KYLE PETERS
REPORTER-EDITOR

Ever since she was in Grade 5, robotics was Rubika Nanthakumar’s life. As a member of the First Lego League and robotics teams, she knew her life would never be the same after being part of them.
Since then, she has translated those skills into a degree in Construction Management. Currently in her third year, she follows an Architectural Technology diploma. “I realized that rather than the design aspect of things,” she says, “I was interested in learning more about project management.”
But as a woman in what is seen as a male-dominated industry, she struggled to prove herself — time and time again — that they are equal.
“The amount of times that men have watched me hold a lock cutter and asked me ‘are you sure you can do that?’ is ridiculous.” She recalls being on the high school First Robotics Competition team, as one of the few women. “I was even told ‘let the men do the work, Ruby’ once before. Sometimes I feel like I can’t show my full potential, because I was never given a chance.”

Lisa Frost completed a Fine Arts Bachelor Degree in 2016, but two years later she wanted to pursue a degree in more practical work. Calling the choice to switch over to Carpentry as her “eureka” moment, Frost has since found the sexism in her new profession to be double-edged. “I’m a tall, slim woman. I find that the guys are skeptical of me when I enter a jobsite, and don’t take me seriously until I quickly jump into a task and provide proof I can do the same work.” But she has found she’s been able to earn her place among crews — both by working hard, and volleying the jokes back and forth with the men. “There have been a few sexist experiences,” she adds, “but I make an effort to not focus on those.”

Both were inspired by women to follow their dreams . Nanthakumar found an ally in her middle school teacher, guiding her interest and providing her leadership and teamwork skills. “My science teacher, Ms. Pint, was the one to encourage me to be part of robotics. Today, she works for FIRST as an FLL coordinator and she plays a big role in encouraging other women to join STEM-related fields.” For Frost, the dozens of fellow artists who persuaded her to take another field managed to initiate some insight. “They all strongly encouraged I should switch paths,” she says, “Since I made the switch, absolutely everyone in my life has been supportive.”

For every woman doubting herself into entering a male-dominated field, Nanthakumar agrees the barrier should be non-existent. “We should not let anyone discourage us or limit our abilities,” she concludes. “Every woman deserves to live up to their potential.”