Syracuse, N.Y. -- Shawni Davis, a Henninger High School graduate and master electrician, introduced President Joe Biden.
“It is my great honor to introduce the greatest champion of workers that we’ve had in the White House,” Davis said.
Davis was in her fourth year as a psychology major at Syracuse University when her college career was cut short. Her mom had cancer and they could no longer afford college.
But instead of derailing her life, Davis found a new, successful path.
She shifted from an academic career to one in the trades, becoming an apprentice with the IBEW.
Now, Davis runs her own company: Luminary Electrical.
The Henninger High School graduate spoke of how she turned what could have been disaster into success.
Micron Technologies will commit $250 million to community and workforce development.
Their executives have talked about the need to lift up the entire community.
Davis said when she got the call to introduce the president, she was shocked.
“When I got the call, I was like, ‘Who?” Davis said.
“I am saying loud and proud that promises were made, and promises were kept,” she said.
Davis said she understands how desperately Syracuse needs the new beginning Micron represents.
“This plan means hope. It means good paying union and construction jobs for years to come,” Davis said. “So selfishly, I am excited about this.”
Davis said Micron also means that she can tell the high school kids she talks to that they can stay in Syracuse and get a job.
“And a person who looks like them can be a part of rebuilding our city, our state, our country,” Davis said.
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