Telling coworkers every day how much you appreciate them is standard procedure for Sherra Bridges and it’s just one of many things that has made her a shipyard favorite for 24 years.
“I come to work to make sure I bring joy to someone’s day,” said Sherra. “You never know what challenges life may bring. It’s my job to give words of encouragement to make it through the day.”
Sherra works in administrative functional support for Construction Services & Ship Completion. She started her shipbuilding career straight out of high school working in Human Resources & Administration. Throughout her tenure with Ingalls, Sherra’s presence has touched numerous departments including pipe, operations, and supply chain.
“And of course, I’m not the type to sit still, so I also would go to school at night and work during the day to provide for my son,” said Sherra. “Fast forward several years, and I still love driving into the yard every day.”
In her role, Sherra is responsible for assisting Willie Fairley, director, Construction Services & Ship Completion. She helps him organize and oversee all department actions to maintain a high standard of excellence.
“All shipbuilders are gifted with many purposes in life,” said Sherra. “I can set them up for success by making sure they have the proper tools to set a good standard on behavior and completion to achieve the accomplishment.”
Sherra’s purpose is connected to the shipyard through her positive energy. She comes to work every day on a mission to inspire and uplift those around her.
“I encourage shipbuilders to stay anchored to their truth, continue to respect others and live in their purpose,” said Sherra. “Your hard work will be rewarded as long as you keep striving to be the best you can be.”
And through her kind words and loving spirit, she lives life through one of her favorite scriptures in Romans 12:10, “Be devoted to one another in love. Honor one another above yourself.”
“It’s an honor to devote myself to family, friends and a team who helps build these vessels,” said Sherra. “It’s a blessing to help serve the nation and unite as one, as Christ did for me.”
