Nontraditional is becoming a tradition for female diesel services technician.
THEN: A soft-spoken woman whose goal was to provide a better life for her and her family. Leisha Mahseet wanted a career that could do help her do that, and she wasn’t afraid of hard work. Leisha didn’t set out to break any stereotypes; she just wanted to make a decent living. She enrolled in Caddo Kiowa Technology Center’s diesel services tech program, and once she started the hands-on training, she said, she loved it. At CKTC, Leisha
- Earned ASE student certifications in engines, brakes, steering and suspension and electrical.
- Maintained excellent grades, positioning herself at the top of her class.
- Served as a strong role model for her classmates as well as for women considering nontraditional careers.
Her instructor said Leisha is a natural leader.
“She’s a perfect example of someone who breaks traditions and promotes equity in a male-dominated industry,” Allan Leatherbury said.
Breaking traditions is nothing new for Leisha. She was the first female employee to work at the top of the wind turbines for the Blue Canyon Wind Farm near Apache.
NOW: Leisha completed the diesel services tech program and went on to earn her commercial driver’s license through CKTC’s truck driver training program.
“I feel this is just the beginning for Leisha,” said Leatherbury. “She’s done quite well in the program, and I expect she will be even more successful in the field.”
