Her Story
About Opal
Opal Connor is a dedicated Safety Specialist and Journeyman Operating Engineer with over 20 years of experience in the construction industry. Based in Lithia, Florida, she currently serves as a Senior EHS Specialist and OSHA-Certified Safety Instructor, providing safety training, consulting, and field oversight across diverse industrial and infrastructure projects. As a contract professional, Opal brings her extensive technical expertise to companies on a project basis—ensuring that every worksite she oversees meets the highest standards of safety, efficiency, and regulatory compliance.
Her professional journey began after earning her degrees from American River College and completing the Cosumnes River College Pre-Apprenticeship and IUOE Local 3 Operating Engineers Apprenticeship Program, where she mastered construction operations, heavy equipment, and project planning. Committed to advancing safety leadership, Opal went on to earn her Certified Safety Management Specialist (CSMS) license through the Sacramento Professional Safety Center and completed advanced OSHA certifications through Las Positas College and the University of South Florida, qualifying her to train and certify other safety professionals.
Throughout her career, Opal has built a reputation for her strong leadership, communication, and team-building skills, as well as her unwavering commitment to sending every worker home safely each day. Her hands-on experience spans everything from disaster recovery operations to large-scale construction projects, where she has supervised safety programs, conducted risk assessments, and delivered OSHA outreach training. Beyond her professional achievements, Opal is passionate about community service—volunteering, teaching safety awareness, and uplifting others through mentorship and education.
Her Interview
Ten minutes with Opal
01What do you attribute your success to?
I attribute my success to my determination to make a meaningful impact and my passion for keeping people safe. After gaining early experience working with my uncle’s construction business, I decided to pursue a career in the construction field to help change the world through safer job sites.
Currently, I’m working on a cancer treatment facility that Johnson & Johnson is building in North Carolina. Each day begins with a safety meeting, followed by a thorough site walk to ensure all personnel have their proper protective equipment and that the area is secure—including making sure there are no animals or other hazards present. My commitment to safety drives everything I do, and I’m now preparing to take the next step by launching my own safety company.
02What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
My advice to young women entering this industry is to follow your dreams and never shy away from a challenge. Even when you doubt yourself, trust that you are capable—you can do this. If I can succeed in this field, so can you. Take it one day at a time, stay focused, and believe in your strength and potential.
03What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
The values that guide me—both in my work and in my personal life—are authenticity, belief in purpose, and giving back. I believe in being true to myself and standing behind the work I do with integrity and passion.
One of the things I’m most proud of is being able to give back to apprentices—supporting, mentoring, and helping them build their future in this industry. It’s important to me to pay it forward and create opportunities for others just as others did for me.
Outside of work, I stay involved in my community by volunteering during strikes and elections to help people have a voice and support those who stand up for them. I also volunteer during the holidays, at homeless shelters, and through toy drives. Giving back keeps me grounded and reminds me why I do what I do.
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