Her Story
About LaNa
LaNa Al-Amin is a nonprofit leader, educator, and community advocate who serves as Chief Executive Officer of the Independent Electrical Contractors Foundation (IEC Foundation). In this role, she leads a national team supporting 54 IEC chapters and more than 23,000 apprentices across the country. With more than 20 years of experience in education spanning preschool, elementary, middle school, high school, community education, and higher education, LaNa brings a strong understanding of learning, leadership, and organizational development to her work in workforce development.
Throughout her career, LaNa has focused on creating opportunities that connect education with meaningful career pathways. Her expertise includes nonprofit management, workforce development, organizational leadership, community advocacy, and family and community engagement. At the IEC Foundation, she works to strengthen apprenticeship programs, expand access to scholarships and training, build strategic partnerships, and develop the next generation of skilled professionals in the electrical industry. She is also active in conversations surrounding the future workforce, skilled trades, career pathways, and Registered Apprenticeship programs.
LaNa holds a master's degree in Organizational Leadership and a bachelor's degree in Human Resources from Geneva College and is a doctoral candidate in Curriculum and Instruction at Gwinnett Mercy University. Beyond her professional responsibilities, she has been involved with Rotary for 14 years and volunteers with organizations supporting survivors of domestic violence, individuals experiencing homelessness, and foster youth. Her leadership philosophy is grounded in hard work, collaboration, service, and community support, with a commitment to using education and workforce development as tools for creating lasting opportunities for individuals, families, and communities.
Her Interview
Ten minutes with LaNa
01What do you attribute your success to?
I attribute my success to hard work, but also community and the village that supports you. Success takes a village, standing on the shoulders of others who have come before you, people who speak your name in rooms where you might not be able to, and the network and communities that have empowered me from a young age.
02What’s the best career advice you’ve ever received?
The best career advice I've received is to not let your qualifications put you in a box. Your lived experience coupled with your education is the full package. Don't focus just on degrees and credentials; your lived experience is a lot as well, and be confident in what you want to do.
03What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
Be empowered, be bold, go for whatever it is that you want to achieve in this industry. Know that connectedness is so important for your success. Connect with other women in the trades. Seek knowledge even in areas where you don't see other women. You can do it. We're here, and we're here to stay.
04What are the biggest challenges or opportunities in your field right now?
The biggest challenge is an $80,000 a year plus shortage in electricians in our field. The economy is growing and the gap is continuing.
05What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
Integrity is huge for me. Integrity, empathy, and honesty are really important to me in my work and personal life.
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