Electrical lines cross generations for UPF journeyman wireman
Diana C. is a journeyman wireman at the Uranium Processing Facility, and she comes from a long line of electricians.
OAK RIDGE, Tenn — Diana C. knew from an early age what she wanted her life to look like. She had a strong work ethic and knew what she needed to do to achieve her goals as she planned the path for her future.
“I’m a hands‑on‑type of person. My grandpa, uncle, and dad are all electricians out of the same union. I wanted to follow their lead, and they were very encouraging. They told me that I was built for this job. So as soon as I turned 18, I went down to the union hall and was hired,” she said of the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers (IBEW).
Now, 25 years into her career and helping build the Uranium Processing Facility (UPF) at Y‑12 National Security Complex, she has lit the path for her daughter to follow the family tradition and become a fourth‑generation electrician. Diana sets the example for her daughter by being a go‑getter who takes pride in her craft.
“I’m representing my union hall, so I want to be the best,” she said. “I want them to know they produced a hard worker and a smart electrician. I want my product to look the best it can, and I am meticulous. I am proficient in conduit and have done wire pulling and terminating. If you know the job, you can lead; UPF finds the success in each of us.”
Not one to rest during her off time, she said she thinks about safety even when she is at home.
“You have to stay active and keep your body going to stay safe at work. I run with my daughter, and we encourage each other along the way,” she said, adding, “I am proud of her and want her to be equipped to enjoy life.”
Diana said she and her daughter will work together at home on projects or problems and often find ways to “meet in the middle.” In addition to being an encouragement to her family, she said she wants to bring that same energy to UPF.
“My crew is great — we lift each other up, and we all bring a unique perspective to the group. It’s awesome if you have a crew you can lean on. I enjoy the work, but my crew is what I love. I can communicate easily with them. The work we do is intricate, and they teach me new things every day.”
For Diana, giving her best every day helps UPF and Y‑12 achieve their missions for the nation.
“I want my family to be safe. I have family in the military, so I am going to do my part,” she said.
Her part includes leading the morning team discussions and taking the initiative to perform extra duties. Shawn S., Diana’s lead general foreman, thinks highly of her and is one of many who have noticed how she steps into leadership roles.
“She is always willing to help her crew and those around her; she is a vital part of our team. She helps get us all aligned for the day by conducting the daily Field Level Hazard Assessments and reviewing the Daily Information Sheet. She helps out wherever she is needed, and when talking to her, you know safety is her top priority. She is a craftsman that we are lucky to have on the UPF Project,” he said.
While she lights up talking about her job, Diana beams with pride when talking about her family. She is happy her daughter is going to study to be an electrical engineer and may one day be designing systems and working alongside electricians as fourth generation working in the field. She said of her daughter, “There is no reason she wouldn’t be great at this job, and I’ll be there to help build her future.”