Women Empowered in Nuclear
Women Empowered in Nuclear
Each March, we celebrate the contributions women have made in our country. Today, learn more about three women who are empowered in nuclear and their thoughts on women in our workplace and the people that inspire them every day.
Sha-Nique Prescott is the Assistant Shift Supervisor, Lieutenant in the Plant Vogtle Security Department.
How long have you been with the company and in your current role?
I’ve been with the company for four years, and I work in the Security Department at Plant Vogtle. I started out as a Security Officer, and, as of March of last year, I now serve as the Assistant Shift Supervisor, Lieutenant. My duties as a first line supervisor are to make sure that the team members are working as safely and efficiently as possible by making sure our core principles are followed along with procedure use and adherence.
What does Women’s History Month mean to you?
To me, Women’s History Month reflects the importance of being acknowledged and appreciated as a woman. It allows the world to take 31 days out of their busy lives to acknowledge women for more than just being a mother or a wife, but also an inventor, entrepreneur, an activist and more. This month confirms that women belong and are needed in society.
What female public figures inspire you?
Personally, I am most inspired by the people I can have a conversation with and can witness progress in their lives. With that said, the first two women that inspire me are my mother and grandmother. I never knew how strong they were until I became an adult myself.
The next set of women that inspire me are the very ones reading this article. Most of them are mothers working full-time jobs and taking care of their homes and some are even full-time students. Balancing all of this while taking care of kids or significant others is not easy.
Being a woman, especially a Black woman, is emotionally and physically stressful. Most of the time, though, the world would not even know women are stressed because of the smile and energy that we put forward, even when exhausted.
So, I will always be inspired by the women who smile in public as they sacrifice for those they love; the women who study during their free time to show the world that they too can be a CEO, Vice President or doctor; and women that are God-fearing, married, single, mothers, heterosexual, homosexual, Black, Hispanic, white or who represent any other race, sexual orientation or background. I am truly inspired by all women who work hard and know that giving up is not an option.
As a woman, what are some obstacles you’ve faced during your career?
An obstacle that I’ve had to overcome as a woman in my career is cushioning my emotions. My passion, compassion and empathy may seem weak to some men, but it is needed when working with employees who are afraid to have a conversation about their career path or life.
On the opposite end, I’ve had to learn how to properly channel my passion when I may not agree with something being said or done. Working in male-dominated roles, I must always think and analyze what I am going to say before I say it.
What do you want others to know about being more inclusive of women in the workplace?
The answer is not necessary about being more inclusive, because I believe women are included. I believe the answer is to allow us to feel that we belong, to lead without the fear of us taking control and to allow us to show emotion without being viewed as unprofessional or hard to deal with it. We just want the feeling of belonging in the same category as our male counterparts.
Patricia Burnett is an Operations Scheduler in the Plant Farley Operations Department.
How long have you been with the company and in this current role?
I’ve been with the company for four years – first serving as an Operations Administrative Assistant, and later transitioning to the Operations Scheduler, which is a newly created job. In this role, I am responsible for scheduling and completing payroll for the Operations department, which is about 150 people. My role affords me the opportunity to act as a liaison between Operations and various other departments at the site. My overall goal is to help provide the team with a great quality of life while providing continual shift coverage.
What does Women’s History Month mean to you?
Women’s History Month is an opportunity to recognize all the women who have made a difference throughout history both quietly and publicly. We get to celebrate women from the young aspiring teenager to the single parent to the working woman – all of whom are making our world a better place. It’s also an opportunity to recognize that women can do any job and are constantly breaking down barriers in Southern Company and throughout the world.
What female public figures inspire you?
Two women that inspire me are Michelle Obama and Betty White.
Former First Lady Obama has so much grace. She was a great complement to her husband, and there were so many people looking up to her as a wife, mother, daughter and humanitarian. Although she exuded elegance, she also had a relatable side and did not shy away – even from doing pushups on television! She possesses many accolades of knowledge herself and has proven to be a great leader. But she also understands that leadership is knowing how and when to use your knowledge to be most effective without being intrusive.
Betty White proved time and again her ability to reinvent herself and to effectively play any role on and off screen. Betty’s talent was timeless, earning her great respect from her peers. She was a pioneer at her craft from her youth to the end of her life. She was a true role model for all people.
As a woman, what are some obstacles you’ve faced during your career?
As a woman, often you must prove yourself repeatedly with extra effort. As a Black woman, I must add patience and faith to my pursuit of excellence. For me, although I have multiple degrees, it is most important that my character and quality of work add value to any position I hold. My goal is to perform my job safely and effectively and let that speak for me. In my opinion, that is the best way to earn trust and equal treatment. It is nice to be important, but it is more important to be nice.
What do you want others to know about being more inclusive of women in the workplace?
Inclusivity is a team effort. Women do not want special treatment, but simply the recognition that women can do a job well. Women have a proven history, and Southern Company does a good job of recognizing us. I exhort Southern Nuclear to keep working as a team to confirm that women are a vital part of its history, present and future.
Amy Cullipher is a Medical Services Supervisor in the Plant Vogtle Medical & Fitness for Duty department.
How long have you been with the company and in your current role?
I started with Southern Nuclear on the Vogtle 3&4 project in 2013 as a medical consultant, and I transitioned to the Plant Vogtle Medical Services Supervisor in 2017. My job duties include oversight of the Plant Vogtle Medical & Fitness for Duty department. Our team ensures employees and contractors are safe to work by meeting all regulatory standards. We also assist with outage in-processing, provide medical evaluations and treatments for work injuries and assist employees with the return-to-work process for personal medical conditions.
What does Women’s History Month mean to you?
Women’s History Month is a way to honor and acknowledge women and the obstacles they have faced as they have strived to reach equality. It’s an opportunity to celebrate those that have paved the way and the contributions they have made to influence women’s presence today.
What female public figures inspire you?
Thinking back to things I learned in school, I first remembered Susan B. Anthony. Although she did not see the results of her actions and activism, she spent her life advocating for women’s right to vote.
A couple more current inspiration public figures would be Condoleezza Rice and Carrie Underwood. Condoleezza Rice has had a tremendous career – not only politically, but also personally. She’s held many titles and has received multiple degrees. She is also one of the first females to be admitted as a member of the Augusta National Golf Club, the home of the Masters. Carrie Underwood has a successful music career while balancing a family life as well as her own clothing line.
These women inspire me to continue to work hard for the things I strive to accomplish, whether it is professionally or personally, despite obstacles that I might encounter along the way.
As a woman, what are some obstacles you’ve faced during your career?
The obstacles I’ve encountered are more on a personal level. I am a mom to two wonderful boys – Griffin, 14, and Marshall, 6) – and they keep me very busy. They’re both involved in sports, baseball and football, and extracurricular activities. At times, it is challenging to be there to support them in whatever activity they may be doing while fulfilling the requirements of my professional career. It’s a balancing act that I am able to maintain with a great family support system.
COVID-19 was a challenging time for me as well. Since my job cannot be done from home, my parents became teachers for my boys so that I could continue to work while schools transitioned to remote learning.
What do you want others to know about being more inclusive of women in the workplace?
All individuals play a vital role in accomplishing tasks – regardless of race, gender or background. Women today are strong, competent and eager to overcome challenges along the way and throughout their careers. Diversity, equity and inclusion all play a vital role in the workplace.