Rachael Boring

I attribute my success to the unwavering support of my son, who has been my anchor through every challenge and milestone. His belief in me gave me the strength to keep pushing, even when the road wasn’t easy. As a woman in technical trades and the military, I’ve often had to prove myself in male-dominated spaces—but knowing my family was proud of me gave me the courage to speak up, work harder, and stay focused. Everything I’ve accomplished—my education, my certifications, my service—has been driven by a desire to set an example for my son and show him that discipline, faith, and determination can build a life you’re proud of.

The best career advice I’ve ever received is simple but powerful: "Never let your fear decide your fate." That one line changed the way I approach everything—from stepping into male-dominated fields to pushing through difficult training or raising my hand for leadership roles. Fear will always be there, but I’ve learned it can’t be the thing that stops you. I’ve walked into rooms where I was the only woman, the youngest person, or the least experienced—but I showed up anyway, ready to learn and earn my place. That advice taught me to lead with courage, not comfort, and it’s shaped the way I carry myself in every professional space I enter.

My advice to young women entering this industry is: "don’t give up—especially when it gets hard or when you feel like you’re the only one like you in the room." This field isn’t always easy, and it’s not always welcoming, but if you stay focused, stay teachable, and keep showing up, you’ll find your rhythm. Learn everything you can, ask questions, and don’t be afraid to get your hands dirty. Respect is earned through action, and your work ethic will speak louder than anything else. There’s power in being underestimated—use it to fuel your fire.

One of the biggest challenges—and opportunities—in my industry is navigating a space that’s traditionally male-dominated. As a woman in electrical, instrumentation, and power generation roles, I’m often the only woman on site or in the field. That means not just proving technical skill, but building confidence day after day, even when I’m in the minority. At the same time, this creates a huge opportunity to redefine norms and bring a fresh perspective to problem-solving, leadership, and safety culture. By showing up authentically, consistently asking for what I need, and mentoring other women who come behind me, I believe we can reshape this industry to be more inclusive, innovative, and collaborative—for everyone.

Even before I joined the Army, I have always strived to live by the Army values. Loyalty, Duty, Respect, Selfless-Service, Honor, Integrity, and Personal Courage which together make up LeaDeRSHIP. I wouldn't know who I was if I did not have any one of these in my daily life.