Meet Donna Norton - #IWD2023

This International Women's Day, we're taking the opportunity to celebrate some of the amazing women that help form Team EY.

Here at East Yorkshire, we're dedicated to creating opportunities and challenging social stereotypes to help form a team that's diverse, equitable and inclusive. Members of Team EY come from all walks of life, including Donna Norton, one of our Upholsterers.

We've spoken to Donna, one of our Upholsterers, about her, why she joined the team, what her time here at East Yorkshire has been like so far, and whether she had any advice for women wanting to join the industry:

Tell us a little bit about yourself

"Hiya! So, I joined the team as a driver after passing my PCV back in 1997. I've been all over the shop here, really. After a few years of driving, I spent some time in the marketing department and in the BusLine team. When COVID started, a job came up to help with cleaning the buses, which I put my name forward for. A year later, this job came up and now I'm up here doing our upholstery.

"Before I started this role, I'd sewn before, but I had never worked with seats. Sometimes, it can be a bit of a challenge. I've learnt a lot, and I must be decent at it because I'm still here, a year after!

"Outside of work, I've got two grown-up kids and four grand-kids as well. When I started driving, my son was only a couple of years old, and whilst I was working my mum looked after him, and when I'd pass he'd wave at me. Family-aside, I take part in some dog shows (which my grandkids love), and steam rallies."

What's your favourite thing about being part of Team EY?

"Well, to say I've seen a lot of change over my time here at EY, I haven't really seen much change (which is a good thing)! I think, maybe, that if you ever get stuck and need some help - say, for instance, if I need a hand getting some of the seats off the buses - people will help you. Plus, I've always been able to just get on with my job, regardless of what role I'm in, and I think that level of trust is really important."

Which women in your life inspire you the most?

"I'm inspired by myself. I think it's great, when you've got challenges in your way, when you actually manage to do it... I think I've achieved a lot in the time I've been doing what I'm doing. I must be doing it right, because I haven't had any complaints yet!

"I think I'm quite self-sufficient - I don't ever have to rely on anyone. My husband and I have always gotten through life together, without having to look up to anyone. We see what we want to do, and we work hard to achieve it - and I think that's inspirational in itself."

What advice can you give women who want to join the bus/coach sector?

"Back when I started, I think there was only two women (myself concluded) that I knew of working here at EY. Now, it's great to see how it's changed. I think, if you're happy to meet people, to talk to people, it's a great job across the board. Good advice, I think, would be to do something you enjoy. When you enjoy what you're doing, it's got a knock on effect for everyone around you. And like me, that might change over time, but you've just got to chase after it!"