The Power She Brings: Celebrating International Women in Engineering Day
At Entergy Texas, women engineers are helping power communities, strengthen the power grid, and shape a more resilient energy future. Whether they are designing systems or leading complex projects these women play a critical role in the energy industry. Still, according to a 2024 report from the U.S. Department of Labor, women represent 26% of the science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) workforce in the United States. That gap is one of the reasons International Women in Engineering Day was created. Observed each year on June 23, the day celebrates the contributions of women engineers while encouraging more girls and women to pursue careers in STEM. At Entergy Texas, weâre proud to spotlight some of the remarkable women who are breaking barriers and helping to lead the way for future generations.
Abby Childress
Project manager, Distribution reliability
Abby Childress didnât always envision herself in engineering.
It wasnât until two weeks into college at Louisiana State University that she switched her major from nutrition to mechanical engineering and realized she was exactly where she was meant to be.
âI was always really strong at math and physics, and engineering was catered toward what I was good at academically,â she said.
Now six years into her career, Abby is managing reliability projects that directly impact customers across Southeast Texas.
Her journey reflects both the resilience and confidence she brings to her work.
âEngineering is hard, but thatâs what makes it so rewarding,â she said. âThe challenges are a function of the confidence you have in yourself.â
Her advice to the next generation of women interested in STEM?
âYour voice is of such great value. Push yourself to be confident in who you are and what you know. The reward is something youâll be proud of for the rest of your life.â
Ana Garcia
Supervisor, Distribution design and engineering
For Ana Garcia, she knew early on that her professional journey would lead to a career in the STEM field. She pursued an engineering degree at the University of Texas at El Paso and has never looked back.
âIt was always doing something different that kept me motivated and happy in my position,â she said.
While studying, she quickly noticed the gender gap in her classes and was inspired to be an agent of change.
“There were not many of us. Iâd say it was an 85-to-15-percent or even 90-to-10-percent ratio of men to women.â
Garcia now leads a team supporting major infrastructure projects and finds fulfillment in the direct connection between her work and the lasting impact it has on peopleâs everyday lives.
âWhat we do is incredible. Itâs technical to the core. We really do change lives out there.â
Oluwatobiloba Johnson
Engineer, Distribution Operations CenterÂ
With encouragement from family, Oluwatobiloba Johnson stepped into engineering and found a passion for problem-solving and continuous learning.
âMy brother and cousins said, âYou can do itâyouâre good at math and science.â Everyone supported me.â
Now five years into her career, sheâs helping ensure electric reliability across the Southeast Texas power gridâwhile still learning from those around her.
âLearn from anybody you can. Once youâre open to learning from people around you, even people in your shoesâyou can do engineering.â
Her message to women wondering if they belong in this space is one of strength and persistence.
“Stretch yourself when needed. Engineering isnât about physical strength â itâs about mental strength.â
Building the future, together
From classrooms to control centers, women like Abby, Ana and Oluwatobiloba are shaping a more inclusive and innovative energy future. Their work reflects Entergy Texasâ commitment to empowering the next generation of leaders in engineering and beyond.