Industry trailblazer and timber buyer: Liz Persson.

A bold step toward change.

Liz’s journey with Vida began with a bold decision to reinvent her career. After becoming a mother, she decided it was time for a new professional challenge in a field that resonated with her love of nature. “I have always felt at home in the forest—it’s where I recharge my batteries,” she shared. With no prior experience in the field, Liz pursued a degree in Forestry and Wood Engineering at Linnaeus University in Växjö, Sweden. This decision led her to a traineeship at Vida and, eventually, to her current role as a Timber Buyer, where she’s been thriving for several years.

A day in the life of a timber buyer.

Liz’s role keeps her engaged with diverse tasks, blending time in the field and at the office. “A typical day might include meetings with potential timber sellers, working with contracts and maps, or coordinating with subcontractors,” she explained.

Liz recognizes both the challenges and opportunities of her position. With support from Vida and her colleagues, and the strong relationships she has created with landowners, Liz has embraced the journey, continuously learning and honing her skills.She believes success in the forest industry requires strong social skills, reliability, organization and honesty. She encourages women—or anyone for that matter—to pursue education in forestry, emphasizing that it opens doors to a wide range of careers. Reflecting on her own path, Liz shared, “What I am most proud of is that I dared to pursue this career. I have never regretted it for a moment.”

Are you inspired by Liz’s story?

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