Today we’d like to introduce you to Athena Alexander.
Hi Athena, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today?
I’m originally from Alabama, and my journey into welding began somewhat unexpectedly in high school. At the time, I had no idea what I was getting into, but I quickly fell in love with the process of creating and building with my hands. Although welding fascinated me, I didn’t initially see it as a career path. Instead, I pursued college on a volleyball scholarship, unsure of what I wanted to do professionally. I initially majored in Physical Therapy Assistance, thinking sports medicine might be my future.
However, during my sophomore year, my college decided to shut down all sports programs, though they continued to honor our scholarships. Around that time, the welding instructor at my college reached out to me about their program. Intrigued, I decided to change my major the following semester. While in college, I landed my first welding job at a local shop, which was flexible with my schedule, allowing me to work and attend school full-time.
After college, I started working as a production welder at a local railcar manufacturing company. This role gave me a solid foundation and allowed me to grow as a welder. I eventually began training others, from those with little to no welding experience to troubleshooting welding machines and programing robots. What started as one-on-one, hands-on training evolved into classroom instruction and managing a welding school for new hires.
This new role inspired me to earn my CWI, CWE, and CWS certifications, which opened up even more opportunities and greater responsibilities. These certifications eventually led me to Atlanta, where I now work as a Corporate Trainer for Miller Electric, an ITW company. In this role, I train people on the use of welding equipment, different welding processes, and filler metals.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
One of the challenges I faced was breaking into leadership roles, where I often found myself being the only woman in the room. It wasn’t always easy to voice my ideas or have them taken seriously, but I learned to be confident in my knowledge and abilities. My commitment to mentoring others and sharing my expertise helped me gain recognition and respect within the industry.
As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
I currently serve as a Corporate Trainer for Miller Electric, an ITW company, where I specialize in training individuals on the use of welding equipment, different welding processes, and filler metals. My role involves working with a wide range of people—from beginners to seasoned professionals—helping them develop the skills they need to succeed in the welding industry.
One of the things I’m known for is my ability to break down complex concepts into understandable, practical steps. I’ve always believed that effective teaching goes beyond just transferring knowledge; it’s about inspiring confidence in others and empowering them to tackle challenges head-on. Whether I’m training someone on a new welding process or troubleshooting a machine issue, I strive to make sure they leave with a deeper understanding and the confidence to apply what they’ve learned in real-world situations.
I’m most proud of the impact I’ve had on the people I’ve trained. Seeing someone grow from having little to no experience to becoming proficient and confident in their skills is incredibly rewarding. It’s not just about teaching them how to weld; it’s about giving them the tools and mindset to thrive in their careers. I’ve had the privilege of mentoring many individuals who have gone on to achieve great success in the industry, and that’s something I hold dear.
What sets me apart from others is my journey and the diverse experiences I’ve gained along the way. Coming into welding from a non-traditional background, I’ve faced and overcome challenges that have shaped my approach to both welding and teaching. I bring a unique perspective to the table, combining technical expertise with a deep understanding of the personal and professional challenges that come with the territory. My passion for welding and teaching is driven by a genuine desire to see others succeed, and I think that’s something that resonates with the people I work with.
Is there something surprising that you feel even people who know you might not know about?
Something that might surprise people who know me or my work is that, even though I’m a woman in a male-dominated industry like welding, I still have a strong love for all the girly things. I enjoy dressing up, getting my nails done, and indulging in a bit of sparkle and glam when I’m not in my welding gear. It’s a fun contrast to the rugged, hands-on work I do, and it reminds me that you don’t have to fit into a specific mold to be successful in this field. You can be tough and skilled in the shop, and still embrace your feminine side.
Contact Info:
- Website: millerwelds.com
- Instagram: @insta_thena
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/athena-hinkle/
