Hanging on the wall of Amy Rowell’s office is a group picture featuring female shipbuilders during World War II. The photo, inspired by Rosie the Riveter, is a daily dose of empowerment and serves as a reminder that you can’t spell shipbuilder without the letters h-e-r.
As a child, Amy would sit on the Pascagoula Beach watching ships built by Ingalls pass through for sea trials. Looking back on her career, it was pretty evident she was destined to be a shipbuilder.
“My uncles, grandfather and my great-grandfather were all shipbuilders,” said Amy. “My great-grandfather was actually one of the first shipbuilders at Ingalls so it's always been ingrained in me.”
Starting out in the Finance department, Amy began her journey at Ingalls 20 years ago. Throughout her tenure, she’s worked in the Human Resources & Administration (HR&A) and Integrated Communications & Stakeholder Engagement (IC&SE) departments. This led to her volunteering for numerous events and gave her the opportunity to meet many of Ingalls’ best shipbuilders.
“I knew my family's great stories of the shipyard, but I did not know the stories of the individual shipbuilders here,” said Amy. “Now, in my current role, I continue to have opportunities to interact with the amazing people who build world-class ships.”
Amy is responsible for supporting Donny Dorsey, vice president, Operations, and his staff in a number of ways, including recognition opportunities and retention efforts. Through conversations with shipbuilders, she understands the value of making people feel welcome and appreciated.
“The retention team created the Skill & Will program, which is our progression recognition,” explained Amy. “Each month, we showcase shipbuilders who progress from fourth class to third class and so on and so forth.”
Additionally, they celebrate shipbuilders who have reached journeyman status. These shipbuilders have gone through the different steps of progression and made first class. This program is just one of the many ways Ingalls ensures shipbuilders receive the credit they deserve, and what continues to motivate Amy in her role.
“It’s extremely important to me to support and celebrate the hard work of our shipbuilders,” said Amy. “I have a passion for this, and I’m glad I can share that passion with others.”
That same passion led Amy to become a role model and mentor to others.
“There are women leaders everywhere, and it's not the fact that it’s women, it's the diversity of thought that they bring to the table,” said Amy. “Regardless of what industry you're in, reach for the stars, look for opportunities and success will be waiting for you at your doorstep.”