by Kerry McCluskey
Northern News Services

NNSL (Jan 07/98) - If you want something built, give Sharon Ladd a call.

The current president of North of 60 -- Women In Trades and Technology is up to the test. "I'll build anything: fan-backed chairs, willow chairs, tables, headboards, bird houses, fences. I'll challenge anything," says Ladd.

While Ladd currently directs her energy towards building rustic furniture, the 48-year-old is certified in print-press operation.

"I was in the press and graphics business for years and I got my ticket in 1989. I just wrote the exam because if you have enough hours you can challenge the exam," says Ladd, who originally hails from New Westminster, B.C.

"I was the first woman press operator with my ticket in the NWT. It was definitely a challenge in the printing trade and especially in the area I chose, the press. It wasn't something women did but I had good men teachers once I got into it."

Ladd just completed her class 2 in air brakes and now works part-time for Artisan Press as a way of subsidizing her growing furniture business.

"I have to do other things to support my rustic habit until I can manifest more business. I've started reaching out a little more and I'd like to have a show here, maybe in March."

She has started teaching the craft of furniture-building and has found that more women enrol in her classes than men. "Women love it. They learn to put things together and it's not that difficult."

While Ladd admits that she had to struggle to reach her goals, she feels that many of the roadblocks she faced are gone.

"I feel like we've blazed the trail along. I'm past all that. I like to view people as individuals, not as men or women. Education has opened up a lot for women and those barriers have been broken down. It's about sharing knowledge."

Ladd was instrumental in bringing WITT to Yellowknife almost three years ago. The group works to get women involved in trades and technologies.

Ladd says women interested in furniture-building should sign up for her course or just drop by and talk to her.

"Anyone can do this. It allows you to express your creativity."