It is a black history month story of a woman who wouldn't take no for an answer.
According to the department of Labor, only 2% of the nation's iron workers are women, but Dianna Montague, of North Philadelphia, didn't let those statistics stop her from pursuing her dream. In fact, she is the first woman to graduate from a local Iron Worker's apprenticeship.
And Dianna is the only African American iron worker in Philadelphia.
Her dream began with the 1980's movie, "Flashdance", but it wasn't Jennifer Beals' look that impressed her.
"I guess I saw the sparks, and just the dirtiness of it. It was exciting," said Dianna.
Dianna applied for an iron worker apprenticeship.
"When I first applied in 1985, I was discouraged. I didn't see any other women," said Dianna.
So she took a job as a welder at what was then the Philadelphia Naval Shipyard, where she worked with all men.
"They looked at me like I was crazy," said Montague.
One of those co-workers was James Merritt.
"Her production and quality of work was real good for a woman. I was really surprised," said James Merritt. "It's not easy work for a woman. It's real strenuous," said Merritt.
"It was hot. I got burned a couple time, but I just stuck with it," explained Montague.
Until 2007, when she applied for another apprenticeship with Local 405, and graduated in January.
"I just love it, and they respect me. They treat me as an equal," said Montague.
"The bottom line is she had the right attitude from day one, and that's why she did so well," said Chester Turner.
But despite the fact that a percentage of the funding for jobs in Philadelphia is allocated for women and minorities, something Dianna has discussed with Mayor Nutter, she says it hasn't been easing finding work.
"I've been trying to get on some of the jobs like Temple University or the Barnes Museum or the Youth Study Center. It's just been difficult," said Montague.
Now that Dianna Monague has reached her dream of becoming a journeymen, she hopes to stay in Philadelphia and show all young women that not only can they cross any bridge in their journey in life, they can also build one.
