In celebration of National Welding Month, we sat down with DeIla Ray. DeIla is an experienced welder who is passionate about the trades. She has spent the majority of her career working as a traveling pipe welder, but in recent years has discovered a joy for teaching. She now works as a welding instructor teaching her trade to the future workforce, and inspiring them to become successful in the trades. During our interview with her, she shares how she learned the art of welding, and how she now empowers the future generation of welders.

About DeIla Ray:
DeIla Ray has worked the last 10 years as a traveling pipe welder. She has worked in the field from the beginning of her career working across the United States in refineries, pre and post ethanol facilities, as well as water treatment and wastewater treatment facilities.

DeIla works with organizations such as National Association of Women in Construction and is on her local Central Missouri Chapter 341 Board of Directors. She is the Safety Chair, OSHA Alliance Chair, and NEF Design Drafting Chair for the chapter. You will find DeIla serving on the 2023 discussion panel for the NAWIC National Industry Council for Tradeswomen kicking off Women in Construction Week, which is March 6th-11th, 2023. DeIla and her husband, Jack, own and operate Alpha Duo, LLC. which is a custom welding and fabrication business that caters to high quality products with precision and industry standards. In 2020 Empowering Women in Industry awarded DeIla the Tradeswoman of the Year honor.

In 2022 DeIla shifted her career path from a traveling pipe welder to a Welding Instructor at the Davis H. Hart Career Center. After only a semester of teaching, this is what DeIla has to say, "I never envisioned myself as a teacher but then again I could say the same about welding. Never say never! This is one of the most rewarding things I have ever done. Teaching a trade that I am passionate about and being able to see students fall in love with a skilled trade that will change their lives is more than I could have imagined." Last October DeIla received further honors from Empowering Women in Industry and was awarded 2022 Mentor of the Year and Industry Advocacy. Keep an eye out for what DeIla's up to next!

You can follow DeIla at   / deila-ray-2aaa341a9  

About Empowering Women in Industry:
Our goal is to connect, educate, and empower women. For many of us, we learned to navigate a male-dominated industry without female role models or a community to lean on. We want to use our network to come together to share experiences, expertise, to help women become more empowered leaders. Many women leave the industry for various reasons; some are forced to choose between a career and family life, while others have first-hand experience with the ‘glass ceiling’ –consistently facing obstacles as they try to climb the corporate ladder. Without support, growing in your career is hard. We have a long way to go, but we believe Women in leadership will develop and implement the solutions to the many issues that still need to be addressed. Our team wants to empower you to be YOUR BEST SELF! When this happens, you can stay motivated to work toward your dreams and accomplish the goals you set for yourself. We want to work together with you. Help us Empower Women in Industry.

Empowering Women in Industry: https://www.empoweringwomeninindustry...

Empowering Women in Industry Mentorship Circles: https://www.empoweringwomeninindustry...

Empowering Women in Industry Virtual Meet Ups/Events: https://www.empoweringwomeninindustry...

Empowering Women in Industry Membership: https://www.empoweringwomeninindustry...