Breaking Barriers: Celebrating Women’s History Month and Expanding Career Horizons
March is Women’s History Month, a time to honor the achievements of women who have paved the way in every industry, from medicine to manufacturing, from technology to construction. It’s also the perfect moment to look ahead—to inspire more women to step into high-demand careers where their skills are needed now more than ever. For years, many industries have seemed off-limits to women, but that is changing. Across Deep East Texas and beyond, women are stepping into high-demand roles that offer competitive wages, job security, and opportunities for leadership. These careers aren’t just open to women—they need women.
Healthcare: Women have long been a cornerstone of the healthcare industry, but the demand for skilled professionals is higher than ever. From registered nurses and medical technicians to hospital administrators and surgeons, the healthcare sector is in constant need of dedicated workers. Careers in healthcare not only offer financial stability but also provide the chance to make a tangible impact on people’s lives every day.
Manufacturing & Skilled Trades: Many people don’t realize that manufacturing careers provide excellent wages and advancement opportunities. Women in welding, machining, and engineering are proving that skill and precision have no gender. The skilled trades are facing a labor shortage, making now a great time for women to enter these fields. Programs exist to help women get certified and land high-paying jobs, often without years of college debt.
Construction: From project management and safety oversight to hands-on skilled labor, construction offers an array of opportunities for women who enjoy problem-solving and working in a dynamic environment. Companies across Texas are actively seeking to diversify their workforce and create more opportunities for women to thrive in roles that were once considered off-limits.
Information Technology (IT): Technology shapes every industry, and women in IT are proving they have the creativity, logic, and leadership to push the field forward. With roles in software development, cybersecurity, and data analytics growing rapidly, women who pursue careers in IT can help shape the future of innovation. Even without prior experience, coding bootcamps and IT training programs can help women enter this field quickly.
Entrepreneurship & Leadership: Women across Deep East Texas are starting businesses, leading organizations, and making decisions that shape the future of our communities. From local boutiques to tech startups, women-owned businesses are proving that leadership, creativity, and innovation have no limits. Resources like Small Business Development Centers (SBDC) and Women’s Business Enterprise programs offer mentorship and support to help women take their ideas and turn them into thriving businesses.
No matter the industry, women belong in every space where decisions are made, skills are developed, and innovation happens. Across Texas, employers are looking for dedicated, skilled, and innovative workers to fill open positions. In Deep East Texas, women constitute a significant portion of the workforce. According to DataUSA, in Angelina and Nacogdoches counties, women make up approximately 49.9% of the labor force. This near-equal representation underscores the critical role women play in sustaining and advancing the region's economy. With the right training and determination, women can step into these careers with confidence. Many local programs—like those offered through Workforce Solutions Deep East Texas, Angelina College, and Stephen F. Austin State University —provide funding, training, and support to help women enter these industries.
Women across Deep East Texas are proving that persistence, adaptability, and passion can lead to fulfilling careers in high-demand industries. Kristin Walker, Executive Director of the Polk County Center for Texas State University System (TSUS), knows firsthand the power of education and determination. Initially set on following her older brother to a four-year university, her path changed when she received a scholarship to attend a two-year college. It was there that she found her passion for student success and higher education. She leaned on support services like tutoring and study groups to thrive in her coursework. Inspired by mentors like Dr. Harold Nolte, she pursued a career in higher education, earning her associate’s degree, bachelor’s degree in Counseling and Guidance, and a master’s in Student Affairs Administration in Higher Education.
After facing initial setbacks in securing a role in higher education, she persisted, eventually landing a job at the very two-year college where she once studied. Over the past 23 years, she has dedicated her career to serving students and communities across Texas, working as an academic dean, a dean of student services, and now leading The Polk County Center a groundbreaking TSUS initiative bringing three state colleges together under one facility. Through these institutions, students can access high-wage, high-demand career training without having to leave their communities. Kristin’s dedication to workforce development and student success is shaping the future of education in Deep East Texas, proving that opportunities are everywhere—you just have to take the first step.
Cory Blaylock, Director of Workforce Partnerships at IPC, has dedicated her career to bridging the gap between industry and education, particularly in advanced manufacturing. IPC, a global leader in the electronics manufacturing industry since 1957, represents over 3,200 member companies and plays a vital role in workforce training and industry standards. Cory’s journey began in elementary and STEM education. This led her to work with major organizations like Lockheed Martin and now IPC, where she focuses on expanding registered apprenticeships and industry training programs. She is passionate about changing the outdated perception of manufacturing as a "dirty job" and instead showcasing it as a high-tech, innovative, and essential field.
“Too often, students and parents don’t consider careers in manufacturing simply because they don’t know anyone working in the industry. My goal is to change that by creating pathways that introduce young people and career changers to stable, rewarding careers that are critical to our economy’s future,” says Cory. Since 1957, IPC has been guiding the electronics manufacturing industry through its dramatic changes. A global industry association dedicated to the competitive excellence and financial success of its more than 3,200 member companies, IPC represents all facets of the industry, including design, printed board manufacturing, advanced packaging, and electronics assembly and test. As a member-driven organization and leading source for industry standards, training, market research, and public policy advocacy, IPC supports programs to meet the needs of an estimated $2 trillion global electronics industry.
If you’ve ever considered a career shift or wondered if you could succeed in a new industry—this is your sign to go for it! Resources are available, employers are ready to hire, and you are capable of achieving more than you imagine. We at Workforce Solutions Deep East Texas can assist you with your employment needs. Women’s History Month is not just about looking back at how far we’ve come—it’s about moving forward, breaking barriers, and shaping the future. What career will you make history in?
TOPICS: Partnerships
