By Paige Bright
Herald Intern
Hannah Millner, 36, began working at Spectrum in East Orlando as a technician 2, performing tasks such as diagnostics and repairs in the field. Millner began her career with Spectrum four years ago, and since starting her journey, she has achieved the status of a technician 5.5, working with installing and repairing more advanced equipment. Millner, a Florida local, enjoys working outside and getting hands-on experience in the field. “I think I started working initially when I was around 8. If I could mow a lawn or wash a car, some kind of hustle, I’m there, please sign me up,” Millner said. “I was always trying to learn something different.”
Starting most mornings at 5:30 to take care of her cats, turtles, and rabbit, Millner gathers not just her tools, but her thoughts. Staying alert and attentive in the field is something Millner takes seriously, as working in Florida's nature can bring its own dangers. “You try and do everything you can on the ground or in the air during the day portion, then when the sun goes down, you have no streetlights. You just have your wits about you,” Millner said. “ You gotta be on your toes because it can be a very unsafe environment.”
Millner rose through the ranks at Spectrum by taking several tests, shadowing other technicians, and collecting certificates. Her experiences from previous work in lawn care and sanitation help her work not only outdoors with electrical equipment, but also in predominantly male fields.
“I get very strong reactions at the front door,” Millner said. “I try to be thick-skinned about maybe how some people were raised. The initial reactions can be very strong, so it’s important not to reflect their surprise; they call us with problems, and we gotta go do something about it.” Millner, being 6-foot, is physically and metaphorically a shoulder above most. Her coworkers have been supporting her through her journey with Spectrum, creating a safe space and second family.
“They were just open arms,” Millner said. “Any question you have is going to be answered. I’m very fortunate to be here with these people looking out for me.”
Millner’s love for the outdoors makes her job even more enjoyable. “I get to go to people’s towns, houses, and see how everything else is done, how people live, what their requirements are, and kind of how to communicate with everybody,” Millner said. “Anything that has to do with that raw Florida, it’s been really nice.”
Millner, along with her regular tasks, is part of the mentor program, taking lower-level technicians under her wing and out in the field for some practice with hands-on experience. Millner’s goals for the future include not only moving further up in the ranks herself to work in maintenance, but also wanting others to share that same experience. “It would be nice to see more females in the field,” she said. “You would be surprised to see how much you can do if you believe in yourself.”
