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International Women’s Day - Erin McCuaig builds her identity outside of motherhood

This year, for International Women’s Day, we’re celebrating some of the amazing women who are turning possibilities into realities. We caught up with Erin McCuaig, Connected Home Technician who is breaking down barriers and representing women in a male-dominated industry.  

We asked her questions to better understand what inspires her and how she’s handled (and thrived!) being a single working mother. Here is some of what she had to say. 

What does International Women’s Day mean to you?  

I see it as a tribute to how far we have come, but also a reminder of how much further we need to go. 

Tell us about your role at Rogers.  

I’m a service installation technician who works in the downtown core. What this means is that I have the absolute pleasure of going to customer’s homes to install Rogers services or troubleshoot issues they may be having and rectifying them. This can include replacing the cable to their house up under the hydro line or going on the roof of a building to connect or replace a main line.  Working downtown I meet folks from all walks of life. Everyone is always so welcoming and happy (yet surprised) to see a female technician.   

Being one of two women currently in this role is a huge source of pride for me. Coming from a purely administrative background I took a huge leap at 42 years old, applied and got the position of technician. The thought of being on the ‘open road’ and working face to face with our customers really appealed to me. My customer service skills have always been great, this allowed me to use them on a much more personal level. Learning the technical side of things took time but we have a stellar training staff at Rogers who taught me all I needed to know, along with some amazing technicians who took me under their wings and provided support as I went. I have been fortunate to meet so many amazing customers through my work, it gives me something to look forward to every day. 

Can you share any details around how Rogers has supported you, this last year or over the course of your career?  

I have received incredible support from management in all my roles at rogers. Seven years ago, my daughter had to be hospitalized. As a mom, it was incredibly important for me to be there for her during visiting hours (6pm-8pm) and my manager at the time made that a reality for me and he did so without adding more stress to an already incredibly stressful situation. I will never forget this time and am forever grateful to that manager. 

Who has been an inspiration in your life, and why?  

My parents and my children are my biggest inspirations. My parents for instilling strong morals and values in me, knowing I always have their support in whatever it is I do. (they will be 89 and 85 this year!) My kids for giving me a reason to stay strong and keep moving onward and upward. 

What would you say to young girls of today?  

Life is a wild roller coaster ride, full of ups and downs. Be bold and daring, there are no opportunities if you don’t try. There is nothing in this world that you cannot do you just have to go for it! 

Tell us a little more about yourself, and any personal interests or details you’d like to share.  

I have two amazing kids, who are now adults at 26 and 24 years old. They both moved home a couple of years ago and I am thankful for that as living alone during COVID-19 would have been unbearable. I have raised them on my own since they were one and three years old.  Being a single parent can be a struggle, however the hardest lesson was when they moved out and I realized how much of my life revolved around them. I had no hobbies or interests, I realized I never did anything just for myself. Work, go home, be there for my kids.  When they flew the coop, I was lost. I have spent the past few years trying to ‘find myself’, which is still a work in progress. In the meantime, I have started to rebuild my vinyl collection, do work on upgrades to my house and spend a lot of time with my dog Dr. Bruce Banner.