Grace Parker
Field Engineer at Entergy
Hometown: Benton, AR
Briefly describe your role: Design extensions to the electrical distribution grid in the Central Region of Arkansas
Q: Is what you’re doing now what you always pictured you would do?
A: Not at all. As a kid, I always wanted to play basketball in the WNBA. As my talent ran out, I then focused on being a coach. Two and a half years into college I was helping a friend with her Calculus. Her major was Electrical Engineering. After helping her out, I thought “I could do that too.” I swapped my major and here I am.
Q: What do you see as the greatest challenges for women in your chosen industry? What are the greatest opportunities?
A: In my industry, most of the population is males. So maybe the greatest challenge is that the women aren’t always taken seriously. However, that leads right into the greatest opportunity. Since most of the people around you are men, when a woman speaks, they usually have people’s attention. If you have good purpose and good intentions when speaking, people will listen.
Q: Who has inspired you in your life/career?
A: My Grandpa and my Dad were both electrical engineers at Entergy.
Q: What advice would you give to an aspiring professional?
A: Learn everything you can in college. Don’t just try to pass the test then forget your material. Enjoy what you’re learning. If you don’t wake up excited, maybe try something different. Advice to another woman: Don’t draw attention to the fact that you’re a woman. Be good at what you do no matter your gender, race, etc.
Q: What’s been your secret to success?
A: Be present and available and have a smile on your face while doing so. Make friends with your co-workers. You’re going to spend a lot of time with them.
