Title: Health & Safety Specialist

Company: Horizon Utilities Corporation

Location: Niagara Falls, ON, Canada

Sue Stangret initially wanted to go into teaching  after earning a bachelor’s degree from the University of Waterloo.  She was always creative with an interest in learning, so the profession seemed like a good fit. After experiencing downsizing and cutbacks, however, Ms. Stangret decided to reinvent herself. She was given opportunity to start a career in the manufacturing industry, where she took on leadership roles, such as quality control manager and foreman on floor. She then moved on into the engineering department. After joining St. Catherine’s Hydro (which eventually merged with Hamilton Hydro to form Horizon Utilities Corporation), Ms. Stangret was approached by the human resources department about taking a leadership position in the health and safety department. She has found that this career never remains stagnate, and incorporates her desire for continual learning.

The biggest challenge Ms. Stangret faced along the way was being a female in a male-dominated industry. She has had to become more assertive and work harder to earn her credibility. As a women in today’s world, however, Ms. Stangret feels that her passion for safety and her resilience contributed to her success. She would advise the younger generation of women entering the workforce to find a positive mentor and never get discouraged.

Ms. Stangret prepared for this career by combining her years of experience with her education and the vast knowledge she has gained along the way. She is proud of the fact that she was one of the first co-chairs of the Community Safety Conference, which has continued to run 10 years later and brings back many fond memories. Currently, Ms. Stangret’s professional goals include maintaining a passion for her job and embracing each future leadership position that comes her way. During her free time, she enjoys making jewelry, working on porcelain doll projects, and spending time with her family.