Her Story
About Rebekah
I've spent my entire career in manufacturing, starting as an Operations Support Specialist and coordinator at ConAgra Foods before transitioning to focus on the safety side of operations. For the past 7 years, I've been with East Texas Lighthouse for the Blind, also known as Horizon Industries, where I currently serve as Safety Administrator. I've been in the safety industry specifically for 4 years. My main areas of expertise are safety trainings and workplace well-being - I'm a big advocate for well-being initiatives. I recently completed my bachelor's degree in health and safety from East Texas A&M University in 2025, and I'm currently pursuing my master's degree in industrial and organizational psychology from Walden University. I hold certifications as a corporate wellness specialist and as a CPR, first aid, and AED instructor. I'm actively involved with ASSP, where I participate in their emergency professionals and manufacturing sections common interest groups, and I also volunteer with the Wellbeing Think Tank.
Her Interview
Ten minutes with Rebekah
01What do you attribute your success to?
I definitely attribute my success to the people that you surround yourself with. I have a fantastic mentor, and he was the one that pretty much told me that quote about never dimming your light. Even though he is a male, he understood or can empathize with what it was like and what he saw for women entering the safety field. We actually had conversations about how I can not let that bother me, because it sometimes does. That was probably one of the best things - actually having that open conversation about being in a male-dominated industry. So, surrounding yourself with good people and finding a good mentor that you click with is so important, and that's actually helped me career path-wise to continue where I'm going.
02What’s the best career advice you’ve ever received?
The best career advice I've ever received is to educate yourself - don't rely on other people to educate you. And ask questions. That's been crucial to my development and growth in my career.
03What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
Never dim your light if it's too bright for others. This is especially important in the safety field, which is a male-dominated industry. Don't let that bother you or hold you back. Find good people to surround yourself with and a mentor that you click with who understands the unique challenges women face in this field.
04What are the biggest challenges or opportunities in your field right now?
The biggest challenges I'm facing right now include limited job opportunities where I'm located. From a safety perspective, one of the most difficult challenges is making sure that I am involved and actually in the room when discussions are happening. Sometimes people don't think safety needs to be involved, and so helping them to see that and helping them to understand that has been quite difficult sometimes.
05What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
Connection, empathy, and understanding.
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