Women have worked at Entergy since the company's inception more than 100 years ago, and in the last 30 years, they have entered the leadership ranks in our traditionally male-dominated industry.Today, women make up 20 percent of Entergy's total workforce and 15 percent of leadership positions. With the U.S. Department of Labor reporting that women make up 47 percent of the U.S. workforce, those company statistics may seem low; however, they are the norm in any industry that relies heavily on science, technology, engineering and math skills.Women hold 24 percent of STEM jobs in the U.S. And while women comprise nearly 60 percent of the undergraduate population, only 6.7 percent of STEM graduates are women. However, progress is being made.Just 50 years ago, 4.2 million women were working in the trade, transportation and utility sector. Today, this number exceeds 11 million; making this sector thesecond largest employer of women behind education and health services.Research has proven that having a more gender-balanced STEM workforce improves collaboration. As a result, there are greater technological and scientific advancements leading to innovations that help society as a whole.That is why Entergy is committed to cultivating a diverse and inclusive work culture.Entergy's first female member of our board of directors was Lucie Fjeldstad in 1992. Today, there are four female board members, making up 36 percent of the board. This board diversity was recognized by the2020 Women On Boardscampaign, which named Entergy a Winning Company every year since 2012.

Nicole Shields is a senior lead financial analyst forEntergy Nuclearin Jackson, Mississippi. She’s been part of the Entergy family for nine years.

Melissa Schmoll is an administrative specialist IV in the maintenance department at Arkansas Nuclear One. She’s been an Entergy family member for 26 years.