Sparking Interest

On Nov. 3, Gena Boarman, Chris Henry, Brittany Johnson, Craig Loving and Blaine Salmans served as demonstrators and teachers at the third annual Girl Power Camp, hosted by the Virginia, Maryland & Delaware Association of Electric Cooperatives. More than 75 young women participated, including several from the Northern Neck Technical Center.

Boarman, Henry, Loving and Salmans all helped with the pole-climbing demonstration and helped some of the participants climb. The students learned about the tools and equipment necessary, and the proper technique, as well as the safety aspects. “This is hard work, but it is rewarding,” says NNEC foreman Craig Loving. “Each year that we do this, I know it is helping encourage these young women to look at careers in our industry.

"The day was amazing for our NNTC girls. They were led by women demonstrating the potential for our students’ future success,” says Sharon Womble, career director at Northern Neck Technical Center. “The day was so well planned with different activities such as human resources, financial information, pole climbing, drones, bucket trucks and fiber lines. All of our students said ‘Sign me up for next year! Best day ever!’”

Girl Power Camp will be held again in 2024. Interested students should reach out to Brittany Johnson, public engagement coordinator for NNEC at [email protected].