PORTSMOUTH, Va. - Her great-grandfather, grandfather and father all retired from the Norfolk Naval Shipyard. She even married into it. Now she's continuing her family legacy - all while making history.
After more than two decades in the railroad industry, Bianca Wilson is now the shipyard's first African American female train conductor.
Wilson previously worked as a conductor for Norfolk Southern Railway, where she moved coal around Lambert's Point Coal Terminal in Norfolk. She made history there, too - she was the railway's first female conductor in 22 years when they hired her.
Due to the long hours, raising three young daughters and having only a few months left to complete her bachelor's degree, Wilson longed for another job that would allow her to spend more time at home with her family. She said she was a stay-at-home mom before she worked for Norfolk Southern.
"My kids have seen that motherly side of me, and now they’re seeing their mom being the first African American female conductor, and with three girls, it’s definitely an honor," Wilson said.
Wilson is now one of only two billeted conductors at the shipyard, where she spends her days transporting heavy equipment and materials across the yard.
Taylor reported that Wilson said when she's not working, she splits her time between her family and her growing photography business.
In addition to her personal success, Wilson also wants to set a good example not just for her own girls, but for girls everywhere.
Click here to read more about Wilson's journey and her job.