Tricia Dawn Deffendoll
Tricia Deffendoll is a skilled trades professional and newly appointed Maintenance Supervisor in Casting at Constellium, where she oversees electricians and mechanics while continuing hands-on training in her leadership role. With a practical, grounded approach to work, Tricia is known for her respect for skilled trades, commitment to safety, and belief in leading with honesty, genuineness, and kindness. Her work reflects a deep appreciation for teamwork and the critical role maintenance plays in heavy manufacturing environments.
Tricia’s career path is both unconventional and inspiring. After spending more than two decades in healthcare as a licensed Physical Therapy Assistant and rehabilitation manager, she made a bold transition into the trades in 2017. She entered manufacturing as a crane operator at Alcoa, moved into casting operations, and later joined an electrical apprenticeship at Kaiser Aluminum. Through persistence and continuous learning—including completing an electrical degree—she progressed into industrial electrician roles and ultimately into maintenance supervision.
A lifelong athlete and leader, Tricia is a former Division I women’s basketball starter at University of Evansville and was later inducted into the Indiana Basketball Hall of Fame, with her high school jersey retired and scoring records still standing. That same discipline and resilience define her professional journey today. Passionate about encouraging others—especially women entering male-dominated fields—Tricia advocates for self-belief, strength, and staying true to one’s path, proving that reinvention and growth are possible at any stage of life.
• Physical Therapy Assistant License
• University of Evansville- Associate's
• Ivy Tech Community College-Electrical Certification
• Indiana Basketball Hall of Fame Inductee
• High School Jersey Retired
• High School Basketball Records (Most Points)
What do you attribute your success to?
I attribute my success to my parents. They both truly mean the world to me, and the way that they pushed me towards success during my adolescent years has been a guiding factor and has been incredibly important. I maintain a very close relationship with them both, and I'm very grateful for their support and love throughout my life. My father was a relentless worker, maintaining employment via the railroad systems and power plant systems, which is one of the many reasons that I've always looked up to him as a role model in terms of the development of my own tenacious work ethic. Additionally, my mother displayed a tireless work ethic, attending Lockyear College and becoming an administrative professional, working within the local judicial system. The work ethic and support from my parents has been the foundation of everything I've accomplished throughout my adult life and I am forever indebted to them both.
What’s the best career advice you’ve ever received?
The best career advice I've ever received is to never give up. If you believe that you can do something, then you can. That mindset has carried me through major career transitions and challenges, and it's what gives me the confidence to keep pushing forward and taking on new opportunities, even when they seem daunting.
What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
I would say stay strong and believe in yourself. Don't let anybody tell you differently. It's important to have confidence in your abilities and not let others discourage you from pursuing your goals, especially in a field that may not have as many women. Trust in yourself and your capabilities, and don't let anyone shake that belief.
What are the biggest challenges or opportunities in your field right now?
The biggest challenge for me right now is that I've never officially been a supervisor before, so I'm learning that role for the first time. There's a lot to learn, especially about how people respond to you as a leader. I'm kind of going through a big growing phase at this moment. It's a significant transition, managing a team of 10 to 15 mechanics and 6 to 8 electricians per shift, but I see it as an important opportunity for my professional development.
What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
The values most important to me are respect, being genuine and honest, and being trustworthy. I believe in being kind and treating others the way you'd like to be treated. These principles guide how I interact with people both professionally and personally, and they're the foundation of how I approach leadership and relationships.
Milestone Moments
induction into Indiana Basketball Hall of Fame with my family and friends