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Spring 2021 – LOCAL695.ORG 27 having to try to find sitters to help take care of his four children and often having to leave work to take care of us on his own, he was unable to commit the time, ultimately missing out on the opportunity." "Both of their dads thanked me with tears in their eyes when they got their union cards," Jillian remarked. "There's that day our fathers have when we surpass their knowledge. And it can be a very proud moment. My stepdad was also very proud. I know because my uncle— who was in Local 2—calls and tells me," she laughed. "He was the one who really impressed the importance of unions on me. I'm really proud to be part of a collective that, internationally, has more than 120,000 members. And every level I hit, I can't get over it." As engineers working to develop the bleeding edge of production workflows, these three women are pioneers within their fields. In spite of their impressive résumés, however, all three face unique challenges that present obstacles within their careers. "I've certainly had bouts of weird comments and things like that," Cheyenne said during her interview. "I've had people staring and one guy who started following me. There was a day when I pinched a nerve in my back and the medic closed the door so he could massage my lower back. Very weird. So safety is a big concern." According to a 2018 USA Today survey of 843 women working in the entertainment industry, an alarming ninety-four percent of respondents reported experiencing some form of sexual harassment or assault. The same survey, which was conducted in partnership with The Creative Coalition and Women in Film and Television, went on to report that twenty-one percent of the women interviewed reported having been asked to or coerced into performing a sex act. "I've left the truck crying before because I've been uncomfortable," Cheyenne admitted. "I don't think people always realize that it can be intimidating for women to walk in sometimes but it's nerve wracking." "Luckily, I haven't experienced that too often," Haley commented. "But sometimes when you come on the truck, you can interact with people who will give you the up and down and you can just read on their faces that they aren't expecting much out of you." "There are definitely people who are shocked or dumbfounded that this easy to laugh off twenty-four-year- old-looking girl comes in and knows her stuff," Cheyenne agreed. "People still aren't used to seeing a woman in our spot. It's fun when you do know it. My favorite part is blowing them Jillian Arnold ...when a child does choose to walk in the footsteps of their families, there is a heightened significance to the decision. No longer is it a matter of duty or responsibility but one of agency.

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