| GREENSBORO, NC (March 9, 2023) In 2019 Lenetta Lucas lost her job, her home and was unemployed for two years. She faced one of the toughest challenges in her life, but it led her to a career within the construction industry. She came from a family that worked in construction and was exposed to concrete, footings, and brick work at a young age. She came across a job through Indeed for a Utility Locator. She was interviewed and hired, but the challenge was to get through the training. Lucas stated, “the supervisor did not think I could do this, but I kept saying to myself, I can do this”. Persistence paid off as Lucas became a valuable employee for USIC locating buried underground utility lines. She received an award during her tenure for no damages, but her desire for growth led her to the Town of Clayton where she currently works as the towns Locator. When asked what her biggest challenge as a female in the industry is, Lucas stated, “working and being scrutinized as a female in a male dominated industry”. Her passion pushes her to gain knowledge on the ins and outs of locating and to not be afraid to ask for updated equipment to successfully perform her job. Where do you see yourself in 5 years? Without hesitation she smiled and stated, “supervisor over locates”. Her smile is contagious which shows how much she enjoys her job. Many have helped her along the way, but she is especially grateful to Mack Keen, Electric Superintendent and Allen Turnage, Director of Electric for the Town of Clayton who believed in her and support her as a woman in construction. I was humbled and encouraged by such a courageous lady who defeated the odds of making it in such an industry. WIC Week, short for Women in Construction Week, celebrates the roles of women in the construction industry March 5th-11th. NAWIC (National Association of Women in Construction) is the creator and sponsor of WIC Week since it was launched by their organization 25 years ago. This year’s WIC Week celebrates its anniversary with a theme of “Many Paths. One Mission,” which speaks to the goal of bringing more women to the industry at all levels. We celebrate Lenetta along with all women who work tirelessly to make this a great industry. |
| About NC811Since 1978 North Carolina 811 has provided you a fast and easy communications link with your local utility providers. You give us your locate information, we transmit it to the utilities and then they send out locators to mark your underground lines for FREE. So remember, call 811 or 1-800-632-4949 three business days before you plan on digging. More information about the services of NC811 is available at www.nc811.org |
| Media Contact: Ann Rushing (336) 944-5518 annrushing@nc811.org |