Samara
“Being a woman to me has meant pushing through barriers, standing up, standing out, showing up, being present, representing an underrepresented gender role, and so much more.”
Samara is a driven and goal-oriented Sheet Metal Worker who is especially vocal about equity and inclusivity in the trades. She approaches every project with a determined mindset, and has faced instances of discrimination that sought to deter her from pursuing her passions. Her ability to rise to any challenge, paralleled by her desire to empower other women, highlights the importance of believing in one’s own capabilities and casting off society’s close-minded expectations. Meet Samara. This is her story.
K: Please introduce yourself!
S: My name is Samara Sampson. I am a loud and proud Sheet Metal Worker out of Toronto SMART local 285. I advocate for women in the trades, I sit on a provincial committee for tradeswomen, and I am active within my union.
K: Describe yourself in your own words
S: Strong-willed and hard-headed, I've been pushing against gender stereotypes since I was a child. You know that kid, the one you tell they "can't" do something, so they make it their life mission to do that exact thing? I am her.
K: What is your favorite thing about yourself?
S: My courage. Through this journey, I've always felt afraid. I've felt: fear of failure, coming out short, unequipped to handle the task or just not ready. Despite all the fear of the unknown, I always say yes, show up, and give my everything. Despite the struggles I've faced and the ignorance I've come up against, nothing has ever scared me away from the opportunity. I hope to take that courage and use my loud voice to make a more inclusive, diverse and equitable future.
K: Tell us a story. Have you had an experience that has defined you or made you stronger?
S: During my apprenticeship, I was the only woman in classes of 20+ students. I was/am one of few women on the construction sites I currently work at. For the most part, my classmates were very accepting, and all of my coworkers have been very supportive. Still, I have faced my fair share of- ignorance, discrimination, disrespect and hateful remarks. Although it has felt discouraging or isolating at times, I never forget who I am and why I started. Five years, nine thousand hours, three blocks of schooling, blood, sweat, tears and a whole lot of pride later, I now hold my red seal certificate in sheet metal. It wasn't just a defining journey that also made me stronger; it gave me purpose, a direction and a goal more significant than anything I could have imagined, all from saying yes to every opportunity.
K: What is one piece of advice you would give to your younger self?
S: I think about this so often. I would tell my younger self, "You are right, keep pushing, you are not stubborn, your ideas are important, do not ever give up, because you can do anything." That's it.
K: What does being a woman mean to you?
S: Being a woman to me has meant pushing through barriers, standing up, standing out, showing up, being present, representing an underrepresented gender role, and so much more. I'm a daughter, sister, Godmother, Auntie, niece, granddaughter, friend, partner, tradeswoman and a feminist. I'm here to make some noise, and though it's not always easy, I am proud to be the woman I am. I am so incredibly grateful for a supportive partner who gives me room to grow into the best woman I can be.
K: Who is one woman that inspires you? What would you say to them if they were here now?
S: My 13-year-old niece Kailey. Although she is not yet an adult, she is unapologetically and 100% herself. She is fearless, creative and intelligent. At that young age, I was too afraid to be myself; I don't even think I had any idea who I was as an individual. I believe she has the kind of bravery it takes most people decades to develop. You are an inspiration Kailey!