32 UPWORD www.winnipegconstruction.ca I must admit, prior to meeting Svetlana Kolesnikova, stereotypes and misconceptions of what a female tower crane operator would look like must have preceded me, because when she timidly steps into the boardroom where I am interviewing her, I am taken aback. In front of me is a petite young woman, who, when given the opportunity, would choose to wear heels anytime steel-toed boots aren’t mandatory. As though she senses my surprise, Kolesnikova starts explaining that in Russia there are just as many women as men working as tower crane operators – a job that she held for five years before coming to Canada in 2012. “In Russia, a woman in construction is nothing new. It’s normal,” Kolesnikova explains. “Lots of women work on tower crane.” As she speaks, it’s even more evident what an extraordinary HighAmbitions Svetlana Kolesnikova is on cloud nine, both literally and figuratively. On April 28, 2017, the Russian immigrant became the first female tower crane operator in Manitoba, and now she’s living out her dream high in the sky. accomplishment her designation is. Kolesnikova’s accent is thick, having learned English only since arriving, and she speaks slowly to ensure I understand her story. Her aunt, who had been living in Canada for many years, encouraged her to make the move overseas. But Kolesnikova says she had no reason to uproot. “I love my Russia and I’m proud of my Russia,” she confesses, thinking back to when the opportunity was presented. “I have a good job and I love my job. I have my family and friends and language in my Russia.” But the idea of a new adventure was exciting and so Kolesnikova applied for immigration as a skilled worker through Express Entry. Based on her ability to settle in Canada and take part in the economy as a tower crane operator, Kolesnikova was provided permanent residency. By Twila Driedger