Women In Power: Why Maureen Miller is Proud to be Called a Lineman
Though women comprise just 22% of the utility workforce compared to 47% in other industries, we’re spotlighting the power of each individual spark to ignite change. Follow along with our Women in Power series as we celebrate and empower women leading the way in a wide range of careers where AR/FR clothing plays a role.
At 19, Maureen Miller was on a path to becoming a registered nurse. After her father’s friend suggested the idea of becoming a lineman, Maureen was on the fast track to conquering a non-traditional career as a journeyman lineman.
Born and raised in the Saginaw Michigan Bay Area, Maureen Miller completed a nine-month tech program to prepare for her apprenticeship, packed her bags, and headed to Wisconsin for her lineman apprenticeship. Today, Maureen is a journeyman lineman working out of IBEW Local 2150. When asked if she prefers to be called a lineman or something else, Maureen responded, “’it gives me a badge of honor to say, I’m a lineman because it’s a hard job for anyone to do.”
Hear more as Maureen shares what her job means to her in her own words:
At Tyndale, we know the struggles women can face when it comes to protective clothing. So we asked Maureen if she feels supported by the industry and what would make her life better or easier as a female work in the energy sector. With a smile on her face, Maureen shared that she feels supported by the people in her industry.
However, with protective clothing and gear that isn’t designed solely for men she feels she can do her job even better. As part of this series, we’re gathering honest feedback from women in the industry to help us provide access to garments designed from the ground up to fit women properly – and to learn how we can help empower more women to succeed in this field.
When asked why more women should consider a job in her field of work, Maureen shared that becoming a lineman was fueled by the idea of working outdoors and the adrenaline that comes with scaling power poles. The mental and physical endurance necessary to be successful offers challenge, along with financial stability. With a median salary of $62,951 according to comparably.com, a career as a lineman offers financial independence. Maureen relates “I will actually be able to retire when I want to.”
This service to our communities is challenging, physically-demanding, can be risky, and often requires personal sacrifice. Maureen feels appreciated for the hard work she puts into her job. Faced with situations where she has no choice but to brave a storm, Maureen shows up and sometimes has to work for 16+ hours. After a long shift, one of the most rewarding takeaways is knowing that “people are thankful for what you’re doing.”
What does the future hold for women in power?
Maureen participates in mentorship opportunities to gain young women’s interest in the industry and educate kids on the many benefits a career as a Lineman can provide. At Tyndale, we believe when women have access to the proper tools, training, and opportunity, women can do any job a man can do.
Maureen’s words of wisdom for women beginning work in this field. Keep your head up, find a good therapist, go to the gym, and take care of your skin.
WOMEN IN POWER: WE WANT TO HEAR FROM YOU!
Share your story with us – please email MarketingInfo@TyndaleUSA.com with your name and preferred contact information, your role and the name of your company, and the best days/times for us to reach you.
Series: Women in Power
Follow along with this interview-style series to hear directly from women fueling careers in the energy sector on why they chose their occupation, what they like about it, their hopes for the future, their vision for the evolution of PPE, how we can help pave the way for other women, and more:
