From an early age, Sanford was drawn to mathematics and problem-solving which led him to a career in engineering. “I found the nature of engineering appealing because success is measured by objective results, either the design works or it doesn’t,” he explained.������

Throughout his career, Sanford has often been one of a few, if not the only, Black professionals on his team. While this presented challenges,��including the weight of representation and the need for heightened awareness in professional settings, he found strength in self-confidence and a commitment to mentorship. “It has given me a deeper understanding of the importance of inclusion, not just for those who share my background,��but for all underrepresented groups.”����

His role in the nuclear industry takes on even greater significance as he paves the way for future engineers. “Representation matters,” he said. “Being here means that younger students, especially from marginalized backgrounds, can see that a career in nuclear engineering is possible for them too.”����

Since joining Waterford 3, Sanford has played a critical role in multiple engineering disciplines, including central programs engineering, systems engineering and electrical design engineering. His expertise spans across regulatory compliance, troubleshooting complex plant issues and optimizing preventative maintenance strategies to enhance reliability.������

As a leader within the DIB group, Sanford is passionate about expanding outreach efforts to local schools and underserved communities. He envisions partnerships with other industries and educational institutions to create mentorship programs, site tours and academic support initiatives.����

Looking ahead, Sanford sees inclusion as a defining factor in shaping the future workforce. “Younger generations prioritize diversity when choosing employers. Companies, like Entergy, that embrace these values will attract the best minds in STEM,” he said.��

From an early age, Sanford was drawn to mathematics and problem-solving which led him to a career in engineering. “I found the nature of engineering appealing because success is measured by objective results, either the design works or it doesn’t,” he explained.������

Throughout his career, Sanford has often been one of a few, if not the only, Black professionals on his team. While this presented challenges,��including the weight of representation and the need for heightened awareness in professional settings, he found strength in self-confidence and a commitment to mentorship. “It has given me a deeper understanding of the importance of inclusion, not just for those who share my background,��but for all underrepresented groups.”����

His role in the nuclear industry takes on even greater significance as he paves the way for future engineers. “Representation matters,” he said. “Being here means that younger students, especially from marginalized backgrounds, can see that a career in nuclear engineering is possible for them too.”����

Since joining Waterford 3, Sanford has played a critical role in multiple engineering disciplines, including central programs engineering, systems engineering and electrical design engineering. His expertise spans across regulatory compliance, troubleshooting complex plant issues and optimizing preventative maintenance strategies to enhance reliability.������

As a leader within the DIB group, Sanford is passionate about expanding outreach efforts to local schools and underserved communities. He envisions partnerships with other industries and educational institutions to create mentorship programs, site tours and academic support initiatives.����

Looking ahead, Sanford sees inclusion as a defining factor in shaping the future workforce. “Younger generations prioritize diversity when choosing employers. Companies, like Entergy, that embrace these values will attract the best minds in STEM,” he said.��

In 2016, Parks started her Entergy career as a decontamination technician at New York’s Indian Point ���ϳԹ��� Center, which closed in 2021. But quickly she realized she wanted more. ������

“I knew I didn’t want to stop there,” Parks recalls. “I looked into radiation protection, took the test, earned my quals, and became an RP technician. It’s something I love doing and I’m very passionate about it.”������

Parks’s journey led her to Waterford 3 Steam Electric Station in Kilona, La., where she has spent the past three years expanding her expertise in a fast-paced environment, monitoring contamination and radiation levels while ensuring the safety of the public and plant personnel. “It’s fun to me,” she said. “I feel like you never work a day in your life if you enjoy what you are doing.” ����

Mentorship played a critical role in Park’s development. She credits retired RP Tech��Duane��Miller��as a key figure in her career, as well as��Brittany Scott, a former Arkansas Nuclear One technician who inspired her. “I remember my second planned maintenance and refueling outage, seeing Scott at the desk, confidently explaining nuclear concepts like it was her first language. I told myself, ‘I want that to be me one day.’” ����

Years later Parks found herself in that very position, knowledgeable, respected and helping guide work crews through RP procedures. “I looked back and realized that I had achieved my goal.”��������

