Celebrating Jennifer Cobb: First Female to Graduate from Propel Career Academy
Today we’re proud to celebrate Jennifer Cobb! Her story stands as a testament to resilience and determination in a trade where male presence and perspective are the norm. As the first woman to earn her journeyman’s license from FSG’s Propel Career Academy, her journey exemplifies to resilience, diversity, the power of self-belief, and now, paying it forward.
Jennifer was first introduced to the electrical trade by her brother who is a journeyman in Washington. In the summer of 2019, she embarked on her pre-apprenticeship, paving the way for what would become a transformative four years. From day one, her journey was marked by challenges and skepticism. “Many in both my work and home life doubted that I could make it and questioned what I was doing in the field,” Jennifer said. But motivated by the responsibility of providing for her two children, Jennifer was undeterred by skepticism. Her outlook was simple: “I had nothing to lose, except fear.”
In addition to the standard challenges of working in the trades such as weather extremes and long work days, Jennifer faced another challenge. Being a woman of color in a predominantly white and male trade. Jennifer shared her experiences, stating, “When I arrive on job sites today, I am still told by men that they’ve never seen a black female electrician.” Jennifer went on to explain, “Being a woman of color is the origin of all doubts I received,” but she didn’t succumb to these doubts; instead, she turned them into motivation.
Now that she’s earned her journeyman’s license, Jennifer plans on continuing her education and earning her Master Electrician license. But Jennifer’s story isn’t just about personal triumph; it’s also about paying it forward and empowering others. She recently became a teacher’s assistant, tutoring others as they prepare for their journeyman tests. She’s committed to supporting newcomers in their journey, paying forward the assistance she received.
“You can make excuses or you can make it happen”
Jennifer Cobb
When asked what advice she has for young electricians and those interested in the electrical trade, she says, “You can make excuses or you can make it happen, and if I did it, anyone can!”
As we celebrate Jennifer’s achievement, let us remember that the world of trades, like any industry, benefits from diversity and perseverance. Her journey reminds us that progress is possible, even in the face of adversity, and that breaking barriers opens doors not only for oneself but for future generations.
Join us in congratulating Jennifer Cobb on her well-deserved success! Send your congratulations and words of encouragement to Jennifer below!
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