Web site strikes cord with women techs

Or, more accurately, they know "LadyTech" – the webmaster at www.ladyautomechanics.com.

Moore started the site nearly four years ago as a club on www.yahoo.com. But when her member list started to expand, she applied for the domain name and began hosting the site herself as a place where women in the auto repair business could share experiences and exchange ideas.

There are now more than 80 female students, apprentices, technicians, DIYers, and racers who are active members of the site.
"We’re worldwide," says Moore, taking a break from replacing head gaskets on a 2002 Grand Am. "I’ve got ladies out in Africa. I’ve got ladies down in Jamaica. I’ve got ladies throughout Europe. It’s amazing."

Amazing, she says, considering the whole project started because she was simply curious about how many other women were doing the kind of work she’s been doing for the past nine years.

"Basically it was something I did purely out of interest," she says. "I just kept thinking, you know, more women should be aware of this as a career option. If you have a love of cars, you can be a technician, whether you’re a man or a woman."

Moore loves her work, but, as a woman in a male-dominated industry, she has had to deal with preconceived notions and skepticism about her abilities. A graduate of the Automotive Service Education Program (ASEP) – a General Motors apprenticeship course at Mohawk College in Stoney Creek, ON, she has had to prove herself to coworkers and customers alike at every new job before gaining acceptance and respect as a technician.

"People start off with the assumption that you really don’t know your stuff just because you’re a woman," she say. "And I’m a blonde, too, so that’s another stereotype I have to overcome. I come in with two points against me."

She says that kind of challenge is something ladyautomechanic members can all relate to.

"There are lots of issues women face in this industry," she says. "And it’s nice to have a place to chat about them. I think it comes as a big relief for a lot of women who thought they were alone out there. They’re not alone."