International Women’s Day is a chance to pause and reflect on the people behind the work, and the impact they have on one another. This year’s theme, Give to Gain, is about recognizing that when women are supported, encouraged, and given space to grow, everyone benefits.
At ATCO Gas, this shows up in real and practical ways. Women across field operations, leadership, and technical roles are building safer workplaces, supporting their teams, and helping other women see new possibilities for themselves. Here are a few of their stories, shared in their own words.
Taylor Wells, Service Operator
As a Service Operator, my role includes responding to gas odours, carbon monoxide calls, emergency situations, meter installs, and other gas system maintenance. Whether it’s emergency response or planned field work, safety is always the priority.
Working in a male‑dominated environment, inclusion matters to me. It means being given the opportunity to learn, grow, and try new things within the role, and feeling comfortable doing the work. Being trusted in taking on new tasks and responsibilities has been an important part of my development.
When it comes to Give to Gain, I try to support other women by setting an example and being open about my experiences. I believe women can do anything men can do, sometimes just with different tools or processes. I encourage women to try the trades by helping them feel comfortable, whether that’s through sharing resources or offering ride‑alongs so they can see firsthand that they are capable.
I’ve been inspired most by my mom, who has worked with ATCO Electric for almost 30 years. She’s shown me that hard work and dedication can open doors across the company, even in male‑dominated sectors. Outside of ATCO, Christine Sinclair has also inspired me by showing what’s possible for women, even in the face of challenges.
Kyla Belich, Senior Manager
In my role as Senior Manager, I support the Red Deer District Operations team by representing our people while ensuring our work stays aligned with broader business goals. My days involve working with municipalities and colleagues, solving problems as they arise, and balancing operational priorities with customer expectations.
An inclusive workplace, to me, is one where people feel respected, heard, and able to contribute without barriers. When individuals feel safe to speak up and share ideas, we make better decisions and deliver stronger results. In operations, trust and collaboration are essential, and inclusion plays a direct role in how effectively and safely we work together.
Give to Gain shows up in how I invest time and intention in our people. I focus on understanding their strengths, perspectives, and challenges so they feel valued and confident contributing to their best work. That investment leads to stronger engagement, better decision‑making, and more resilient teams aligned with business and operational goals.
Throughout my career, I’ve been inspired by people of all genders who lead with integrity, curiosity, and a commitment to helping others grow. Those examples shape how I strive to foster a supportive, inclusive environment where investing in people leads to meaningful gains.
Harjasleen Dhillon, Pressure Control Supervisor
As the Pressure Control Supervisor for the Calgary region, I lead a team responsible for above‑ground pressure regulation facilities. My work ranges from coordinating training to advocating for system and operator safety, and I also support this work through the Pressure Control Best Practice committee and WIDE initiatives.
Inclusion, to me, means safety in every sense. Feeling safe to show up as yourself, safe to speak up, and safe to do the work. Psychological safety helps teams stay focused, make sound decisions, and perform their work safely, which ultimately ensures everyone goes home to their families.
Supporting women is central to how I approach Give to Gain. I use my voice and visibility to encourage greater representation in operational roles by sharing my experiences and having open, approachable conversations. I make a conscious effort to recognize and encourage women in the field, knowing that visibility plays a critical role in attracting and retaining more women.
I’ve been inspired by many women who’ve succeeded in traditionally male‑dominated spaces, including my mother, who was an entrepreneur at a time when many Indian women were not running businesses. I’ve also been inspired by athletes like Haley Wickenheiser and Christine Sinclair, and by ATCO’s Chair & CEO, Nancy Southern, whose leadership reinforces what’s possible through representation.
Kaitlyn McNamara, Operations Supervisor
As the Operations Supervisor for the Yellowhead West district, I support natural gas operations across a large area, from Darwell to Jasper and Grande Cache to Breton. My team covers construction, operations, and service, and my role focuses on supporting them, so communities and customers receive reliable natural gas and strong customer service. Over the past few years, my work has also included significant emergency responses during wildfire events in the region.
To me, an inclusive workplace means valuing and encouraging everyone’s unique skills, perspectives, and experiences, and creating an environment where people feel comfortable bringing their whole selves to work.
In building and strengthening my team, it’s important to challenge assumptions and identify blind spots that can exist when diversity is lacking. As a woman in operations, I’ve experienced situations that didn’t feel inclusive, which has shaped how I approach leadership and encouraged me to foster open conversations where people can learn and grow.
When it comes to Give to Gain, I try to support women by being open and available to share my experiences. While there are still relatively few women in operations roles, I strongly believe in the value women bring to these teams. I work to create a safe space where women can talk about challenges or concerns without fear of being judged or minimized.
I’m continually inspired by the network of strong, intelligent, and supportive women across ATCO, many of whom I’ve built lasting friendships with through work. I’ve also been inspired by Corinne’s leadership; watching how she conducts herself and handles challenges has set a high bar for the kind of leader I strive to be.
