Paducah Site celebrates women’s history in new video

Each March, DOE-EM takes the opportunity to celebrate and highlight the achievements and contributions of women across the department.

Increased presence: Thanks in part to the contributions from women across the DOE complex, including Paducah, today women make up nearly half of U.S. workers in the fields of math and physical science, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. In 2023, the DOE reported that women accounted for more than half of new hires throughout the U.S. energy sector. These tremendous strides would not be possible without the dedication and perseverance of the women who set the stage for future generations, according to the DOE.

She said it: In the video, women shared their stories of working at the former gaseous diffusion uranium enrichment plant and reflected on the influences of women throughout the 70-plus-year history of the site. The following are some of the thoughts they shared.

Stacey Marinelli, engineering manager, site contractor Swift and Stanley

“The previous generation of women, they laid the foundation and they had many more obstacles to deal with than I do on a daily basis.”

Heather Coffie Grubs, waste engineer, Four Rivers Nuclear Partnership (FRNP)

“I think women provide a different perspective.”

Jocelyn Lightfoot, FRNP utilities operator and operations committee person for United Steel Workers

“The women at the site are in higher positions now than ever before. They’re over departments and they’re making decisions. The women are definitely making an impact and have emerged.”

Amber Bellamey, occupational medicine specialist with FRNP

“One of the biggest opportunities that I see is for current women in the industry to reach out to younger women. Whether that be younger professionals or girls that are still in school and really helping them understand how powerful they can be in the workplace.”