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Yosseline Leiva, A Driver Who Breaks Stereotypes

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In a corner of southern Chile, in Cayumapu, north of Valdivia, Yosseline Leiva found the place where she built her story. Surrounded by green landscapes and local traditions, she never imagined her path would take her from caring for lives in the hospital to driving imposing dump trucks in the southern forests.

Today, at 30 years old, Yosseline is a driver at Cosecha Interna Mecanizada (CIMA) for Arauco and feels fully fulfilled in a career that is unconventional for women.

From the Hospital to the Highways

After graduating as a nursing technician from INACAP, Yosseline worked at the Hospital Base de Valdivia in the medicine department. Though she enjoyed human interaction and the chance to help others, the routine became limiting. "It was hard work, but I felt I couldn’t go any further," she recalled. With two young children, her future perspective required stability and growth—something she found in an unexpected field: trucks.

The turning point began with a conversation with her brother, also a truck driver, who told her about a unique opportunity offered by Arauco: training for women interested in log transportation. Yosseline’s enthusiasm, inherited from her truck-driver stepfather, led her to make a radical decision—leaving her healthcare career to bet on a future on forest roads.

In a male-dominated field, Yosseline stood out as a pioneer. She was part of a group of 16 trained women with the goal of transforming their lives. Despite long hours and hauling heavy loads, her determination never wavered. Now, she works 7x7 shifts, allowing her to balance work and personal life. "The first time I drove a log truck, I was nervous but excited. It was something completely new, and I loved it," she shared.

A Milestone in Her Life

She started by transporting logs and recently specialized in dump trucks, used for moving aggregates, marking another milestone in her career. Yosseline has found stability and growth in her new profession, breaking stereotypes and becoming an inspiration for other women. She is happy with her life-changing decision and grateful for the opportunity to keep learning and growing in her career.

Yosseline has not only found stability and growth in her new career but has also broken stereotypes and become an inspiration for other women. "It’s a radical change, but it was the best decision of my life. I’m happy doing what I do," she concluded.