Each morning before stepping onto site, Teresa recites to herself: “I am strong. I am worthy.”
For Teresa, daily affirmations are a practical tool that have helped her achieve great things. “I was struggling in my past, but I told myself that I am worthy, I am an amazing person, and I need to prove to myself I can do this.”
Today, she is an accomplished sheet metal worker with a Red Seal certification and an impressive working history. However, it wasn’t always easy. She recalled being the only woman in her welding course when she first had her start in the trades. “I couldn’t even reach to turn the power on. I needed to use a ladder,” she laughed. “But I carried on and I did the job.”
The Red Seal exam was a test of resilience. “I said, I really need the help. I really need to pass my Red Seal. By hook or by crook, I really need to pass this.” After several attempts, she reached out to our Coast Capital Road to Red Seal program team. She noted that the point of difference for the program was that the team truly believed in her success. “They helped me a lot to achieve my goals. It was a big transformation for me. I needed someone who understood my disorder, because I have the anxiety that attacks me all the time. From there they always helped guide me to be successful.”
Even today, Teresa says that her mentors still check in, cheering her on. “So those are the people that I needed in my life, right? Even after the Red Seal exam, they are still here for me.”
Walking the site with Teresa, it’s easy to see how much she is admired. Her colleagues describe her as a ray of sunshine—knowledgeable, approachable, and unfailingly positive. Teresa says that sharing her experience is part of her responsibility now. “I love to teach people, I love to educate them. I love seeing them have a transformation from zero to becoming successful. The gratitude she carries for those who supported her is evident in the way she supports others, always making them feel that anything is possible.
Teresa is strong in her belief that asking for help shows immense strength. “Keep on trying. I failed and I don’t mind it. I challenge myself, and I become a stronger person and I now love myself. Whoever is watching this, I want you to put it in your head that you’re not the only one. So don’t give up. Seek help. Don’t be afraid to ask questions, and always believe in yourself. If I’ve got this, you’ve got this too.”
For Teresa, the lessons extend beyond the exam. “Love yourself and express who you are, and give the best you can do for you to be able to succeed. The more skills you have, the more knowledge you have, the more you’re going to be a stronger person. And that Red Seal certification is forever.”
She remains deeply grateful—for her family, her work, and the community that supported her. “I have a beautiful family, I have an amazing job. I’m very thankful that I’m going to be a better person every day. I am very grateful. I love the people around me, and I love to educate.”
It was a pleasure to speak with Teresa, whose optimism is matched only by her impressive skillset. She believes in the strength of the next generation of tradespeople, and her leadership inspires others to persevere through their own challenges.
