From Trauma to Triumph: One Woman’s Journey to Becoming a Cat® Equipment Operator

Kathy Tuccaro is one of the few female heavy equipment operators working in the Canadian oil sands – and it’s a job that literally changed her life. Her life story isn’t for the faint of heart, but it’s one she wants you to hear.

In this episode of Beyond the Iron, hear how Kathy found her way through trauma, abuse and addiction thanks to her unrelenting hope and determination. When she’s not operating a Cat® 797 mining truck or 24 motor grader, she’s sharing her story and teaching lessons about her experience with the hope it will help others dream big and find their purpose. 

   
Program Guide (32:29 total run time)   
Guest: Kathy Tuccaro, Cat equipment operator, author and motivational speaker 

2:22 – On the street with Toothless Joe, then an incredible next step.     
4:45 – Surviving early years of trauma and abuse.   
7:00 – A life-altering moment puts Kathy on an unexpected path.   
10:05 – First day on the job as an operator, learning to drive a small building.   
16:01 – Experiencing PTSD behind the wheel.   
20:55 – Paying it forward. Helping girls shed masks, and find their voice. 
23:30 – In life, it’s about momentum versus torque.  
26:25 – Giving credit where credit is due in order to dream big.   
28:00 – Still working in the oil sands and living in Los Angeles.