Podcast series host Jill James connects with Debra, a lecturer at her alma mater, the University of Wisconsin-Whitewater in the Occupational & Environmental Safety and Health Department. Debra received her formal safety education at the school in the early 1970s, making her a pioneer in what remains a male dominated profession. Often the only female in class, Debra’s experience started with whispers of “She won’t make it” and ended with “May I borrow your notes?”. After earning her degree, Debra found work as an engineer in the loss control division of a large insurer. She went back to the school to earn her Masters and found herself lured into teaching a few classes part-time, and hasn’t stopped since. You’ll learn—through Debra’s example—why learning continuously is so critical to success in the safety profession.