Leadership and the power of representation������

Parks isn’t the only woman making strides at Waterford 3. She highlights the impact of��Melody (Mel) Gibson,��RP��manager, as a trailblazer. “Mel started in housekeeping and is now the radiation protection manager. That is major. She came in dominating, bringing new ideas and pushing our program forward.” ����

Beyond her leadership role, Gibson serves as a mentor and advocate. “She pushes you to be the best version of yourself,” Parks said. “She’s paving the way for future women in the industry.” ����

Advice for women and the next generation of female nuclear professionals������

For young women considering careers in STEM and nuclear, Park’s message is clear: never stop learning.������

“Use your resources and learn as much as you can. If you want to get a degree in nuclear, go for it. Find a mentor, that’s one of the biggest things. There are people willing to teach,��and that’s a good thing.”��������

Lisa also encourages women to push past limitations. “When they tell you what you can’t do, show them what you can do.”������

Her final advice to the future generation of female nuclear professionals? “Never limit yourself.”��

Not only did television shows spark Matthews’s interest in engineering, but his curiosity also evolved into a career aspiration after his brother pursued a computer engineering degree. He went on to receive a bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering from Southern University A&M College.

Prior to joining Waterford 3, Matthews worked at Savannah River Nuclear Solutions, a nuclear power plant in Aiken, South Carolina. At Waterford 3, he holds the dual roles of fire protection engineer and chair for the Diversity, Inclusion and Belonging group.

As a leader of the DIB group, Matthews is passionate about community engagement and amplifying diverse perspectives. “This year the Waterford 3 DIB council is focusing on community engagement through volunteerism,” he explained.

Matthews underscores the role diversity plays in engineering and nuclear as a whole.

“Diversity fosters a broad spectrum of perspectives that are essential for innovation, safety and effective problem-solving. It enhances team dynamics and contributes to more comprehensive and sustainable solutions to complex challenges,” he said.

As a nuclear plant operator, Christian Case plays a key role at Waterford 3 Steam Electric Station in Killona, La. by ensuring the site stays on track in achieving its goals. His responsibilities include monitoring equipment, checking tank levels and ensuring everything operates as it should. He also stays vigilant in identifying and addressing anything off-normal that could impact plant performance or safety.

Commitment to standards

Case embodies Waterford 3’s focus area, commitment to standards, by approaching his tasks with precision and care. “You can go through daily tasks just checking boxes, or you can approach them methodically, using situational and self-awareness to identify anything off-normal,” he said.

Get to know Christian Case

Case began his career at Entergy in 2023 at Waterford 3. Before joining Entergy, he worked as a commercial diver in the oil and gas industry, focusing on the removal and installation of offshore facilities as well as pipeline removal and installation. He wanted to transition to a career path that would allow more time on land and with his family, so he turned his attention to the nuclear industry.

“I looked into nuclear power and found Entergy,” Case said. “I decided to pursue nuclear because it seemed interesting and unique.” He is now a qualified level-C operator and is currently in the B training class.

And yet, the season also gives us time to pause, to reflect on 12 months of achievements and challenges, and to plan for fresh beginnings in the spanking-new year.

As we reminisce about the highlights of��’24, it’s only fitting that we spotlight some of the best and brightest moments for Entergy’s nuclear fleet.

Let’s flip some calendar pages and name a few….

In��March, Entergy Nuclear engineered��some exciting changes��in Port Gibson, Miss.! An all-woman group of managers led Grand Gulf Nuclear Station’s engineering team—an important first! Valerie Myers is plant support manager, Tori Robinson led the design projects team and Grace Settoon managed strategic and systems engineering. Since then, in recognition of their excellent work, Robinson accepted a position as design projects manager at the corporate office in Jackson, and Settoon was selected by site leadership to serve as a consultant at the��, headquartered in Atlanta.

In��April, two-thirds of Arkansas fell inside the path of totality during the historic total eclipse, causing a very brief reduction in output at the solar energy stations. Yet, due to Entergy’s diverse energy portfolio—roughly����comes from nuclear—Entergy still kept the lights shining bright��for its customers!

In��June,����with����to����that promises some powerful benefits! The project could increase efficiencies, lower operational costs, prevent generation losses due to equipment failures and improve the predictability of plant operations. If proved successful, Entergy will employ the model at one of its stations and potentially expand to others.

