Meet Jelissa De Torres

Jelissa De Torres is a second-year carpentry apprentice, enrolled with the British Columbia Institute of Technology. When she’s not working as an apprentice or running her business Monarch Decor & Displays, she can be found painting, drawing, making music and gardening.

  • Apprentice Carpenter, Caisley Developments and Owner/Operator of Monarch Displays

  • Carpentry Apprenticeship 4-yr (in progress), British Columbia Institute of Technology

  • Bachelor of Arts - Psychology, Minor Philosophy, University of British Columbia

When did your love of STEM begin?

I participated in an Introduction to Carpentry class that was directed towards women with little to no trades experience. At first, using the power tools was an incredibly intimidating thing! But, I also felt SO empowered. What I kept thinking was that, with these tools, I'd be able to create so many things.

What is the best part about working in the field of STEM?

It's incredibly empowering and has opened me up to so many opportunities where I can make a huge difference in my community. I've been able to learn skills that have allowed me to start my own successful business. I've joined a supportive community of women who consistently inspire me. I've also been able to empower other women / encourage young girls by speaking at a variety of events, speaking on podcasts, and sharing my story through interviews.

What advice would you give young women interested in a career in STEM?

Believe in yourself. You absolutely CAN do anything you set your mind to. Just remember, anything worth doing is a little scary. It means that you're challenging yourself and striving for growth. It's not a comfortable ride but it will be incredibly rewarding. One day, you will be stepping over things that you used to trip over.
Also, join a community of like-minded women. They will be your biggest supporters and help you get through the tough days where you feel like giving up. My success and persistence in my career comes from the love and support I receive from my fellow tradeswomen.

“Growing up, all the careers I aspired to pursue had a common theme of being unconventional for a young girl to express interest in. This picture shows when I went through my “I want to be a firefighter!” phase. Today, it’s no surprise that the career I have passionately pursued also follows this same unconventionality.”

-Jelissa De Torres