During the session, Entergy linemen shared their unique career journeys and the vital roles they play in powering communities. They highlighted the wide range of career paths available within the utility sector – from engineering to operations to customer service and community engagement – and explained how these roles contribute to maintaining safe, reliable energy service.

The linemen also introduced students to the importance of innovation and sustainability in the energy field. In addition, they shared tips on workplace readiness and encouraged students to start thinking critically about their own goals and the paths to reach them.

“Our goal was to connect with the students in a real and honest way while introducing them to the energy sector,” said Norris Williams, line superintendent at Entergy New Orleans. “We wanted them to see that success comes with perseverance, preparation, and passion—and that there’s a place for them in the energy industry.”

The event was more than just a career talk—it was an investment in the future leaders of our community. At Entergy New Orleans, we are committed to empowering our youth through education, mentorship, and meaningful engagement.

“The partnership between MCHS and our company began in 2018,” said Paul “Scotty” Campbell, transmission control center training supervisor. “I saw that there was a need to develop the talent in this area and show them why they should come work at Entergy.”��

This realization led to the establishment of a partnership that would lead hearts and minds of young engineering interests at Madison Central High School to see that amazing career fields are right in their backyard.����

The MCHS Academy of Engineering has a three-week learning unit with Entergy to help students understand how engineering plays a role in their daily lives. About 20 students were given the opportunity to put their learned knowledge into action and see firsthand how all parts of electricity work, including clean nuclear power. One student shared, “Seeing the schematics for the power grid was really neat since I’ve been exposed to that in digital electronics.” Another said, “I finally understand the process of getting electricity from fossil fuels to a home, and about all of the people required to get it accomplished.”��

“Career readiness is an essential skill that is needed on day one to get a job,” says Rosalyn Howard, Entergy program manager for Diversity and Workplace Strategies. Howard served as the organizer for this event and said, “There must be a focus through stakeholder engagement, meaning that we are sharing knowledge with the community and nurturing the future workforce.”����

The students were also able to gain valuable insight from our Chief Nuclear Officer Kimberly Cook-Nelson as well.����

“We spend a lot of time at Entergy focusing on volunteering in local schools,” she said. “We start in the middle schools, then continue through high schools, trade schools and colleges to help people see and know what a career at Entergy looks like.”��

As part of the program, students were able to visit the Hinds Power Plant, Transmission Control Center and Transmission headquarters. “Seeing real-world applications of power generation, transmission and control helped bridge the gap between classroom concepts and industry practices”, said Michelle Robinson, academy director and science department chair at MCHS. “Thank you to Entergy for providing such a comprehensive and impactful experience.”��

Entergy line workers transformed the signature fundraising luncheon into a vibrant celebration of strength and solidarity. As they walked alongside the models, the line workers showcased their steadfast support of the organization’s mission to empower women in the New Orleans community to achieve economic independence.

Dress for Success New Orleans is a nonprofit committed to empowering women through professional attire, career development, and support networks. Collaborating with over 50 local agencies, it connects women in need of support with the resources that can help them secure meaningful employment and achieve financial freedom.

In 2024, Entergy was honored as��Volunteers of the Year, a recognition of our ongoing support and commitment to uplifting women across the region. This award reflects our shared belief in creating opportunities that lead to economic stability and independence.

At Entergy, we understand that strong communities are built by empowering individuals. Our continued support of events like��the Styled for Success Luncheon aligns with our mission to power life by investing in people and partnerships that create meaningful impact.

The students observed lineworkers, who are currently in the company’s “boot camp,” demonstrating how they repair power lines, toured the equipment yard and learned about the technology used to maintain electrical infrastructure. Employees shared insights into careers in utility maintenance, engineering and emergency response.

The lineworkers boot camp is a training program that introduces new hires to the fundamentals of working with high-voltage electrical equipment and helps explain the key principle of safety as a core value. Trainees learn through classroom instruction and practice on real, but unenergized, equipment.

