Five years ago, plans were set in stone for Julia Pierce. The Brazilian native studied abroad at Mississippi State University with no intentions of staying. However, just like in the shipyard, being able to adjust and adapt to changing plans can oftentimes work out for the better.
“I met my husband, bought a house in Ocean Springs and Ingalls became my purpose,” said Julia. “I never thought I would be building ships for the Navy and Coast Guard, but I’m so glad things worked out this way.”
Julia started in Facilities as an engineer before spending some time in the Program Management office. Now, she’s back in Facilities managing all capital equipment in the yard. This includes writing specs for capital equipment, consistent communication with operations and purchasing new equipment for projects.
“Not only am I responsible for bringing the equipment in, but also keeping existing ones up and running in the best condition that we can,” said Julia. “We make sure shipbuilders have the tools they need to do their job correctly and keep production flowing.”
Of course, building world-class vessels is the main priority, but Julia’s motivation is fueled by the amazing shipbuilders in the yard. She thrives in this environment because of the positive energy throughout the different departments.
“I love the friendships and how we always have each other's backs,” said Julia. “We work together for a common goal, and that makes me feel like we're truly part of something special.”
Whether it’s serving through the Hispanic Outreach Leadership Alliance (HOLA) employee resource group (ERG) or volunteering with the Ingalls Champions program, Julia’s dedication to shipbuilders is a great representation of her passion and leadership skills.
“Our shipbuilders are our most important asset,” said Julia. “So, I try my best to network and spread my knowledge and resources to others.”
In her five years with Ingalls, Julia’s experience has been nothing short of spectacular. She’s grateful for the many development opportunities available at Ingalls and is excited to see what the future holds for her career.
“It’s safe to say we are still in a mostly male-dominated industry,” said Julia. “However, women are showing we belong in this field and it inspires me to show the world what we can do.”