Trailblazers: Dianna Devore

SBJ photo by Wes Hamilton

29.5%
Percentage of the manufacturing workforce who are women

Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics

Dianna Devore leans on more than 30 years of experience to thrive in manufacturing and engineering – industries she says tend to be dominated by men.

She’s had help and mentors along the way, starting out as a clerk typist at Springfield Remanufacturing Corp. before rising in the ranks to general management. She broke out on her own in 2010 when she bought Design Fabrication Inc. The company specializes in steel fabrication for the construction industry, primarily in Missouri.

“I enjoy the challenge, and I enjoy working with people and building relationships,” Devore says. “I think business is a lot about building relationships.”

She’s also has solid advice for the next generation of women eyeing male-heavy industries.
 
“Don’t be afraid of failure,” she says. “Failure makes you stronger and helps you to learn what not to do next time."