Her Story
About Shareece
Shareece Watkins serves as a Welding Lab Technician and Instructor at Goodwin University, where she combines hands-on technical expertise with a strong commitment to student development and workforce education. She began her welding career in 2021 after completing a certificate program at Goodwin University and has since advanced into a role supporting both laboratory operations and instruction. Her responsibilities include maintaining welding equipment, ordering materials and supplies, operating CAD and plasma table systems for fabrication, demonstrating stick, MIG, flux-core, and TIG welding processes, and providing individualized guidance to students as they develop their technical skills and confidence. Watkins is also pursuing a Bachelor of Science in Manufacturing at Goodwin University, with an anticipated graduation in 2029. Beyond her instructional responsibilities, Watkins has contributed to the growth and advancement of welding education through laboratory development, collaboration, and professional service. She has assisted with establishing welding laboratories at a sister university in Bridgeport and participates in several educational and professional committees, including Manufacturer Ambassadors, the Faculty Center, and Universal Design for Learning (UDL) educational learning groups. Her dedication and contributions have been recognized through honors including the Ubuntu Award, Alumni Service Award, and Goodwin Alumni Award. She also brings valuable administrative experience to her career through her work as an Executive Chief Office Administrator with Digital Boombox Network, where she supports organizational operations, scheduling, records management, reporting, and business administration. Before entering the welding and manufacturing field, Watkins built a diverse professional background through careers in culinary arts at Walt Disney World, construction, and trucking. These experiences strengthened her adaptability, work ethic, leadership abilities, and determination to succeed in traditionally male-dominated industries. Watkins is passionate about lifelong learning and believes that individuals are never too old to learn or to teach others. Guided by her faith and a commitment to staying focused on the bigger picture, she strives to be solution-oriented, lead by example, and empower the next generation of skilled professionals. Her career reflects resilience, continuous growth, and a dedication to demonstrating that women can thrive and lead in welding, manufacturing, and the skilled trades.
Her Interview
Ten minutes with Shareece
01What do you attribute your success to?
I attribute my success to hard work, perseverance, and the determination to prove that I can accomplish anything I set my mind to. Growing up participating in boxing, football, track, gymnastics, ballet, and cheerleading taught me discipline, resilience, and the importance of pushing through challenges. I have carried those lessons throughout every stage of my career, from culinary arts at Disney to construction, trucking, and now welding education. Each experience has strengthened my confidence and reinforced my belief that with dedication, persistence, and a willingness to learn, I can overcome obstacles and continue reaching my goals.
02What’s the best career advice you’ve ever received?
The best career advice I have ever received is to believe in myself, recognize that I am capable of achieving my goals, and never give up. That simple message has stayed with me throughout my career and has encouraged me to remain persistent, especially when faced with challenges or uncertainty. I have learned that determination, resilience, and the willingness to keep moving forward can make the difference between giving up and achieving success.
03What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
Be the best version of yourself every single day, no matter how people feel about you. You're never too old to keep learning; Always speak up for yourself.
04What are the biggest challenges or opportunities in your field right now?
One of the biggest challenges I face is working in a highly male-dominated industry where women are not always taken seriously. However, I see this as an opportunity to demonstrate the value, expertise, and perspective that women bring to the field. I take pride in my attention to detail, ability to stay focused, and commitment to getting the job done efficiently and effectively. I know that my voice and contributions matter, and I am not afraid to stand my ground, speak up, and prove through my work that I belong and can succeed in this industry.
05What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
The values that are most important to me in both my work and personal life are continuous learning, leadership, faith, and being a positive influence on others. Professionally, I believe you are never too old to learn something new, and I value being willing to share my knowledge and serve as a great teacher to others. Personally, my faith in God is at the center of my life, along with staying focused on the bigger picture, approaching challenges by seeking solutions rather than creating problems, and leading by example with integrity, purpose, and determination.
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