EARLY mornings at Sandals Dunn’s River, before the resort fully comes alive, Peta-Gaye McLeary is already at work. As senior landscaping supervisor and the only woman in the landscaping department, McLeary is not only responsible for the beauty of the resort’s natural spaces, she is redefining what leadership looks like in a field long dominated by men. She sees more than plants and pathways. She sees possibility, growth and proof that passion, when nurtured, can thrive anywhere.

McLeary’s journey into landscaping began long before titles and leadership roles entered the picture. Growing up, she felt a deep, almost instinctive connection to the outdoors. Plants fascinated her. Design inspired her. She was drawn to the quiet power of nature and the way it could transform ordinary spaces into places of calm and beauty. What began as appreciation soon became purpose when she realised landscaping was not just about cutting grass or trimming hedges, it was about shaping environments and influencing how people feel the moment they arrive.

When the opportunity to join Sandals presented itself, she knew it was the perfect space to merge creativity with structure and discipline. Leadership was not something she set out chasing. It emerged naturally as she navigated a profession that was widely viewed as a man’s world.

Rather than allowing that perception to define her limits, McLeary committed herself to learning every aspect of the craft. From soil preparation and plant selection to planning, execution and problem solving, she immersed herself fully in the work. Her consistency, strong work ethic and willingness to lead by example set her apart. Respect followed effort and responsibility followed respect. Today, she is not only a supervisor but a visible symbol of what is possible when women step confidently into spaces that once felt closed to them.

Holding the title of senior landscaping supervisor means far more to McLeary than career advancement. It is deeply personal. It is joy. It is emotion. It is passion lived out daily. She finds fulfilment leading nature walks with staff and guests, watching their faces light up as she explains the story behind a particular tree or flower. When she speaks about a plant she loves, her voice softens, revealing the pride and affection she holds for her work. She celebrates rainfall like a blessing and feels genuine heartbreak during dry spells when the grass struggles or when heavy rains damage the work she has poured herself into. There are days she carries the weight of the environment on her shoulders, worrying about balance, sustainability and growth. That passion is why she is constantly on top of her work. She does not manage the landscape from a distance. She pours herself into it, emotionally and physically, because she cares deeply about the land, the environment and the experience it creates.

The road has not been without challenges. Being underestimated was one of the most consistent obstacles she faced. There were moments when her physical ability, technical knowledge, and leadership capacity were questioned simply because she was a woman. Instead of responding with frustration, McLeary chose action. She worked harder, learned faster, and let results speak for her. Each completed project and each obstacle overcome became fuel, reinforcing her belief that she belonged exactly where she stood.

McLeary believes her femininity is not something to suppress, but something that strengthens her leadership. She brings creativity, attention to detail, and emotional awareness into a space often seen only through the lens of hard labour. While others may focus strictly on maintenance, she looks at how a space feels, how it flows, and how it connects with guests on a deeper level. For her, landscaping is about balance. It is science and art working together to create environments that invite calm, joy and wonder.

For young women considering careers in male-dominated industries, McLeary’s message is clear: “do not let fear or stereotypes decide your future. Walk with confidence. Learn your craft. Stand tall even when you are the only woman in the room. The challenges will come, but so will the opportunity to open doors for others”.

Peta-Gaye McLeary is more than a senior landscaping supervisor. She is a barrier breaker, a nurturer of growth, and a leader who proves that talent flourishes when given space and trust. By standing firm in her purpose and pouring passion into everything she touches, she continues to challenge norms and reshape expectations. In doing so she is not only transforming landscapes, she is changing the face of leadership and breaking barriers in the workplace, one rooted success at a time.

Senior landscaping supervisor Peta-Gaye McLeary