In��September, while the winds of Hurricane Francine howled, thanks to the diligent preparation, strong teamwork and safety-first mindset of Entergy’s nuclear professionals,��their plants stayed on the grid, producing round-the-clock power for its customers. Entergy’s communities are grateful for the strength and resilience not only of nuclear power—but also of the entire team at Arkansas Nuclear One in Russellville, Ark.; Grand Gulf Nuclear Station in Port Gibson, Miss.; River Bend Station in St. Francisville, La., and Waterford 3 Steam Electric Station in Killona, La.

Later in��September,��, a consortium of leading North American utilities that advise on the development and commercialization of����fluoride salt-cooled, high-temperature reactor��. Entergy’s Chief Nuclear Officer Kimberly Cook-Nelson said of the alliance, “We believe advanced nuclear technologies will play an important role in decarbonizing the U.S. energy system, and we’re pleased to be in a position to help nurture the development of new resources like KP-FHR.”

In��October, Cook-Nelson was named among the 2024����in the Profiles in Diversity Journal® magazine, which recognizes influential women who are using their talents to improve their workplace and our world. In its third-quarter issue, the journal featured Cook-Nelson’s reflections of her 28 years in the nuclear industry and her advice to never shy away from a challenge, shun the phrase “you can’t” and always remember: It’s about the people.

Also in��October, The��Entergy Charitable Foundation��awarded a����to help the HBCU establish a Critical Power Grid Network Security Lab. As an expansion of the university’s cybersecurity education curriculum, the lab will serve a twofold purpose: to offer students the necessary skills and resources to learn about the industry and to help grow a workforce to meet the needs of nuclear, electric and natural gas companies. Entergy and JSU have partnered before to create the��, another program in the��.

Later that month, Entergy’s nuclear fleet celebrated international��! The company is proud that its five reactors in four locations in Arkansas, Louisiana and Mississippi can cleanly power small towns, big cities and everywhere in between.�� By harnessing��100% clean nuclear power, Entergy is helping to meet the growing demands of the nation’s carbon-free energy needs.

In��December, Entergy Nuclear topped off the year with the����of��, Unit 1! Now, the two nuclear units at ANO generate not only a steady stream of clean, carbon-free energy but also significant positive impact in the River Valley. The station employs more than 1,000 full-time nuclear professionals who care deeply about their community. And just for good measure, let’s celebrate the contributions made by Entergy’s��entire��nuclear fleet! In 2024, all four nuclear stations—Arkansas Nuclear One, Grand Gulf, River Bend Station in St. Francisville, La. and Waterford 3 Steam Electric Station in Killona, La. — together with Entergy Nuclear headquarters in Jackson, Miss.,��awarded $155,805 in grants to benefit their surrounding communities.

Tell us about your journey to Entergy.

I was hired in commercial nuclear as an electrical maintenance instructor, and then became the maintenance and technical training superintendent. For a few years I was a loanee to the Institute of Nuclear Power Operations as a training evaluator. I was given the opportunity to come south to Entergy, and I’ve been at headquarters for 12 or 13 years now, in the same position. That’s kind of unique.

How does your group perform governance and oversight for the nuclear fleet?��

At the basic level, we do document reviews of site materials and perform onsite observations to ensure we’re implementing training programs in accordance with the approved procedures and industry standards.

That means we coach, provide feedback and teach newer instructors alternative or better ways to do what they’re doing in the classroom, which is presenting materials so that trainees can attain the knowledge and skills that are needed.

In what ways is your team engaged with Entergy’s goals?��

First of all, I like training because it’s a living process. It doesn’t happen overnight. But some of these things take a long time to do, because you’re doing a lot of work up front. So, we’re implementing some programs to streamline the process for analyzing, designing and developing training.

What else are you doing to standardize business across the fleet or to better align with the industry?��

We revised our systematic approach to training procedure to streamline the process and compare apples to apples when communicating with the rest of the industry.

We’re also working to standardize the training programs for maintenance, radiation protection and engineering to make them common across the fleet. So, for example, training a journeyman electrician at Grand Gulf Nuclear Station in Vicksburg, Miss. will be the same at Riverbend Station in St. Francisville, La., the same at Waterford 3 Steam Electric Station in Killona, La. and the same at Arkansas Nuclear One in Russellville, Ark. That’s based on industry standards.

