Kelly Simmons Sprinkler Fitter
Kelly Simmons has worked as a sprinkler fitter in the Port of Seattle’s Marine Maintenance Department for nearly 31 years. She entered the trades in 1993 after she and her husband both lost their jobs during the holiday season while she was six months pregnant with their first child. Instead of giving up during a difficult moment, she took a chance on a new career in the skilled trades and built a long, successful path for herself.
Throughout her career as a sprinkler fitter in the maritime industry, Kelly Simmons has achieved remarkable success in a field historically dominated by men. By mastering the technical skills required to install and maintain critical fire protection systems, she has not only excelled professionally but also broken barriers for Black women in skilled trades. Her presence and accomplishments serve as a powerful example of representation, inspiring other Black females to pursue careers in maritime and technical industries. Beyond her technical expertise, Kelly’s career reflects perseverance, excellence, and the transformative impact one individual can have in promoting diversity, inclusion, and opportunity in an industry where such representation has been limited.
Her story is inspiring because it shows how resilience and determination can turn hardship into opportunity. Kelly’s journey teaches others that setbacks don’t have to define the future—taking risks, learning new skills, and staying committed can lead to stability and success, even during life’s most challenging moments. I personally relate to Kelly’s journey a lot someone whom I idolize, being a Harbor School student setbacks may come your way more frequently time to time an example if the Governors Island ferry breaks down or there’s a delay, us harbor students, especially the students who have CTE (Career and Technical Education) 1-2 period will have a setback on our schedule but our persistence and showing up to class despite the setback shows our determination leading to success. Overall in the Vessel Operations program has given me lots of insight on how the marine industry can be dominated by females although society has considered it to be only “male-domiated”, I want my career to be stable and successful making my passion my paycheck.
ttps://www.portseattle.org/blog/meet-three-black-women-making-history-port-seattle