Yvonne was initially denied admission to the engineering program at the University of Manitoba due to her gender. This early experience highlighted the systemic barriers women faced in pursuing engineering careers.

During her time at the Research Analysis Corporation, Yvonne was often the only woman in a group of hundreds of engineers. She had to work harder to prove her capabilities and overcome gender bias.

Yvonne faced the challenge of balancing her demanding career with raising a family. This required careful planning and support from her husband, William Brill.

In her later career, Yvonne became a role model for young women aspiring to enter STEM fields. She actively mentored students and encouraged them to pursue their passions despite the challenges they might face.