North Charlotte Today

Published on March 14, 2024 by Kayla Chadwick-Schultz

The City of Charlotte's Landscape Management division is not just about maintaining green spaces; it is also about breaking barriers and challenging stereotypes. In a field historically dominated by men, five remarkable women, Natasha Warren, Victoria Aguilar, Laurie Reid, Kourtnie Vincent, and Erin Oliverio, are making waves and reshaping the landscape industry in Charlotte.

Natasha Warren, who joined the Landscape Management team in 1998, reflects on the lack of diversity she initially encountered in the industry. She recalls, "When I looked around the room, there were usually very few women...I can’t remember a single other Black person that was there." Fast forward to today, Warren is amazed by the talented women she works alongside, stating, "I’m just in awe...I look at what these women are doing, and I’m just so incredibly impressed."

Victoria Aguilar highlights the challenges women face in a male-dominated industry, expressing, "It’s hard for women just to even get their foot in the door...It’s difficult to go into that situation." Laurie Reid, the City of Charlotte's first female City Arborist, shares her experience of being underestimated, stating, "They don’t expect a woman to come up and talk to them about these things."

Kourtnie Vincent, a certified Landscape Architect, emphasizes the need to prove oneself in the face of gender biases, noting, "I always feel like you have to prove yourself...You have to walk up with confidence...to know the material better than them." Erin Oliverio, Division Manager, acknowledges the low expectations placed on women in the industry, recalling instances where her capabilities were underestimated.

Despite the obstacles, these women continue to excel in their roles, driven by their passion for the outdoors and the natural world. Aguilar, reflecting on her love for the work, shares, "I just wanted to work outside." Reid and Vincent also attribute their career paths to their childhood experiences and deep-rooted passion for nature, emphasizing how their work is an extension of their love for the outdoors.

As these women navigate a male-dominated field, they find strength in each other's stories and experiences. Oliverio emphasizes the importance of celebrating vulnerability and emotions in their work, stating, "It’s okay to celebrate our vulnerability...It makes us stronger."

Their dedication and commitment to their work inspire not only their colleagues but also the community. As Charlotte celebrates Women's History Month, the contributions of these five women serve as a testament to resilience, determination, and the power of breaking barriers in traditionally male-dominated industries.