Celebrating Women in Energy: Meet Shontal Jefferson from Nicor Gas

Shontal Jefferson started her career as a bank teller. It was what she grew up knowing in her family on the northside of Chicago. Most of the women worked in clerical roles while the men served in emergency response jobs, a desire that she had always had as well.

Twenty-nine years ago, she walked in the doors of Nicor Gas' Bellwood office to begin a role in meter reading and set the path for a career at the largest natural gas provider in Illinois.

"Once I started learning more about the field, I truly enjoyed what I was doing, especially the interaction with customers," she said. "I wanted to provide the best customer service possible."

From meter reading, Shontal transitioned into system operations working as a controller and then a systems operation specialist, where she ensured that field teams continued to operate in a safe and efficient manner.

"We never had any major safety concerns during my time there," she said. "Everyone worked together to ensure that each person went home safely every night."

Working in the field and working in different roles throughout the operations department helped her transition into being a leader of people.

Today, Shontal is a Field Operations supervisor in Joliet where she is responsible for managing and developing front-facing employees. Many of these individuals are just starting out at entry level and are new to the natural gas industry.

"There's an opportunity to develop them into being professional in mindset and skill," she said. "We add tools to their toolbox like pipe fitting, but also how to be good stewards of the service we provide and to promote outstanding customer service."

While the number of women entering the technical workforce and joining the energy industry is growing rapidly, Shontal was still one of few to join a field service team almost 30 years ago.

When asked what her advice was to a young woman entering the energy industry, she said, "Just remember the more you work at something, the better you get at it and remember you have a voice. There is room for you at the table."

Shontal had a strong support system at work and at home throughout her career who encouraged her to share her voice.

"You have the ability to make improvements that may be the thing that your team needs to make a process easier."

She encourages young women to get involved from day one and to sharpen their collaborative skills.

"Don't dim your light just so you don't make waves and want to be accepted," she said. "I've made sure that with every crew I've worked on I showed interest in the work. The more I showed interest, the more the people I work with poured into me."

Shontal still sees herself a student of the business and on a "continuing learning cycle."

"You've got to keep sharpening the tools, show up and show interest," she said. "It's like second nature to humans to want to help and teach. Show me how to do something and I promise, I can help you out."

Outside of work, Shontal lives in Aurora with her husband of 31 years. She has three grown sons and "wants some grandchildren."

"Anyone who knows me will tell you that I want to be grandmother," she said with a laugh.

She also enjoys doing annual vacations with her mother and sister-friends. Shontal looks forward to planning more trips this year.

This Women's History Month, Nicor Gas is proud to spotlight the many women who work across the company to provide clean, safe and reliable natural gas service to 2.2 million customers.