Women's History Month Employee Spotlight: Meet Deb Lane

In March we celebrate Women’s History Month. At Elk Air we recognize and celebrate the contributions of the incredible women in our organization. Women have played a vital role in shaping the workforce, breaking barriers, and paving the way for future generations. It is essential to acknowledge and honor their achievements, both big and small. Throughout this month, we will feature some of the incredible women of Elk Air showcasing the inspiring stories, experiences, and accomplishments of our female employees. We are proud to highlight these exceptional women and share their stories, which serve as a source of inspiration and empowerment for us all.

This week our Women’s History Month Employee Spotlight is on Deb Lane, Accounts Payable.

Q. What is your job title? How long have you worked at Elk Air?

A. Deb Lane, Accounts Payable. I’ve been with the company off and on for fifty years.??

Q. Hometown?

A. Originally from the Grandview Area of McKeesport but currently I live in Jeannette.

Q. What three words describe you?

A. Positive, Friendly, Inquisitive

Q. What do you like to do outside of work?

A. Write, read, travel, garden, do crafts.

Q. What is a fun fact or two about you?

A. I love to travel around the country in an RV.

Q. Favorite quote or mantra?

A. Don’t count the days, make the days count.

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Q. What drew you to work at Elk Air?

A. I began on a co-op in high school, so way back then it was the prestige of having a good job with a reputable company. I’ve returned and stayed because I like the work that I do.

Q. What woman has most influenced you in your life and/or career?

A. On a professional level, Barbara Kemp, who was one of the original owners of Elk Air, had a huge influence on my life.?She trained me from day one, and when the company was smaller, taught me how to handle everything in the office by myself, including payroll, accounts receivable, accounts payable, and scheduling service technicians. She held high standards and led by example with patience, confidence, and class.

On a personal level, my sister showed me how to have a “life well lived”. She was always up for an adventure, and was very gracious and generous with her time, energy, and encouragement.

Q. Best advice you have ever been given?

A. Follow your gut feeling – if it doesn’t feel right, then it probably isn’t. If it brings you joy and excitement, then go for it.

Q. What advice would you give to someone who is starting out in a similar role or field?

A. Believe in yourself and don’t be afraid to know your self-worth.?Keep learning and improve your skills. Welcome change as a new adventure. Shoot for the moon, because, why not?

Q. What challenge(s) remains for women today? How can understanding history help us to overcome them?

A. There will always be challenges for women, as there always will be for all walks of life. The challenges will just be different and change with the times. I would like to think that we learn from history – what worked and what not to repeat. There have been so many determined and ambitious women, whose ideas and strengths have opened doors, and I would hope our young women of today, and future generations, will continue to be resilient, purposeful, and courageous enough to dissolve the doors completely.

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Q. What does Women’s History Month mean to you and how do you plan to observe it?

A. I like to read memoirs and biographies or listen to podcasts.?Everyone has a story to tell, and I really enjoy learning and being inspired. It makes me appreciate their hard work and determination when I hear first-hand how obstacles were overcome, and success was achieved.