Reno woman creates her own standard in typically male dominated field

RENO, Nev. (KOLO) – A Reno woman is breaking down stereotypes to leave her mark in a male dominated field with the help of Sierra Nevada Job Corps.

Veronika Chavez isn’t just looking to break the glass ceiling. She, would like to shatter it.

“We know how guys are, they want to mess around a lot and when I’m in here they cant really mess around. They have to put their foot down and take things serious,” Chavez said.

Veronika grew up in a divided household. Her parents were divorced. While primarily living with her mother, she maintained a very close relationship with her father. Her father would be her stepping guidance in shaping who she was always meant to be.

“I really loved my dad, he taught me to be more brave and independent,” Chavez said.

Instead of attending high school, Veronika began her work life at only 14 years old. Being so young, she was required to obtain a workers permit for her first job which led to her working three different jobs, working hard to help her family. Working at such a young age taught Veronika the value of hard work and most importantly, staying focused. Like so many young people during COVID, Veronika had a difficult time learning while trying to attend school. “Learning during COVID was challenging because of the lack of motivation” she said. Veronika felt an aspiring talent inside her that she could not unleash in a traditional learning environment. At just 19 years old, Chavez is now on the fast track to a career in the cement trade through Sierra Nevada Job Corp. Chavez credits the school with helping her find direction.

“Sierra Nevada Job Corps has helped me be a better communicator, taught me to be humble, and most importantly feel like you are being listened to and helped no matter the situation,” Chavez said.

When Chavez first found herself at Sierra Nevada, she was originally enrolled in nursing classes. However, she found the book work less than stimulating. Chavez, who is a self proclaimed visual learner, decided to find something where she could use her hands, becoming the first female student in the cement trade in 7 years.

“My instructor, he tries to stay hard on all of us. That way we’re all very good. I don’t think he treats me any different,” Chavez said.

Chavez is close to graduating from the program. She says it would be her dream to work for the union right here in Reno, Nevada. In fact, her craftsmanship has already caught the eye of a union representative. By June of this year she hopes to be proving the men wrong while inspiring women.

“It gives me an opportunity to show woman they can do anything they put their mind to as long as they’re consistent with it and keep their motivation,” said Chavez.

Copyright 2024 KOLO. All rights reserved.