1201 W. WillowEnid, OK 73703

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Contact: Kylie Fanning January 30, 2017 Public Relations Coordinator

(580) 242-2750, Ext. 226kfanning@autrytech.edu

Luz Rodriguez Breaks Traditions

ENID, OKLA. When Luz Rodriguez visited Autry Technology Center as an eighth grader, she quickly found her passion during a hands-on demonstration in the Welding Technology program. When she had the opportunity to enroll at Autry, it was an easy decision to pursue a career in welding. Rodriguez is now in her first year in the program and is also a junior at Enid High School.

“[Rodriguez] is always the first to raise her hand to help with anything,” said Ryland Stonehocker, Welding Technology instructor at Autry Technology Center.

In less than four months of training, Rodriguez has become a state certified welder. As she continues her welding training, she is also preparing to compete at the Regional SkillsUSA contest in the Job Interview division. This shows her commitment to become a well-rounded individual with job skills and soft skills.

Rodriguez plans to finish the Welding program at Autry and pursue a career in the welding industry. She would like to go on to college at Cowley Community College to receive a degree as a certified welding inspector and then begin her own business. Rodriguez plans to stay in Oklahoma due to the many opportunities available here for welding. The hands-on learning she has experienced at Autry has better prepared her for this career.

“Many people have underestimated [Rodriguez],” said Bob Webster, Welding Technology teaching assistant. “Because she is a girl, they think they can do better than her. But she shows them she can be better. She shows up early and stays late and works hard on her skills.”

Rodriguez’s pursuit of her career growth based on her interests without the influence of gender stereotypes is why she has been nominated for the Breaking Traditions Award. This award is a way for the Oklahoma Department of Career and Technology Education to spotlight students and staff who have chosen specific career and technology programs because of their interests and abilities. These individuals have not let their gender influence their decisions to prepare for nontraditional careers.

“We’re all just people,” Rodriguez says. “I’d tell other girls that are interested in a male dominated field to not get overwhelmed. Just because there are a lot of guys, don’t get intimidated by them. Girl power!”

Autry Technology Center has been a part of the Enid community since 1967 and is one of 29 CareerTech schools across Oklahoma. The center has more than 25 career programs and offers a wide variety of evening and weekend short-term courses and certifications for many diverse career fields. Autry serves nearly 16,000 individuals each year, including many area employees who receive training through the Business and Industry Services Department that works with over 500 local businesses each year.

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1201 W. WillowEnid, OK 73703