Victoria Pagonis and Nicole Crivellaro are assistant general managers at Equinox fitness club in Bethesda. This Q&A takes an inside look into what it is like to be a woman in a workplace that is male-dominated.

Black & White: How did you come to this jJob? Is this something you have always wanted to do?

Victoria Pagonis: I came to this job through online, I was working retail and fitness has just always been a big part of my life, so I figured why not work in the fitness world? So here I am.

B&W: Were you nervous coming in to a job like this that is primarily male-dominated?

Nicole Crivellaro: No. I actually didn’t really see it that way.

VP: I think since we both came from restaurants, which are also male- dominated we were more comfortable.

B&W: Do you think that others look at you differently than your male counterparts?

NC: Yeah. They definitely think like since I’m a girl they can get one by me. They definitely talk differently.

VP: They talk a little easier, like sweet talk.

NC: Again, you just have to look past that and go with what you know.

B&W: What is your advice for women entering male-dominated industries?

VP: Stay true to yourself, I wouldn’t look at it that way, I have never really looked at it that way, don’t focus on that.

B&W: How do you think Women can prevent being treated in an inappropriate manner in the workplace?

VP: Stay consistent with every client, some people may think “oh he’s cute,” but no you have to keep it consistent with everyone, so that they don’t think that behavior is okay. Every woman needs to stay consistent.

NC: Being consistent is huge, but also if that does ever happen just make it known, like “is this what you’re asking me?” challenge them.