4Rivers Equipment recently participated in the second annual EmPWR Day event at Washington Square Future Forward School in Thornton, Colorado. Formerly known as Girls Day In, this event aims to inspire young women to explore career opportunities in the construction industry.
At the event, a team from 4Rivers Equipment, including Kenneth Kroschel (Shop Foreman), Michele Ibanez (Training Coordinator), Autumn Brown (Parts Specialist), and Jimmy Atencio (Certified Dealer Instructor), showcased the capabilities of two new Compact Excavators 35G. Throughout the day, 140 female students from nine schools in Adams County had the opportunity to operate the equipment, ranging from 8th grade to 11th grade.
“After the event, we polled students,” Assistant Principal Tessa Gargano said. “100% of students indicated that they had a positive experience at the event and are interested in taking a program here. One student said, ‘I really enjoyed learning about all the careers in making different projects. Being able to touch the different equipment and meet new people.’”
What made the experience truly special was the chance for these young women to operate equipment they may have never imagined using before. From stacking traffic cones to hitting basketballs into trash barrels using a specially mounted golf club, the students were able to try their hand at tasks typically associated with construction work. Recording themselves operating the equipment to share with friends, the students couldn’t hide their excitement, with smiles and fist bumps.
“This event is about more than just showcasing equipment,” explains Jimmy Atencio, a Certified Dealer Instructor. “It’s about planting seeds of possibility in the minds of these young women. By showing them that they have the skills and the potential to pursue careers in repairing, operating, or selling construction equipment, we hope to inspire the next generation of industry leaders.”
As a sponsor of Washington Square Future Forward school, 4Rivers Equipment has been instrumental in helping the school achieve accreditation through AED American Equipment Distributors. Additionally, the company has provided John Deere equipment to the school, allowing students to gain hands-on experience and practical skills in equipment operation and maintenance.
“4Rivers has been a great partner in showing students a possible pathway once they complete the Diesel program,” Gargano added. “4Rivers has been instrumental in providing hands-on, industry relevant experience to both current and prospective students. We are excited to continue our partnership with 4Rivers as we continue to provide opportunities to students.”