CDN SPECIAL REPORT

Women Empowered: Honoring Women's History Month

is a monthlong series of Q&As with regional women in traditionally male-dominated fields.

Written by Audra Anderson

Curtistine Billups, 55, is a pipefitter in Northwest Washington. She left the medical field in her 40s.

Part I: Curtistine Billups, 55, of Everett

Pipefitter details struggles, successes of being a woman in construction

Read part one, which highlights Curtistine Billups, a woman of color who works in construction, and acknowledges International Women's Day, celebrated March 8.

Ferndale School District Superintendent Kristi Dominguez sits on the stairs of the new Ferndale High School commons. She said there is a perception that superintendents spend most of their time in the office, but she's fighting that by frequenting each of the nine schools in the district.

Part II: Kristi Dominguez, 52, of Ferndale

Ferndale superintendent puts service above self

Read part two, which highlights Kristi Dominguez, superintendent of Ferndale School District.

Shayla Francis is the chief operator of Post Point Wastewater Treatment Plant in Bellingham.

Part III: Shayla Francis, 56, of Mount Vernon

Post Point chief operator encourages women to pursue trades

Read part three, which highlights Shayla Francis, chief operator of Post Point Wastewater Treatment Plant.

Rebecca Pederson became a firefighter with the Bellingham Fire Department about three years ago after a 13-year teaching career. Pederson found the job change

Part IV: Rebecca Pederson, 38, of Bellingham

Bellingham teacher-turned-firefighter found her passion at 35

Read part four, which highlights Rebecca Pederson, a Bellingham firefighter.