Letter from the Incoming U.S. Women in Nuclear Chair

For over 25 years, U.S. WIN has been dedicated to advancing nuclear energy and technology by empowering women and our members. We are leading boldly to accomplish our goals to attract a diverse workforce, foster inclusion, provide professional development, and advocate for nuclear technology to create a sustainable future. I am grateful to our members for their commitment to our mission – it’s all of you that are making a difference for our industry and in your communities ever day! And thanks to our trusted partners and sponsors for enabling us to offer tangible contributions that advance our industry and serve our members and local communities.

Our 2025 U.S. WIN National Conference in New Orleans was a great success, with over 800 members, 45 sponsored students & mentor pairings, 30 sponsoring partner companies and organizations, representing our U.S. WIN chapters and organizations from across the entire country. Industry leaders and influencers educated our members on technical, professional development and culture-shaping topics including advanced reactor technology and licensing, nuclear fuel and supply chain, U.S. grid infrastructure, recent presidential executive orders, advancements in nuclear medicine, positive economic and community impacts from energy sector growth and revitalization of clean energy assets, improving communication, feedback & coaching skills, mentoring to ignite the leader in others, and being a resilient and emotionally intelligent leader to name a few. Entergy Corporation hosted technical tours of Waterford 3 Steam Electric Station and John Wayne Leonard Power Station allowing members to get a first-hand view of power plant technology and the important work being done by Entergy in providing safe, clean and reliable energy. The conference provided networking and development experiences for our members – an amazing Mardi Gras party, a full-day Professional Development workshop, the NEXT UP leadership development program, Community Conversations, and GROW Speed Networking sessions.  We celebrated the 2025 NEXT Cohort graduates as they unveiled their capstone project, Nuclear Connect, a networking forum for industry professionals to give, receive, grow, connect, spark critical thought and collaborate on important topics.

The U.S. nuclear industry is experiencing significant growth, innovation, and realizing forward momentum at a rate not seen in our industry in decades.  It’s clear that nuclear energy and technologies play a crucial role in meeting rising energy demands in the US and around the globe.  With this momentum comes the responsibility to be prepared to rise with the tides. The U.S. WIN Steering Committee is ensuring that strategic planning efforts remain intently focused on supporting the industry’s growth efforts while serving our members.  Our strategic objectives remained unchanged for 2025 – 2027 and our plans are focused on ensuring we support the industry’s future workforce needs by fueling the future talent pipeline to meet the anticipated ~300% increase in workforce demand in the next two decades. We aim to inspire and educate young people about the many diverse careers available in the nuclear sector, and invite them to join us. Our network of 6,000+ members knows the value of challenging and lucrative careers that this industry affords us all, and we must come together to ignite that spark in our youth – like a chain reaction! I challenge all members to contribute their talents to our mission.

I am privileged to serve you all as the Chair for U.S. WIN and I am committed to leading transparently and collaboratively with our Steering Committee, Executive Advisory Committee and Leading Group members to achieve our vision. Together, I look forward to all that we will accomplish, leveraging nuclear technologies and our passion to create a sustainable future.

Becky Salvadore
U.S. Women in Nuclear Chair