Alumni Feature - Carol Barajas '07
In the most recent Global Energy Talent Index report which surveys the renewable energy and nuclear energy fields, it’s estimated that women make up about eight to 14 percent of professionals in these fields. Carol Barajas is one of these women. For nearly thirty years, Carol has been breaking the mold in the energy and nuclear fields. Carol, who got her start selling electronic panel and test equipment to a variety of nuclear energy companies in Toronto, says the industries always fascinated her. She was later promoted to branch manager and relocated to the Chicago area. Carol was offered a position in Instrument and Control at ComEd's Nuclear Station in Morris, Illinois after landing a major contract with ComEd (now Exelon) to supply panel and test equipment. She became the first licensed nuclear operator during her time at Exelon’s plant in Morris, an achievement she recalls fondly. But she notes the difficulty of excelling in the field as a woman. “It was a v...