Boot camp is followed by a four-year apprenticeship before earning the designation of journeyman lineworker. The apprenticeship includes the paid-work component and the instructional component, where new employees acquire workplace-relevant knowledge and skills deemed necessary by the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers to become a certified lineworker.

When disasters occur, lineworkers average 16-hour workdays and must be generally in good health, because one key skill required is setting and climbing power poles. Every day functions include installing fixtures such as breaker boxes, switches and motor controls to generate, transmit and distribute energy safely.

The visit was arranged through the company’s partnership with the Academies of Central Arkansas, which connects students with local businesses to help them explore potential career paths. This program is a community-wide transformation of the public high school experience for students in the Jacksonville North Pulaski, Little Rock, North Little Rock and Pulaski County Special School Districts.

“Our goal is to expose students to careers that are available in Central Arkansas,” said Markous Jewett, vice president of the Academies of Central Arkansas. “We have a great business community in the area, and we are thankful for their commitment to help these students find their career path.”

The Academies of Central Arkansas ensure that all scholars graduate ready for college, ready for careers, ready for enlistment and ready to be life-long learners. The program includes a series of field trips, job shadowing opportunities and industry workshops to expose students to high-demand professions in their community.

“This program exposes our students to different options to explore after they graduate from high school,” said Felicia Wheat, lead academy coach for the Pulaski County Special School District. “We are grateful for businesses like Entergy because they do a wonderful job showing so many different routes within one business that students can explore.”

For some students, the visit sparked new career ambitions. Senior Ayden Merritt said he was already considering becoming a lineworker after graduation and after speaking with employees from Entergy Arkansas, he is more confident than ever.

“This whole experience has been awesome. I don’t think I could have gotten this knowledge without being here and talking with some of the team about the community they have with each other.”

“We’re excited to provide students with an experience to talk to our employees,” said Katherine Holmstrom, business expansion and retention representative for Entergy Arkansas. “We want to provide first-hand knowledge of the challenges our teams face each day and hopefully help students figure out if this is something they would enjoy doing in process.”

Entergy Arkansas employees also discussed the growing demand for skilled workers in the utility sector and the benefits of pursuing careers in the field. The company offers apprenticeships, technical training programs and entry-level positions for those interested in careers ranging from engineering to customer service.

“I really enjoy teaching and having the chance to see the students’ eyes light up when we talk about the career opportunities with the company is fun,” said David Fleeman, senior lead training specialist for Entergy Arkansas. “I teach classes at Baseline and Pulaski Tech and just like giving students information about our growing industry.”

The Academies of Central Arkansas at Robinson High School will continue to offer similar visits throughout the year, introducing students to various career opportunities at Entergy Arkansas. If you are interested in joining the team, visit our careers website at��.

The students observed lineworkers, who are currently in the company’s “boot camp,” demonstrating how they repair power lines, toured the equipment yard and learned about the technology used to maintain electrical infrastructure. Employees shared insights into careers in utility maintenance, engineering and emergency response.

The lineworkers boot camp is a training program that introduces new hires to the fundamentals of working with high-voltage electrical equipment and helps explain the key principle of safety as a core value. Trainees learn through classroom instruction and practice on real, but unenergized, equipment.

Boot camp is followed by a four-year apprenticeship before earning the designation of journeyman lineworker. The apprenticeship includes the paid-work component and the instructional component, where new employees acquire workplace-relevant knowledge and skills deemed necessary by the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers to become a certified lineworker.

When disasters occur, lineworkers average 16-hour workdays and must be generally in good health, because one key skill required is setting and climbing power poles. Every day functions include installing fixtures such as breaker boxes, switches and motor controls to generate, transmit and distribute energy safely.

The visit was arranged through the company’s partnership with the Academies of Central Arkansas, which connects students with local businesses to help them explore potential career paths. This program is a community-wide transformation of the public high school experience for students in the Jacksonville North Pulaski, Little Rock, North Little Rock and Pulaski County Special School Districts.

“Our goal is to expose students to careers that are available in Central Arkansas,” said Markous Jewett, vice president of the Academies of Central Arkansas. “We have a great business community in the area, and we are thankful for their commitment to help these students find their career path.”

