100 articles for Electrical Contractor Magazine

I reached a milestone in freelance writing this year — 100 articles written for Electrical Contractor Magazine!

The magazine, in existence since 1935, is published by the National Electrical Contractor Association (NECA) and focuses on topics related to the electrical construction sector. It’s a very niche audience, which is typical for industry magazines.

I’ve written about the rise of renewable energy around the world — and even into outer space; solar power on Native American reservations; the benefits of green energy for rural America; the power crisis in Puerto Rico after Hurricane Maria; solar power as the future of Chernobyl, coal mines, and Superfund sites; mental health in construction; electrical accident survivors sharing their stories; how to ensure safe construction sites during COVID-19; the electric grid; how artificial intelligence (A.I.) can limit safety incidents; strategies to improve workplace safety; and more.

While I’m not an expert in these topics, it’s been incredible to learn through interviews and research, meet industry professionals, and shine a light on these stories. Each story offers a tiny window into the lives of hardworking individuals in the electrical construction industry, injury survivors, their families, the companies they work for, the farms and stadiums and other buildings where they install their tech, and beyond.

From interning with Electrical Contractor Magazine back in 2012, when I was an undergraduate journalism major at the University of Maryland, to freelancing for the magazine for 13 years, I’ve learned so much from the small but mighty staff — both current and former — Julie Mazur, Andrea Klee, Colleen Beaty, Timothy Johnson, and many others.

Thanks for being a steady home for my writing. Here’s to 100+ more articles!

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For the writers and journalists reading this, share your milestones in the comments or through email. Let’s celebrate together!

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—Marlena