For the first time ever, an all-women snow crew helped clear Washington County roads as they took the wheel of a snowplow following the recent winter storm.
WASHINGTON COUNTY, ARKANSAS, Ark. — For the first time, an all-woman crew helped clear snowy conditions in Washington County.
Officials say “they’re not just clearing icy roads…they’re shattering ice ceilings.”
Equipment operator Leah Windle says she is filled with pride, not just for making history, but for getting to do the job she loves every day.
Alongside Windle are sisters Chloe and Dellanie Weir, third-generation heavy equipment operators who say they chose the career not because of gender, but because of admiration and passion for the work.
“Feels great honestly, I love being a heavy equipment operator. I remember watching my dad do it, and I wanted to,” Dellanie Weir said.
Their father, Matt Weir, a field superintendent with nearly three decades of experience, says he was thrilled when his daughters decided to follow in his footsteps. Over his career, he says he’s only seen about two women in the field — until now.
While proud of his daughters for making history, he says he’s not surprised.
“They can do anything I can do,” Matt Weir said. “So it don’t surprise me.”
Even after working 13 and 14-hour shifts clearing snow, Windle and the Weir sisters say it never feels like work because of the support they receive from their crew.
“It’s like having a bunch of brothers,” Windle said.
For Chloe and Dellanie, often working alongside their father makes the job feel even more like home.
“It’s like a family,” Chloe Weir said. “We work hard, we have fun, but it’s a great place to work.”
The crew hopes their visibility will inspire other women to pursue careers traditionally dominated by men. Dellanie says she’s learned more than she ever expected on the job and wants other women to see what’s possible.
“When I first started here, I realized there are a lot of skills that transfer over,” she said.