Shanen L. Aranmór, MS, CWI/CWE, Chief Wellness Welder, Weld Like A Girl™
Backstory
Former mental health counselor and college professor of wellness and psychology, Shanen L. Aranmór, is known as the “Wellness Welder” in some circles.
Shanen got hooked on metal sculpture and eventually fabrication in her quest for the perfect stress management technique to share with students. Beginning her metalsmithing journey through blacksmithing, “Professor A” eventually got a degree in welding technology… It became apparent that she had a real passion for welding and forming metals. She discovered that cutting and welding solid steel builds confidence and improves self-esteem. Shanen eventually taught various community college welding classes in Arizona in preparation for her next major step…
Miller & Beyond
Shanen really wanted to dive into the welding industry, so she went BIG! She spent 6 years as the Western Regional trainer at Miller Electric, one of the primary manufacturers of welding equipment in the United States. During that time, Shanen also became a Certified Welding Inspector (CWI) and Certified Welding Educator (CWE). Shanen is so passionate about welding, she currently serves on the Board of Directors for the American Welding Society (AWS), as a Director At Large. For more information about how the American Welding Society can benefit you, check out http://www.aws.org.
Weld Like a Girl™ Is the culmination of a lifetime of wellness, mental health and technical welding experience. Shanen realized years ago her love of ‘melting’ formal training into welding workshops designed to empower women and adolescent girls. Weld Like A Girl™ is a project designed to allow girls and women an opportunity to try things they never thought they could do. After completing the workshop, we ask, “What else could you do that you never thought you could?” Seriously, this is sewing with fire!
Realizing boys and men could also benefit, Shanen quickly expanded her classes to include all walks of life. At this point, she has taught as old as 5 years old and as young as 88. She has had workshops for veterans, Special Olympians, juvenile courts kids, charter high schools, and even 2nd graders!
Currently, Shanen also works with Project MFG, an initiative to elevate and promote the skilled trades. She serves as a judge, CWI and partner, depending upon the project. So far, she has helped deliver over $250,000 to welders and machinists competing in national competitions. For more information about this great program, visit http://www.projectmfg.com.
Another way Shanen helps empower students is through SkillsUSA. It has been a true honor for her to participate in National SkillsUSA, on both sides of the torch. Shanen competed in the National Welding Fabrication contest as a non-traditional college student and now has the honor of hanging medals on champions on the big stage. She serves as chairperson for the National SkillsUSA Welding Sculpture Competition and is also a member of the National Technical Committee for Welding. Being an active alumnus of SkillsUSA is a way for Shanen to give back to the industry and help guide future welders of America. http://www.skillsusa.org