The Academies of Central Arkansas ensure that all scholars graduate ready for college, ready for careers, ready for enlistment and ready to be life-long learners. The program includes a series of field trips, job shadowing opportunities and industry workshops to expose students to high-demand professions in their community.

“This program exposes our students to different options to explore after they graduate from high school,” said Felicia Wheat, lead academy coach for the Pulaski County Special School District. “We are grateful for businesses like Entergy because they do a wonderful job showing so many different routes within one business that students can explore.”

For some students, the visit sparked new career ambitions. Senior Ayden Merritt said he was already considering becoming a lineworker after graduation and after speaking with employees from Entergy Arkansas, he is more confident than ever.

“This whole experience has been awesome. I don’t think I could have gotten this knowledge without being here and talking with some of the team about the community they have with each other.”

“We’re excited to provide students with an experience to talk to our employees,” said Katherine Holmstrom, business expansion and retention representative for Entergy Arkansas. “We want to provide first-hand knowledge of the challenges our teams face each day and hopefully help students figure out if this is something they would enjoy doing in process.”

Entergy Arkansas employees also discussed the growing demand for skilled workers in the utility sector and the benefits of pursuing careers in the field. The company offers apprenticeships, technical training programs and entry-level positions for those interested in careers ranging from engineering to customer service.

“I really enjoy teaching and having the chance to see the students’ eyes light up when we talk about the career opportunities with the company is fun,” said David Fleeman, senior lead training specialist for Entergy Arkansas. “I teach classes at Baseline and Pulaski Tech and just like giving students information about our growing industry.”

The Academies of Central Arkansas at Robinson High School will continue to offer similar visits throughout the year, introducing students to various career opportunities at Entergy Arkansas. If you are interested in joining the team, visit our careers website at��.

Entergy engaged students with hands-on demonstrations designed to educate and inspire. The company’s Arcs and Sparks safety demonstration captivated attendees by illustrating the power and dangers of electricity. Students also gained firsthand experience with lineman gear, learned how meters measure energy consumption, and explored how electricity is generated.

“YouthForce NOLA is a great partner for us,” said Sumesh Aurora, program manager, workforce strategy at Entergy. “We are introducing students in the New Orleans area to various types of careers, including those in the energy sector. This partnership helps build a strong pipeline of future professionals in energy and engineering and ensures our city will have a skilled workforce for years to come.”

The career expo provided a valuable opportunity for students to explore industries and professions that are not always covered in traditional classroom settings. Daniya Thomas, a freshman at McMain High School, found Entergy’s Arcs and Sparks demonstration particularly eye-opening. “I did not know that releasing balloons could cause that much damage,” she said. “Going forward, I will make sure that my friends and family know the dangers that releasing balloons can have on our power lines.”

This event broadened students’ awareness of diverse career opportunities within the energy sector and beyond. By supporting initiatives like Career Expo, Entergy underscores our commitment to empowering the next generation and strengthening the future workforce.

Sebastian provides critical support and insights that leaders utilize to make key decisions. He helps paint a clearer picture of where a key business function within Entergy’s operations team is heading as a business to enable leadership to focus on best next steps.

“It’s all about connecting the dots from strategy to action,” said Sebastian.

For Sebastian, it has always been in his nature to look forward. Growing up near Buenos Aries, the capital of Argentina, among his core values are investing in himself, pursuing education and taking advantage of the opportunities around him. Since he was eight years old, he fell in love with American culture and began to dream of moving to the United States.

“There were three things growing up in Argentina that instantly captured me,” said Sebastian. “One, Michael Jordan. Two, ‘Friends,’ the television series. Three, ‘The Simpsons.’

Sebastian entered the workforce as an IT advisor in Buenos Aries but quickly moved up the ranks before entering the utility industry. Edenor, the leading electricity distribution company in Argentina, hired Sebastian to lead a department of 200 employees to manage power supply across three cities and almost 200,000 customers. After 16 total years of professional experience, he landed his first job abroad, working for Daikin North American in Texas and realizing his dream to live in the United States.

