As a girl, Melinda used to watch big rigs roll down the highway and thought that was for her. Then, after driving a semi for a while, she discovered road construction. She began driving tri-axle dump trucks for a company in Indiana. “It was a lot better than just holding a steering wheel for miles,” she says.

Today, she drives tandem axle on highway dump trucks.

“I really like the diversity. I might be hauling sand in the morning and asphalt in the afternoon. Every day is different. That’s why I’ve enjoyed road construction for the better part of 20 years.”

Melinda loves working outside because of the sense of freedom it gives her. “It’s hard to see an eagle fly when you’re in an office.”