Meet Brigitt Zelada

Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Brigitt Zelada. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.

Hi Brigitt , so excited to talk about all sorts of important topics with you today. The first one we want to jump into is about being the only one in the room – for some that’s being the only person of color or the only non-native English speaker or the only non-MBA, etc Can you talk to us about how you have managed to be successful even when you were the only one in the room that looked like you?

Certainly. My journey has been challenging, but it’s also been incredibly rewarding. Being a Latina woman in the forklift training industry—a field where the vast majority of my peers are men—has required me to develop a strong sense of resilience and assertiveness. Early on, I realized that I was often not taken seriously. My age, gender, and ethnicity combined to create a perception that I wasn’t as knowledgeable or capable as my male counterparts.

I encountered situations where I was outright bullied or where my expertise was undervalued. People would question my authority or assume that I didn’t understand the complexities of the industry. This lack of respect also extended to the business side of things—my prices weren’t taken seriously, and I was often taken advantage of by clients who thought they could negotiate me down simply because of who I am.

However, these experiences taught me the importance of standing firm in my worth. I began to approach each situation with a deep understanding of the industry, which allowed me to speak with confidence and back up my assertions with facts and expertise. I also became very intentional about setting clear boundaries, both in terms of pricing and the way I expect to be treated. Over time, I noticed that as I commanded respect through my actions and knowledge, the dynamics began to shift.

Being the only one in the room who looks like me has also given me a unique perspective. It’s allowed me to bring a fresh approach to training and to connect with a more diverse clientele. I’ve learned to turn what could be seen as a disadvantage into a strength, using my identity to bridge gaps and bring new ideas to the table.

In essence, my success has come from embracing who I am, refusing to let others dictate my value, and consistently proving that I belong in the room—not despite being Latina woman, but because of the unique strengths and insights that identity brings.

Great, so let’s take a few minutes and cover your story. What should folks know about you and what you do?

My name is Brigitt Zelada and I’m the founder of Bridgeway Forklift & Training Services, a forklift training and certification school. Our mission is to provide individuals with a trade skill that not only empowers them but also opens doors to higher-paying jobs. My company provides services to the community as well as large corporations, offering tailored forklift training and certification programs that meet the specific needs of major businesses in various industries.” The most exciting part for me about owing this business, is knowing that the work we do directly impacts people’s lives—helping them earn more money and support their families. We also take pride in being a bridge between employers and students, and between students and non-profits, ensuring that everyone has the opportunity to thrive.

Looking ahead, we’re thrilled to be expanding our services into Orange County, Los Angeles, San Diego, and the High Desert areas. We’re also in the process of securing government contracts, which will allow us to reach even more people and make a broader impact. Our goal is to continue growing while staying true to our mission of community empowerment through skill-building.

If you had to pick three qualities that are most important to develop, which three would you say matter most?

The three qualities that have been most impactful for me are belief in myself, perseverance, and a willingness to take risks. Belief in yourself is foundational—it’s what keeps you moving forward even when others doubt you. Perseverance is about staying the course, no matter the obstacles, and taking risks is essential for growth and innovation.

For those just starting out, I’d recommend building a strong sense of self-confidence by celebrating your small wins and learning from setbacks. Perseverance can be developed by setting clear goals and committing to them, even when the path gets tough. And finally, embracing calculated risks is crucial—start by stepping out of your comfort zone in small ways and gradually taking on bigger challenges as your confidence grows. These qualities combined can make a world of difference in your journey.

One of our goals is to help like-minded folks with similar goals connect and so before we go we want to ask if you are looking to partner or collab with others – and if so, what would make the ideal collaborator or partner?

Absolutely, we are always looking to partner with organizations that align with our mission. We would love to collaborate with non-profits, public services sectors, employers with warehouse operations, and employment agencies. Also, we love to attend job fairs. These partnerships help us expand our reach and provide more opportunities for individuals to gain valuable skills and employment.

If anyone is interested in collaborating, they can easily reach out to us through our website at [www.bridgewayforklift.com](http://www.bridgewayforklift.com), on Instagram at [@bridgewayforklift](https://www.instagram.com/bridgewayforklift), or via email at [email protected]. We’re excited to explore how we can work together to make a positive impact.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://Www.bridgewayforklift.com
• Instagram: @bridgewayforklift

Image Credits

Jesse Gonzalez
IG: @Gonzalez_Jesse90