When Lana first became a powerline technician, it was rare to hear of another woman working in the trade, and even less likely to meet another woman in the field. Lana set out to change this and connect women in trades in Canada’s electricity sector. The not-for-profit she founded – Women of Powerline Technicians – now connects women in trades globally.
Lana’s professional journey began at Hydro Ottawa in 2011. She progressed from an Apprentice Powerline Maintainer, building and maintaining the overhead and underground distribution system, to Field Operator where she worked on a rotational shift 24/7, operating high and low voltage equipment and responding to electrical emergency situations to safeguard people and electrical infrastructure.
As a Field Technician, she ensured projects were accurate, scheduled, and ready for execution by field crews. She currently holds the position of Supervisor of Metering Field Services with a local distribution company in Ottawa, Ontario, where she manages the day-to-day execution of metering equipment operations, installations, asset maintenance and renewal. She also serves as Chair of the Program Advisory Committee for Electrical Engineering and Powerline Technician programs at Algonquin College.
Lana officially launched Women of Powerline Technicians (Women of PLT) in 2016, in Ottawa, Ontario, Canada. Women of PLT is the voice from the field committed to increasing women in trade and technical role in Canada’s electricity sector and beyond. The organization advises leaders through a gender equity lens on how to advance their diversity and inclusion goals and offers programming open to men and women, with a focus of supporting women in early, mid, and late careers in trade and technical roles.
In the evenings Lana enjoys time with her husband and daughter, going out for runs, always reading a good book.
Source: Lana Norton
Image credit: Lana Norton
Find out more about Women of Powerline Technicians here.