MORRIS, IL, June 18, 2026 /24-7PressRelease/ -- Simoane R. Spell has been selected for inclusion in Marquis Who's Who. As in all Marquis Who's Who biographical volumes, individuals profiled are selected on the basis of current reference value. Factors such as position, noteworthy accomplishments, visibility, and prominence in a field are all taken into account during the selection process.

Ms. Spell's career of nearly two decades in the electrical trades is marked by resilience, advocacy and a commitment to advancing apprentice education. In 2026, she assumed the role of Training Director and remains the local Treasurer at International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers (IBEW) Local 176, a labor union that represents nearly 900,000 employees, apprentices and retirees in the electrical industry.

In her leadership positions, Ms. Spell oversees apprenticeship placements, rotates them through multiple sites to ensure they receive comprehensive training, develops and reviews organizational policies and manages contractor job requests. She communicates regularly with the board and is responsible for training approximately 270 apprentices in a rigorous five-year program that is expanding in numbers, with her guidance proving pivotal in modernizing apprentice support systems and fostering an environment where all members can thrive.

Before ascending into her current roles at IBEW, Ms. Spell excelled as an instructor there from 2020 to 2026. During this period, she was recognized for her expertise in apprentice advocacy and dedication to improving educational outcomes for new tradespeople. Her efforts culminated in being named International Instructor of the Year in 2026, an honor presented by President Kenneth Cooper in Washington, District of Columbia. This achievement, which was also documented by a production crew, stands as a testament to her influence on apprentice education and union advancement.

From 2008 to 2020, Ms. Spell worked as an electrician specializing in industrial and commercial projects. Entering the field during the economic downturn of 2008, she faced a challenging job market and supported herself through various roles outside the trade, including waitressing, nannying and delivering pizzas. Despite these obstacles, she remained committed to her goal of achieving professional independence through the trades. As one of the few women entering the field at that time, she encountered resistance and limited training opportunities but persevered through diligence and determination; her success since then has contributed to a more inclusive environment for future female apprentices.

Ms. Spell's academic foundation includes an Associate of Applied Science in electrical studies from Illinois Valley Community College, which she completed in 2014. Along with her education, the support of her family has been central to her achievements; her father, a retired ironworker from Chicago, was a model of perseverance and introduced her to the trades, while her mother and twin sister has been a steadfast source of encouragement throughout her career. She is equally grateful for the love and support of her husband Mike — also an electrician — who has consistently advocated for her professional growth.

Beyond her work responsibilities, Ms. Spell is also known for helping others in her community through civic-minded contributions. Since 2025, she has volunteered with her local church and has chaired and volunteered for Brotherhood Reach Out Committee fundraisers since 2008. While also volunteering with the Local's Safety Committee, Women's Committee, and Minority Committee.

Ms. Spell's personal journey is characterized by overcoming adversity both professionally and personally. A proud mother and devoted family woman, she is raising two sons, Jaxon and Ryker, who participate in union events and community activities alongside their parents. Throughout her career, she has faced significant challenges including a serious spinal cord injury and the premature birth of her younger son, who required specialized medical care early in life. Demonstrating remarkable resilience, she successfully returned to work just eight months after giving birth.

Determined to further her impact in the coming years, Ms. Spell is dedicated to making the electrical trades more inclusive for all individuals — particularly women — and aims to ensure that apprentices graduate with strong support networks and lifelong career assistance. Through continued advocacy and leadership by example, she seeks to demonstrate that women can excel not only as tradespeople but also as leaders within the industry, all while strengthening union membership as a pathway to both enduring careers and community support.

About Marquis Who's Who®:
Since 1899, when A. N. Marquis printed the First Edition of Who's Who in America®, Marquis Who's Who® has chronicled the lives of the most accomplished individuals and innovators from every significant field of endeavor, including politics, business, medicine, law, education, art, religion and entertainment. The suite of Marquis® publications, including Who's Who in America® and Who's Who in the World®, remains an essential biographical source for thousands of researchers, journalists, librarians and executive search firms around the globe. Marquis® publications can be viewed at the official Marquis Who's Who® website, www.marquiswhoswho.com.

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