Roadworks Signage In Tampa Is Now Gender-Inclusive, All Thanks To This 10-Year-Old

For 10-year-old Vivian Anderson, age is no barrier when it comes to becoming a force for good. The fourth grader from Tampa, Florida was driving with her mom Mary when she noticed a “Men at Work” sign near a construction site that had both men and women workers.

When Vivian noticed that the signage was not gender inclusive, she brought it to the attention of Tampa Mayor Jane Castor through a letter.

But like any other kid her age, she first asked her mother about it. “That's not fair. How do we fix that?” Mary, her mother said. “As luck would have it, we happen to have a new Mayor who happens to be a woman. Maybe she will like your idea," she told her daughter. That was when Vivian decided to write a letter to the Mayor addressing her concerns and suggesting for better signage that is more inclusive.

A few weeks later, Vik Bhide, the city's mobility department director, replied to Vivian's letter agreeing that the sign should be more inclusive. Bhide also noted the workers may have been private contractors and not a city crew.

“She was very excited. I think it gave her a lot of confidence that people will listen to kids. Kids can make a difference,” her mother told Good Morning America.

Vivian was also invited to the city hall to meet with Mayor Castor.

“It's a little overwhelming but I really liked meeting the mayor and I do really like how my sign made a change," Vivian told GMA.

“I recently received a note from a resident regarding discontinued work zone signage found in the City of Tampa . After making a few swaps around the City, we asked her to come check out the newer signage - proud to see girls like Vivian stand up for equality & inclusion everywhere! When asked if she had anything to add, she just simply said "I did it!" Love it!”.” Mayor Jane wrote on her Facebook page.

Now, two signboards grace the walls of Vivian’s bedroom – one that reads “Workers Present” and another that says, “Vivian M. Anderson Way” – both of which were awarded to her by the Mayor’s office, along with a hard hat.