Her Story
About Jenny
I've been in the nuclear power industry since 1991, starting as a chemistry technician after originally planning to go to med school. I'm a big science person, and nuclear power became my career path. I'm employed by Wolf Creek in Kansas, where I served as the director of training, overseeing all the training programs. Currently, I'm on an 18-month rotation as an organizational effectiveness leader with INPO (Institute of Nuclear Power Operation). In this role, I travel to nuclear power plants across the United States and internationally, evaluating their performance and working with teams of about 20 people. I look at how groups function together, whether they're implementing their management models, and conducting proper performance analysis. I communicate directly with executives about plant performance, which puts me in a high-profile position. One of my proudest accomplishments is earning my management certification as a Senior Reactor Operator in 2018, which came after I put my career advancement on hold for approximately 13 years to be there for my three children. I worked as a staff chemist during that time to maintain a great balance between family and work. After my youngest graduated from high school, I returned to a manager position in chemistry and continued advancing. I'm very proud to say I work in nuclear power, especially now as we're on the cusp of a renaissance in clean energy. I mentor young women in science and engineering, sharing my experiences about balancing personal and professional life. Outside of work, I'm an avid outdoor enthusiast who has done triathlons, half marathons, and mountain climbing. My three children are now two medical doctors and a nurse practitioner, which I'm incredibly proud of.
Her Interview
Ten minutes with Jenny
01What do you attribute your success to?
I attribute my success to the well-rounded perspective I've gained from both my profession and raising my children. What my profession has taught me over the years, combined with what my kids have taught me, has made me who I am today. I appreciate what my company has provided for me over the years, and I have full respect for nuclear power. I'm proud of my family - that's my number one - but I'm also proud of where I've been in my career and where I'm at today. The balance I was able to achieve between family and work, especially during those 13 years when I put career advancement on hold to be there for my children while still working as a staff chemist, was the best decision for me. It allowed me to maintain my professional identity while being present for my family.
02What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
My advice is to make yourself known, and I'm not saying be loud in a meeting, but if you have a question, someone else in that room has that same question, so don't hesitate to speak up. Because it's a very male-dominated profession - I can be in meetings where I'm the only female in the room - and while that doesn't bother me today, in the past it has, and I just kind of sunk into a chair and didn't say a lot. But it's true, as women, we have so much that we can provide in a different perspective than men. So speak up. It's tough, especially when you're working shift rotation and nights, and it's really not a female-friendly environment for mothers, but you can do it. I proved it - I've got two medical doctors and a nurse practitioner for my kids, so I think I did alright with them. Don't lose your professional side, because it's part of your identity, and I found out how important that is.
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