The ESAFE Blog
Orit Altman-Nicholls - Celebrating Women in the Electrical Industry
March 21, 2023
In recognition of International Women's Day, eSAFE is celebrating the inspirational accomplishments of remarkable female professionals in the electrical industry throughout the month of March. Orit is one of many women who have taken advantage of opportunities to express their gifts within the industry. Join us as we recognize and respect the women blazing paths in the electrical sector this month!
Meet Orit Altman-Nicholls:
Orit Altman-Nicholls is a part owner of MDA Controls Inc., an Oakville, Ontario distributor of heavy industrial motion control products and a custom panel shop with expertise in hazardous location and lifting applications. Orit graduated with a finance degree in 1997 and started out as a bookkeeper and office administrator for a German manufacturer of overhead monorail systems dedicated to the automotive industry. Orit was given more responsibilities due to the company's success and traveled across Europe and the USA to meet with colleagues and customers. Faced with the challenge of being a young female in a male-dominated sector, Orit found that she had to prove her capabilities and knowledge but also knew when to take a hard shell to get her point across and make a place for herself.
In 2005, Orit bought 50% of the company, which was then owned by her father and his partner from Quebec. Currently, Orit is responsible for all day-to-day operations and has been running the company for the past 17 years.
“My favorite part of running a business is still the interaction with customers. I found that being personable, honest, and engaging allows me to face all different personalities and overcome certain expectations. I never claim to have all the answers or know every technical aspect related to the products or services I provide, but I always say that if I don’t know it, I do know where to get the answers from. I look at it as an opportunity to learn a new thing each time. Over the years I have built relationships and earned the respect of my peers both locally and globally.”, she explains.
Throughout her 25 years of experience, Orit has seen women become an integral part of the industrial sector. From administrative to purchasing and customer service positions and even engineering and management roles, women have come a long way. Orit takes pride in how far women have come and advises young women to be honest with themselves, focus on their capabilities and goals, and follow their hearts. She emphasizes believing in oneself as it will lead to a successful and satisfied career, encouraging:
“If I had one piece of advice to give to young women it is, to be true to yourself. Don’t focus on the expectation put by others, don’t follow the trends and movements that come and go, but rather focus on your capabilities and your goals for yourself. Believe in yourself because you are the one that has to do the work and follow your heart to go after what you believe you will be successful at and happy with. When you are true to yourself, you will shine and the rest will follow”.
At eSAFE, we would like to share a big thank you for your hard work and amazing career in the electrical industry, Orit. You are a great example for young women looking to get their foot in the door of the electrical trades, showing them that a long, prosperous, and fulfilling career is ahead of them.