Diane Brooker, community relations manager for Alabama Power’s Western Division, remembers being one of two women in her chemical engineering class at the University of Alabama.

“I knew I wanted to be either an engineer or a math teacher because I loved math and science from an early age,” Brooker said. “I had the chance to attend an Engineering Day at the University of Alabama and left thinking chemical engineering was really interesting. No one told me how difficult or male-dominated the field was, but I don’t regret it at all.”

Brooker started her career with Alabama Power in 1989 in Environmental Affairs and transferred to Plant Greene County two years later. In 1993, Brooker became the plant’s first female foreman, overseeing a crew of 21 men.

“I was younger than all of the men in the crew, but never had any problems,” Brooker said, noting that while many of the men have retired, they would still come in to see her at her office in Demopolis when she was later the business office manager.

In addition to her job, Brooker has given back to her community through work as chairwoman of the regionally famous Christmas on the River, as chairwoman of Demopolis Industrial Development Board, University of West Alabama Business and Technology Board, Rotary Club and more.

Though women have made gains in STEM (science, technology, engineering and mathematics) occupations, there is still a gender gap. According to census.org, women are nearly half of the workforce but only 27% of STEM workers, with an even percentage in engineering.

Across the Southern Company system, operating companies, including Alabama Power, and their foundations are working to prepare girls for careers in math and science. One example is the iCan Girls in Engineering program launched in 2008 by Alabama Power, and which has expanded to other companies.

Alabama Power’s iCan conference opens girls’ eyes to wide world of engineering from Alabama NewsCenter on Vimeo.

The iCan Girls Engineering conferences are led by female engineers and co-op students who teach middle school girls basic concepts of mechanical, electrical, industrial, civil, chemical and computer engineering. iCan has reached more than 1,000 girls statewide since its inception.

“Programs like iCan are so important because it allows us to engage young women to get them interested in engineering careers,” Brooker said. “We are able to show them that a career in engineering is possible and attainable. Additionally, it helps us to ensure we have a diverse future workforce in our state.”

Learn more about Alabama Power’s diversity and inclusion efforts here.