Page 73 - IEC Insights Nov-Dec21_WEB

BOARD INTERVIEWS

HELENE WEBSTER GENE MINI
2nd Vice Chair, Deputy Executive Director, Vice Chair, IECF Board
IEC Texas Gulf Coast Chapter
1. How would you describe the impact the IECF
1. How would you describe the impact the has made in 25 years in one sentence?
IECF has made in 25 years in one word? The IECF makes a huge impact on the future
of the industry by supporting our apprentices
Life-changing
and the growth of our organization.
2. Describe the impact of the IECF in one sentence?
In 25 years, the IECF has expanded its benefit arms to help further 2. You’ve seen the growth of the IECF over
time, but what is one thing you’re most proud
promote almost every aspect of the IEC and the electrical industry.
of the IECF for growing in the past year?
3. What importance have chapters played We do an amazing job of building partnerships that are
in fueling awareness and funding for lifelong. Most of our past board members are connected
IECF’s programs and scholarships? to the foundation for life. When you serve or support the
foundation you really become a part of the impact we
Chapters are very important. They are typically our front line
of communication for benefits programs that are available. make on so many lives. Our partners become involved
They also help disseminate applications and deadlines. in our programs and see measurable results from the
impact of their support. Our partners are so important to
4. You served as the second vice chair of the the success of our programs, and they do not just give
foundation – Share a few words about your service donations, but also their time and commitment to really
term and your proudest accomplishment(s). making sure that IEC Foundation programs are the best
Serving as the Second Vice Chair and the Fundraising they can be. Our volunteers and board members stay
engaged in our work even after retirement and I am really
Chair is very rewarding. Not only am I able to have a direct proud of the fact that they see the value in what we do.
impact on funds made available, but I am able to help
decide on the ultimate direction of the foundation. 3. What initiatives have you been
a part of with the IECF?
5. What do you wish people knew about
electricians or the industry? I have been involved in the IEC Foundation since the
I oftentimes wish people understood how very lucrative a early years and have seen the growth from the continued
partnership with the Home Depot to new scholarship
career in the electrical industry can be, so that people would
gravitate to this first, instead of only when other career/industry funding and new IEC chapters supporting the foundation.
I have been a volunteer board member and supporter for
opportunities don’t work. My experience with electricians and
electrical contractors is that they are typically the “salt of the over 20 years and I am currently the Vice Chairman.
earth.” They are strong in both work ethic and reputation. 4. What is one thing you wish people knew
about how the IEC impacts the industry?
6. What are you looking forward to seeing change or
shift in the trade because of the COVID-19 pandemic? The IEC Foundation supports the growth of the industry
at every level. We support the apprentices, IEC members,
Interestingly, I haven’t seen much shift at all since the pandemic. IEC chapters, and community. IEC is like a family. We
Job sites are still in person, meetings are mostly in person, support each other in everything. Our apprentices
and students come to class in person. The next challenge is are the future of the industry, and we support them
to get the unemployed back to work and typically that will because we see the value and importance their new
be back in person when it comes to the electrical industry.
perspective and drive brings to the industry.

www.ieci.org | November/December 2021 | Insights Magazine 71