidating but, with the support of her colleagues, Tara dove right in. “All of the branch managers were so great at helping me and making sure I felt comfortable. So, quickly, any nerves I had went away,” she says.

It wasn’t long before Tara was provincial supervisor of her division. She had gone from someone who knew nothing about the electrical industry to being a mentor for her own team. She’s been so successful managing others that she was asked to become supervisor of EECOL’s Lighting division as well, a new challenge she was excited to take on. “Every day I learn something new. And that's why I love doing what I'm doing,” Tara says.

Tara enjoys a steep learning curve. When she first started in the Lighting division, she took a fundamentals course alongside seasoned colleagues, engineers and lighting designers. Like the lifelong student she is, Tara studied hard and ended up with one of the top marks in the class. “I was so proud that I could do that. To me, that was a defining moment. When I put my mind to something, I can do it,” she says. 

Tara’s in good company in Alberta’s electrical industry. She finds herself surrounded by intelligent, hardworking people who remind her every day that by taking a risk, and forging a new path, she ended up right where she belongs. “We're a close knit industry with endless opportunities,” she says. 

As for the future? Tara has her sights set high and wants to continue working her way up at EECOL. She’d also like to see more women entering the industry, especially through the trade. “I think that young women need to just dive in,” she says.