International Women's Day: An Interview with Five of STEP's Female Professionals

In celebration of International Women’s Day and this year's theme #InspireInclusion, we proudly showcase five influential women from STEP. From instructing Class 1 drivers to HSE and HR operations, these remarkable professionals inspire inclusion and pave the way for diversity in the energy industry.

Dorota Capar, Driver Trainer, Red Deer, AB

Tell us a bit about yourself and your role at STEP.

I started with STEP in 2016 as a field professional on the logistics team. In 2017, I moved into a training role, and I have been a certified driver instructor ever since. During the pandemic, I went to drive for another company, which served as a great learning opportunity and brought me back to the basics of driving. It’s been incredibly rewarding to be able to take what I’ve learned and offer this knowledge to the driving students at STEP.

This year’s International Women’s Day theme is #InspireInclusion. What does that mean to you?

The women I work with inspire me every day. My first driving instructor was a very successful woman – she’s actually the person who first inspired me to join the industry. Breaking into the man’s world is hard, but it’s possible. To me, inspiring inclusion means recognizing women not because they are a woman, but because they worked hard to get where they are. It’s important to inspire women to do their best and to offer them a seat at the table. Including women will help everyone to be successful.

What piece of advice would you give to young women to succeed in their career?

Believe in yourself and surround yourself with positive and inspiring people. When I first started my career, I could have never pictured myself where I am today. I am proud to have worked with women who inspire me and encourage me, and I believe women supporting women can be a positive tool.

Khalea Hunter, HR Coordinator, Red Deer, AB

Tell us a bit about yourself and your role at STEP.

I was born and raised in Red Deer. I started with STEP in September of 2022. I started as a receptionist in the Red Deer Service Centre. An opportunity came up for an HR Coordinator role, and I applied. I have been a part of the HR team for a few months now. I am a member of the Red Deer social club committee; I am involved in the Smiley golf tournament planning and organization as well as the Christmas spirit campaign and other events we host throughout the year.

This year’s International Women’s Day theme is #InspireInclusion. What does that mean to you?

What #InspireInclusion means to me is that we need to inspire women from all walks of life to feel a sense of belonging and empowerment, to instill the courage that makes them feel not only welcomed in the workplace but embraced in every facet of life.

What piece of advice would you give to young women to succeed in their career?

My advice for young women would be to never stop learning. Embrace challenges as opportunities for growth, ask questions. Be confident in yourself and your ideas. Success is a journey, and every experience contributes to your growth and achievements.

Stacy Williams, HSE Administrator, San Antonio, TX

Tell us a bit about yourself and your role at STEP.

In my role as an HSE Admin, I am responsible for ensuring that the workplace is safe and in compliance with health and safety regulations. I communicate effectively with employees and prioritize the well-being of all individuals in the workplace.

This year’s International Women’s Day theme is #InspireInclusion. What does that mean to you?

To me, #InspireInclusion means taking specific actions or initiatives to promote diversity and equity within our personal or professional sphere. It also means actively seeking out and amplifying marginalized voices, advocating for inclusive policies and practices, and fostering a sense of belonging for all individuals. Ultimately, it is about creating a culture of acceptance and understanding where everyone feels seen, heard, and valued.

What piece of advice would you give to young women to succeed in their career?

One piece of advice for young women to succeed in their career is to believe in themselves and their abilities. It's important to be confident, assertive, and advocate for yourself and others in the workplace. Additionally, seek out mentorship opportunities, build a supportive network of peers and allies, and don't be afraid to take on new challenges and opportunities for growth. Stay focused, determined, and resilient when faced with challenges. Remember that your unique perspective and contributions are valuable, so don't be afraid to speak up and make your voice heard.

Jasmine Lim Tung, Marketing and Communications Coordinator, Calgary, AB

Tell us a bit about yourself and your role at STEP.

I was born and raised in Ottawa and moved to Calgary three years ago after completing my degree in communication and media studies. Growing up, I was heavily involved in the art community, which inspired my passion for all things marketing and digital media. Shortly after moving to Calgary, I began working at STEP and have been in my role as marketing and communications coordinator for just over two years. I am fortunate to work alongside a team of incredibly intelligent and talented women who inspire me every day. In my role, I lead and support a diverse range of internal and external projects in Canada and the U.S. This includes our social media, website, content creation, events, technical material, internal campaigns, and more. In my free time, I love cooking, dancing, fashion, music, and spending time with my friends and puppy!

This year’s International Women’s Day theme is #InspireInclusion. What does that mean to you?

To me, this year’s International Women’s Day theme of #InspireInclusion creates a conversation around building environments where all women are supported, empowered, and valued. This means championing equal opportunities for women of all backgrounds, fostering collaboration, and ensuring our voices are not only heard but genuinely respected in decision-making. I think this is made possible by cultivating a culture where women feel comfortable, are provided with the resources to thrive, and the representation of women in leadership roles is celebrated as a source of inspiration and guidance for future generations.

What piece of advice would you give to young women to succeed in their career?

Seek out learning and personal growth opportunities. It is important to build relationships and find mentorship with a diverse range of industry professionals. Don’t be afraid to ask questions, take the time to learn about our industry and why it is important, gain technical knowledge, and find external resources - there are tons of great courses, webinars, panel discussions, industry events, and associations to join. It’s also important to plan, work hard, and advocate for yourself and your unique qualities. Be proud of your ideas and accomplishments and share them with your peers!

Arlene Gibb, Accounts Payable Team Lead, Calgary, AB

Tell us a bit about yourself and your role at STEP.

I grew up in a small town in Manitoba, and I’ve lived and worked in Calgary for around 25 years. I grew up in a farming community and played tons of sports, including ringette and curling (which I still do to this day). I joined STEP in August of 2022 as Accounts Payable team lead, where I manage the team for Canada, and guide and mentor the people in my team as we assist our internal customers. We’re always looking for process improvements and how we can make our team the best it can be.

This year’s International Women’s Day theme is #InspireInclusion. What does that mean to you?

I believe inspiring inclusion means encouraging people to put their best foot forward and never give up on themselves. Personally, I never look at anything as an obstacle but rather, as a challenge to overcome. It’s important to take the challenges in your life and use them to better yourself.

What piece of advice would you give to young women to succeed in their career?

Always be positive and never give up. Sometimes it may be hard and a struggle, but it can be the biggest victory when you figure out how to work through that challenge and move forward.

Written by Emma Cleland