On Thursday, October 2nd, the Virginia, Maryland & Delaware Association of Electric Cooperatives (VMDAEC) hosted another inspiring Girl Power event in Salisbury, Maryland. This hands-on program continues to empower young women and industry newcomers by providing them with opportunities to explore careers in the utility and energy sectors.
Among the attendees was Erin Hall, Marketing Coordinator for S&N Infrastructure, who proudly represented S&N at her very first Girl Power event. Though new to the utility industry, Erin was eager to gain firsthand experience. She traded her office attire for steel-toe boots, climbing hooks, and personal protective equipment (PPE) to truly step into the role of a lineworker for the day.
During the event, Erin and participants engaged in multiple interactive stations, including:
- Overhead line demonstrations – learning how lineworkers safely perform switching and maintenance tasks.
- Utility pole climbing – participants suited up and climbed real poles under instructor supervision, gaining respect for the physical and technical skill it takes to work at height.
- Fiber networking and splicing – exploring the world of fiber optics and broadband connectivity.
For Erin, the most memorable part of the day was conquering her first utility pole climb. After her climb, she reflected, “There’s much more to this than I thought. It was truly an exciting experience to see what goes into climbing a utility pole. I have a much greater appreciation and respect for the hard work and skill of those in the field.”
The Girl Power program, launched by VMDAEC in 2021, has expanded rapidly across multiple states. With the support of partners like S&N Infrastructure, the initiative aims to introduce women to technical and trade careers in the energy and utilities industries sectors where women continue to make significant strides.
Events like Girl Power–MD not only educate but also inspire confidence, teamwork, and curiosity among attendees. For Erin, it was a meaningful reminder that stepping outside your comfort zone often leads to new perspectives and new respect for the people who keep our communities connected and powered.
S&N Infrastructure is proud to support Girl Power events across the Mid-Atlantic and the Carolinas.
These programs are shaping the future by encouraging more women to explore rewarding careers in the utility industry.
Girl Power is growing and so are the opportunities.