NEIEP’s Region 15 Area Coordinator Aimee Paquette has had a career of firsts in the nearly three decades she has spent in the industry. From becoming the first female Elevator Mechanic at her local in Florida, to championing diversity and inclusion within the International Union of Elevator Constructors (IUEC), she has dedicated her career to breaking down barriers for herself and others.

Aimee first joined the elevator industry in 1997, in a decision that proved to be as transformative as it was, at the time, unconventional. Fresh out of high school with little interest in pursuing college, Aimee was introduced to the elevator trade by a friend’s father who worked as a supervisor at Otis. Before she joined, Tampa’s Local 74 had no women. The union’s desire for greater diversity meshed perfectly with Aimee’s mechanical aptitude and eagerness to learn.

“I had no knowledge of elevators, but I was always very mechanical,” she recalls. “I went to the union hall, took the test, and started at Otis the next day.” This role at Otis would turn out to be the beginning of a remarkable journey that would shape her career for years to come.

A Career of Many Firsts

Kicking off her career in the industry with a people-mover project, Aimee quickly transitioned into elevator repair, modernization, and service. Toward the end of her second year, Aimee was offered a role as a temporary Mechanic. This recognition of her skill and dedication set Aimee on a path to becoming the first female Mechanic out of Local 74.

Aimee worked as an instructor in Florida’s Local 74 before moving to Local 9 in Minnesota where she held the same position. She would stay in this role for the next 17 years, contributing significantly to vital initiatives, including NEIEP’s scaffolding training and Otis’ safety programs. During this time, she co-founded the Sisters of the IUEC Facebook page in 2015 to connect with and support other women in the trade.

Aimee’s passion for promoting diversity stretches far beyond her career milestones. Her work with Otis’ Forward group let Aimee advocate for women, people of color, and other underrepresented groups in the elevator industry. As someone dedicated to inclusion, creating opportunities for others is part of what drives Aimee.

Her efforts have also addressed practical challenges, such as improving the design of safety equipment to better fit women, a significant issue and source of inequality for women in the industry. “It’s not just about recruitment; it’s about ensuring the workforce is inclusive in every way—equipment, culture, and behavior.”

Mentorship, Support, and Inclusivity

Aimee will be the first to tell you that, throughout her career, she has benefited from the guidance of various mentors and colleagues who recognized her potential and helped her realize it. From Merle Carroll, the Otis supervisor who originally introduced her to the trade, to Tim Smith, her first IUEC mentor, she credits their support with shaping her path.

Her journey as a Mechanic was also impacted by mentors like John Moran and Dot Mynahan, who encouraged her involvement in safety committees and leadership roles. It wasn’t always easy for Aimee, but the additional help of these mentors helped her find her place within the industry.

Joining NEIEP in May 2023 started a new chapter for Aimee, one defined by inclusivity and growth. She’s particularly proud of NEIEP’s leadership team and its renewed commitment to diversity, hiring more women and fostering a welcoming environment. “NEIEP is clearly moving in the right direction,” she says. 

Looking to the Future

For Aimee Paquette, the future is focused on making the elevator trade more diverse and inclusive, for everyone’s benefit. She envisions NEIEP playing a central role in recruiting women and ensuring the workforce evolves to meet modern standards of equity and fair treatment.

Aimee’s story is one of resilience, innovation, and leadership. From her tradition-defying entry in the trade to her recent appointment as a NEIEP Area Coordinator, she has consistently broken barriers and has always been sure to lift others up with her along the way.