In celebration of National Welding Month, we sat down with DeIla Ray. DeIla is an experienced welder who is passionate about the trades. She has spent the majority of her career working as a traveling pipe welder, but in recent years has discovered a joy for teaching. She now works as a welding instructor teaching her trade to the future workforce, and inspiring them to become successful in the trades. During our interview with her, she shares how she learned the art of welding, and how she now empowers the future generation of welders.
Watch the Interview
Learn More About DeIla:
DeIla Ray has worked the last 10 years as a traveling pipe welder. She has worked in the field from the beginning of her career working across the United States in refineries, pre and post ethanol facilities, as well as water treatment and wastewater treatment facilities.
DeIla works with organizations such as National Association of Women in Construction and is on her local Central Missouri Chapter 341 Board of Directors. She is the Safety Chair, OSHA Alliance Chair, and NEF Design Drafting Chair for the chapter. You will find DeIla serving on the 2023 discussion panel for the NAWIC National Industry Council for Tradeswomen kicking off Women in Construction Week, which is March 6th-11th, 2023. DeIla and her husband, Jack, own and operate Alpha Duo, LLC. which is a custom welding and fabrication business that caters to high quality products with precision and industry standards. In 2020 Empowering Women in Industry awarded DeIla the Tradeswoman of the Year honor.
In 2022 DeIla shifted her career path from a traveling pipe welder to a Welding Instructor at the Davis H. Hart Career Center. After only a semester of teaching, this is what DeIla has to say, "I never envisioned myself as a teacher but then again I could say the same about welding. Never say never! This is one of the most rewarding things I have ever done. Teaching a trade that I am passionate about and being able to see students fall in love with a skilled trade that will change their lives is more than I could have imagined." Last October DeIla received further honors from Empowering Women in Industry and was awarded 2022 Mentor of the Year and Industry Advocacy. Keep an eye out for what DeIla's up to next!
You can follow DeIla at https://www.linkedin.com/in/deila-ray-2aaa341a9 Click here to learn more about National Welding month, and how you can get involved.
Comments