Sebastian always wanted to work for Entergy since living in the US, because he lives in The Woodlands and Entergy is the utility serving the community.

“I’m a strong believer that if you don’t invest in yourself, why should someone else?” said Sebastian. “I’m not smart. I’m very persistent.”

Sebastian is married with two daughters, and his passion is travel. His top three destinations that he’d recommend to visit are Lake Como, Italy, Zurich, Switzerland and Disney World. His dream is to attend each tennis Grand Slam event within a calendar year. In business, he’s simply grateful for the current position he has in the company and the opportunities ahead.

#Meetthepros

“Having Entergy’s headquarters in New Orleans makes a huge impact on the City’s and State’s economy,” said Deanna Rodriguez, president and CEO of Entergy New Orleans. “Entergy’s presence creates jobs, generates sales for local businesses, and produces significant tax revenue for the parish and the state.”

Over the past decade, our economic development initiatives have supported 36 new projects valued at over $3.7 billion.

��by LSU economist Dr. Loren Scott, Entergy’s operations in New Orleans:

• Produced over $269 million in household earnings for residents of New Orleans and over $388 million in earnings around the state.
• Generated nearly $500 million in annual local sales and $629 million in sales statewide.
• Created 3,930 jobs for New Orleans citizens and 6,323 jobs in the state.
• Provided $17 million in sales tax revenues for city government and over $27 million for state government.

Investing in Growth and Resilience

To attract new businesses Entergy New Orleans understands that we must provide a resilient and reliable grid. Our $100 million��,��approved by the Council in October 2024, reflects our commitment to strengthening our grid and creating jobs while driving long-term growth.

Power costs are a critical component for businesses considering relocation. Entergy New Orleans provides reliable electric power at rates 30% lower than the national average. And by expanding our commercial customer base, we can reduce residential rates making energy more affordable. Successful economic development creates direct and measurable benefits for the community and the residents we serve.

Our recent efforts are already helping to transform the city’s landscape. Entergy New Orleans economic development team has worked with city leaders, private developers and economic development partners on several projects that benefit our city, including:

• The River District Neighborhood Initiative, which will feature a mixed-use neighborhood with sustainable designs, green spaces, and advanced infrastructure. This project is expected to generate over $1 billion in economic activity and $43 million in annual tax revenue.
• Five O’ Four Golf, a $40 million golf-entertainment facility. This state-of-the-art venue will include a driving range, dining options, and other amenities, bringing jobs, tourism, and entertainment to the region.
• , the first site in the city to be classified as a “Certified Site” under Louisiana Economic Development’s Certified Sites Program, will benefit residents by creating jobs, improving infrastructure, and enhancing logistics and transportation services.

Entergy New Orleans understands its responsibility in growing our economy.�� We are committed to working with residents to understand their specific needs and collaborating with City and economic development leaders to bring opportunities to New Orleans.�� We have seen successful partnerships work with the recent collaboration between Entergy Louisiana and Meta, which demonstrates what happens when we all work together.

New Orleans is our home, and Entergy New Orleans is committed to enhancing economic opportunities, improving infrastructure, and creating a brighter future for the communities we serve.

��and learn more about Entergy New Orleans’ commitment to economic growth.

About Entergy New Orleans

Entergy New Orleans provides electricity to approximately 208,000 customers and natural gas to approximately 109,000 customers in Orleans Parish, Louisiana. Entergy New Orleans is a subsidiary of ���ϳԹ���, a Fortune 500 electric company. Entergy powers life for 3 million customers through our operating companies in Arkansas, Louisiana, Mississippi and Texas. We’re investing in the reliability and resilience of the energy system while helping our region transition to cleaner, more efficient energy solutions. With roots in our communities for more than 100 years, Entergy is a nationally recognized leader in sustainability and corporate citizenship. Since 2018, we have delivered more than $100 million in economic benefits each year to local communities through philanthropy, volunteerism and advocacy. Entergy is headquartered in New Orleans, Louisiana, and has approximately 12,000 employees. For the latest news from Entergy New Orleans, visit the����and connect with��@EntergyNOLA��on social media.

