Jackie, your social media profile includes a line from the song Rhiannon by Fleetwood Mac: All your life you've never seen a woman taken by the wind. What does this song mean to you? 

It's true, I often recall this line. I was listening to Fleetwood Mac as I often do, and it was stunning because suddenly I realised this one line summarises my whole attitude. Song texts can be interpreted in different ways, but for me, wind has given me a chance to explore new things in life. This song line boils down to one thing for me: have faith when facing changes. I put this into practice, and it is also the message I try to convey to other women. 

You are an active member of the group Women of Renewable Industries and Sustainable Energy (WRISE). What is your motivation for this?   

I am very inspired by the women I have met in my life. My previous job involved working with non-profits to help my community. So many women have lifted up those around them, and it's hard not to want to carry that forward. I've seen firsthand how we can simultaneously change the world and hold things together. Now I work in a technical profession. Giving women the confidence to enter male-dominated workplaces feels like an important role. That can be as easy as offering support and insight. I have been offered mentorship, career guidance, and hands-on experience in the field. Recently, I was selected to participate in a fellowship that focuses on women in wind energy, and I am excited to be a part of that community. It's very empowering. As my career progresses, I hope to provide the same support for others and pay it forward. Wind energy is focused on inclusion, and I want to show that we women are as valuable as anyone else in this field. 

Then let’s start inspiring women (and others) to work in the wind industry. What do you like about your work? 

The best part about being a technician is the opportunity to learn about different platforms and machines, especially as a field tech. I have been to many different locations and farms, and this has given me valuable insights into the job. I always joke that I wanted to be a tech to work outside and do something hands-on. That's exactly what I get to do, and it brings me a lot of joy. The view from the nacelle is unbeatable.  

How do you explain your job to your children?  

I love showing my kids what I do. I often tell them I help keep the turbines in shape so they can run and make clean electricity. I always try to teach them the importance of doing good for the environment and caring for the earth. I enjoy contributing to sustainability.  

Job, community involvement, family – you have time-consuming responsibilities. Do you ever find time to care for yourself?  

First, I need to admit that I have fantastic people around me who always support me. We set up a good system at home, and that allows me to do this work. In addition, Deutsche Windtechnik has been very accommodating when I needed to go back home and has encouraged me to have both a family life and a career. And yes, I also need time for myself now and then, so I spend as much time outdoors as possible. I love hiking, kayaking, backpacking, biking, pretty much anything outside. That is another great aspect of this job: I can explore the places I am sent to. After I do my job on the turbines, I have a lot of fun discovering all the hidden beauty around me. I usually listen to an audiobook while doing that, or I read at home. I love most genres, but my favourite is fiction. At the moment, I'm reading a fantasy series called The Stormlight Archive by Brandon Sanderson.