Michelle Williams: ‘Never underestimate yourself’

<p>March is Women’s History Month and to celebrate we’re spotlighting&nbsp;Michelle Williams, Radiation Protection manager at Plant Vogtle.</p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<p><b>When and why did you become interested in nuclear energy?</b></p>
<p>Working in nuclear energy was never what I was truly interested in until I was hired on as a laborer at a commercial nuclear plant in 1989. Once hired, I started finding opportunities to educate myself more on nuclear energy, and it quickly became my passion.&nbsp;</p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<p><b>How did you end up at Southern Nuclear?</b>&nbsp;&nbsp;</p>
<p>I received a phone call from an individual wanting to know if I would be interested in applying for the Radiation Protection superintendent at Plant Vogtle. I had always heard that Southern Nuclear was a great company to work for. Applying for this position and getting it was an opportunity for me to advance in my career.</p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<p><b>What are some obstacles you’ve faced during your career?</b></p>
<p>Some of the obstacles I’ve had to overcome include perfectionism, feeling overwhelmed with work, balancing a work life and family life, and recently, battling stage 3 breast cancer.</p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<p><b>What advice do you have for other women in the nuclear industry?</b></p>
<p>My advice would be to never underestimate yourself; you can do whatever you put your mind to. Attend industry conferences, workshops and meetings, and start networking with individuals. You’ll be amazed at the relationships you’ll make. Maintain a positive attitude, as being positive will influence those individuals around you.&nbsp;</p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<p><b>What does Women’s History Month mean to you?&nbsp;</b></p>
<p>Women’s History Month is a celebration of women past and present who have been instrumental in shaping our society into the culture of the advancement that we have today.</p>