What makes you proud of the work you do?
What makes me proud of the work I do is that I started this journey the same way many of the women I now support are starting theirs through a pre-apprenticeship program. I’m a union journeywomen electrician, and I’ve worked in the field. I understand the demands, the culture, and the level of preparation it takes to succeed.
Today, I get to use that firsthand experience to guide women into careers in the energy and construction industries. Whether they’re welding students who went into the millwright trade, preparing for shutdown work at the Braidwood Nuclear Generating Station or participants entering the Solar Renewable Energy program through IBEW Local 134 and moving toward apprenticeship, I see the full pathway.
What truly makes me proud is watching someone walk into a program unsure of themselves and then seeing them leave confident, skilled, and earning a living wage with benefits. Knowing that I’ve helped open that door not just for a job, but for a career with long-term stability. That’s what means the most to me.
How has working in the energy industry impacted your life or family?
Working in the energy industry has created financial stability and long-term security for my family. Union wages, healthcare, and retirement benefits change generational outcomes.
It also changed how my family sees what’s possible. When they see a woman working in the trades, building infrastructure, contributing to renewable energy projects, it expands their understanding of opportunity. This industry doesn’t just power cities; it powers families forward.
What advice would you give someone considering an energy career?
Be prepared to work hard, stay disciplined, and stay teachable. The energy sector, whether it’s nuclear, traditional power, or renewable solar, demands skill and accountability.
Focus on developing strong foundational skills: math, mechanical reasoning, teamwork, and communication. Show up early. Be coachable. Take safety seriously. Speak up for yourself.
Most importantly, don’t count yourself out. If you’re willing to learn and commit, there is room for you in this industry. Do not let people in this industry make you feel you don’t belong.
What’s your most memorable experience on the job?
One of my most memorable moments was as an apprentice working on a convention center expansion project. Years later, I returned and saw my name along with everyone who helped build it etched in marble. That was powerful. It reminded me that our work becomes part of the physical history of a city.
Today, my most memorable experiences look different. Every time one of our students gets placed into an apprenticeship or a manufacturing job with increased earnings, that’s a defining moment. Watching someone’s income rise and knowing it changes their household trajectory that’s just as meaningful as seeing your name on a building.
What inspired you to join the industry?
I’ve always liked working with my hands. I enjoy building something tangible and seeing the creative output of my effort. The trades present constant challenges — problem-solving, precision, and teamwork and I thrive in that environment.
There’s something deeply satisfying about stepping back at the end of a job and knowing you helped build that.
How do your coworkers impact your day?
My team’s passion for their work keeps me motivated. In both construction and workforce development, you need people who believe in the mission.
On a jobsite, strong coworkers keep you sharp and safe. In training programs, passionate staff push students to reach their potential. That shared commitment creates a culture of excellence that impacts me every single day.