We’re also working on standardizing chemistry programs, which will be an industry first when we accomplish it.

Why are you proud to work for Entergy?

With the changes we’re making, we’ve been empowered to figure out things like: What are the timelines and the best ways to approach the implementation? What actions need to be taken in the interim? What’s the gap training going to look like? What does the change management look like to go from where we currently are to where we want to be? There are a whole lot of smaller pieces under the big picture that we work on individually or as a team to figure out the right way to do it.

What’s life like outside of work?��

I like to pretend that I can golf. And then last year, we bought 10 acres that hadn’t been well maintained and a house that needed some tender loving care. So, we’re in the process now of working on the house and cleaning up the property and making it ready to be my retirement home. We’re staying south because I don’t like the cold anymore.

How about a fun fact about you that people might not know?

I have seen all 50 states. My mom and dad loved to travel, and his goal was to see all 50 states. The last one I saw was Hawaii when I was in the Navy.

What’s your next bucket list trip?

My wife’s bucket list trip is to go to Hawaii, and I’ve never been to any of the European countries, so seeing the true touristy things there would be on my list. That’ll all come once I’m living on my land in retirement. That’s exactly how it’s all supposed to work out.

Whether it’s preparing materials for shipment, decontaminating surfaces or managing waste such as trash, motors and other items for transport outside the plant, Wood’s attention to detail helps keep Waterford 3 secure.��

Commitment to standards��

Wood exemplifies a commitment to standards adherence by following established procedures. He upholds safety and operational standards in his own work and ensures that his team adheres to standards and procedures in radiation protection. His dedication to standards adherence reinforces the station’s commitment to standards and a culture of accountability.��

Get to know Jonathan Wood��

Wood began his career at Entergy in 2017, working in security. With a military career that spans more than two decades, he served in the U.S. Marine Corps from 2004-2011 and has been a Louisiana National Guardsman since 2012.��

Recently, Wood competed in the Civilian Marksmanship Program’s National Rifle Games at Camp Perry, Ohio, where he earned the prestigious U.S. Army Distinguished Rifleman Badge—an honor achieved by approximately 3,200 soldiers since 1903. Additionally, he earned the President’s 100 award, recognizing him as one of the top 100 shooters in the National President’s Match. His National Guard team also secured the National Trophy, marking the third time the National Guard has claimed this victory, with previous wins in 1986 and 1977.��

This week we celebrate achievements across the nuclear energy industry and at Entergy, as we recognize the vital role nuclear professionals play in powering our communities with clean, carbon-free electricity. This is only achieved because of their relentless focus on operating our plants safely, securely and reliably.����

Our customers count on us to keep the lights on, and we do so with clean, reliable energy, 24/7, 365. Our Entergy fleet of five nuclear reactors at four sites in Arkansas, Mississippi and Louisiana prevents nearly 23 million metric tons of carbon dioxide in the environment each year. That is about the same as taking nearly five million passenger vehicles off the road.��

This is an exciting time to be working in nuclear. As the Nuclear ���ϳԹ��� Institute reported last year about the , from 2016 to 2020, support held steady at 45% and then jumped to nearly 60% this year. People are seeing the value of nuclear as a clean, reliable energy source, as well as a powerful economic force—driving opportunities in business, employment and volunteerism.������

In celebration of Nuclear Science Week, Entergy’s fleetwide chapters of Women in Nuclear and North American Young Generation in Nuclear will be expanding outreach, educating our customers and other stakeholders about the benefits of nuclear energy.

Engage with Entergy Nuclear on , and Entergy on or to learn more about our industry, our commitment to our customers and communities, and rewarding in this exciting and growing field.

I want to praise our nuclear professionals – and those across our company — who focused on in-depth preparation, strong teamwork and unparalleled collaboration, with the safety of our folks and our communities being at the core of every decision related to the storm. While we are still doing safety walkdowns, damage assessments and checking on our team members, our facilities in Louisiana and Mississippi performed exceptionally well.

While our plants stayed on the grid during the event, producing power for our customers, our people also shined. Their nuclear professionalism is impressive and appreciated, but not surprising. While power outages remain across southeast Louisiana and Mississippi, Entergy’s utility crews continue to assess damages and work to restore power as safely and quickly as possible.