Tonya Hicks was one of the first Black women in Mississippi to become a certified Journeyman Inside Wireman Electrician. This achievement paved the way for more women to enter the field, which is traditionally dominated by men.

Only 3% of electricians are women, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. Hicks often found herself as the sole female in her workplace. Despite the challenges, she persevered and completed a 5-year apprenticeship with the International Brotherhood of Electric Workers (IBEW) Local 917.

Her apprenticeship was a turning point in her career. It not only equipped her with valuable skills but also led her to found her own business, Power Solutions Inc., in Atlanta, Georgia. Her company specializes in building automation, clean energy, and electrification.

"I am where I am because of unions," Hicks said. "To learn a trade, not have any student loans, to take a skill that I love and form a business... if it wasn't for the IBEW, I would not be here."

Overcoming Obstacles

Hicks initially dreamed of working in the Pentagon cracking codes. However, she faced discouragement from college staff, who suggested that women weren't suited for such roles. Undeterred, she pursued a different path and took a summer job at a paper mill. There, she was fascinated by the electricians' use of math and learned about the IBEW apprenticeship program.

As a single mom, the apprenticeship offered stability and a well-paying career. Hicks worked as an electrical contractor in the construction industry for 20 years. Union members in the construction field typically earn around $400 more in median weekly earnings than nonunion members, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.

A Booming Clean Energy Business

Hicks began focusing on renewable energy manufacturing and electric vehicle charging in 2020. The passage of the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA) in 2022 significantly boosted her business. The IRA provided incentives and rebates for installing clean energy equipment, creating a thriving market for her services.

Georgia has become a hotspot for clean energy projects, ranking second in the nation in terms of investments. Hicks' business has benefited greatly from this growth.

Empowering Women in the Trades

Hicks is committed to helping more women enter the trades. Through her Women Do Everything Initiative, she provides internships to expose women to potential career opportunities in male-dominated fields.

"Some women don't even know that these jobs exist," Hicks said. "I just try to show women their superpowers and how they can use them in a male-dominated industry."