“We’re honored to again sponsor the Bayou Classic and help support a celebration that has become an iconic part of Thanksgiving weekend here in New Orleans,” said Drew Marsh, Entergy’s chair and chief executive officer. “Entergy is proud to continue our longstanding collaboration with HBCUs, through which we have created more opportunities for students to thrive. As an energy industry leader, it’s important that we develop future generations, fostering a diverse and innovative energy workforce that will strengthen our entire community.”

The Bayou Classic, presented by P&G, draws more than 200,000 people to New Orleans each year, providing numerous opportunities to highlight on a national scale all that the city and state have to offer. Entergy’s sponsorship will have a significant impact on the local community, generating economic benefits for the city of New Orleans through increased tourism and revenue for local businesses.

Ranked as the No. 1 HBCU Classic in the nation, the football game will be played Saturday, Nov. 30, at the Caesars Superdome in New Orleans. Entergy recognizes the significance of HBCUs in shaping the educational landscape and empowering generations of Black students. With roots in New Orleans for more than 100 years, the company is committed to taking meaningful action to help create opportunities for fostering HBCU student success, as well as building a more diverse, inclusive and equitable workforce in its communities. Earlier this year, Entergy announced a to elevate and empower HBCUs and their students across the company’s service area in Arkansas, Louisiana, Mississippi and Texas. The expansion of Entergy’s The Power of Prosperity program will support HBCUs and students with enhanced education, career readiness and workforce development programs.

Entergy looks forward to a memorable 51st Annual Bayou Classic event that celebrates the achievements and cultural significance of HBCUs. Learn more about Entergy’s commitment to building diverse communities.

About Entergy

Entergy is a Fortune 500 company that powers life for 3 million customers through our operating companies in Arkansas, Louisiana, Mississippi and Texas. We’re investing in the reliability, resilience and growth of the energy system while helping our region transition to cleaner, more efficient energy solutions. With roots in our communities for more than 100 years, Entergy is a nationally recognized leader in sustainability and corporate citizenship. Since 2018, we have delivered more than $100 million in economic benefits each year to local communities through philanthropy, volunteerism and advocacy. Entergy is headquartered in New Orleans, Louisiana, and has approximately 12,000 employees. Learn more at entergy.com and connect with @Entergy on social media. #WePowerLife

��“The generous support provided by Entergy will greatly impact our ability to provide technical training to students in Stone County and the surrounding region,” said Dr. Josh Wilson, vice president of advancement. “Ozarka’s response to industry needs in Mountain View was met with incredible support from Entergy for this new technical center. We are extremely grateful for Entergy’s investment in north central Arkansas.”

The new Technical Center in Mountain View will grow Ozarka College’s reach to include the greater Stone County region and will house a new skilled trades program and an expanded welding center. The new center will provide education for college students in preparation for today’s workforce, assist local industries with continuing education needs for their employees and enable area high school students an accelerated pathway into high-demand career fields.

“Entergy Arkansas is both honored and grateful for the opportunity to help provide additional educational opportunities for students in the Stone County area,” said Danny Games, director of business and economic development for Entergy Arkansas. “Skilled trade workers continue to be in demand throughout our state and all over the nation, and we know this investment will result in adding qualified workers to our workforce which will help our customers.”

Ozarka is a designated regional secondary technical center which allows the college to offer secondary technical training to area high school students, a vital resource for developing career pathways for students.

The commitment from Entergy is a contribution toward the Ozarka College Foundation’s Vision for Excellence in Education campaign, an effort to raise capital to advance programs as well as furnish and equip state-of-the-art facilities.�� If you are interested in supporting these new technical education opportunities, there are multiple ways to give. For more information, contact Dr. Wilson with the Ozarka College Foundation at 870.368.2060 or at advancement@ozarka.edu.

If you are interested in training for welding or skilled trades, registration is now open. Apply online at or call Kim Lovelace, Mtn. View Campus Director, at 870.269.5600 to enroll today!

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