Sydney Omosun-Fadal, Inside 2nd-Year Apprentice
A member since 2024, Sydney is in her second year of the Inside apprenticeship. She commutes from Stockton—which is two to three hours each way. She works all day in the field, then goes to class in the evening. In other words, she eats, sleeps, and breathes IBEW!
“Honestly, I didn’t even know what the trades were. I was a correctional officer for five years, then got into solar installs, inspections, and service. One day I was at a customer’s house, and he asked if I’d ever thought about the electricians’ union. I applied—and I haven’t looked back since.
“I love it. I love the people. Everyone is so welcoming—they’re my brothers and sisters now. I learn something new every day, and the work is always changing. You get your hands on so many different things. In solar, it was the same thing every day.
“In corrections, your life depends on the people around you—but the energy here is different. It feels like family. We look out for each other on the job and even outside of work. People show up for each other.
“My grandfather taught me my work ethic. He’d give you the shirt off his back. I try to carry that with me every day to be there for others.”
Del Nielsen, Site Superintendent
Del’s career reflects the full ladder of opportunity within the IBEW. He started as a nonunion electrician, joined 332 as a residential member, transitioned to the Inside, and worked his way up from journeyman to foreman to general foreman—and now serves as site superintendent on the Santa Teresa Kaiser hospital project in San Jose. Pictured above: general foremen Bryan Kamperman, Robert Rodriguez, Del, Dave Martin, and Brian Joaquim.
“I love the people, the challenge, and the mechanics of the trades. It makes you think. Problem solving is my favorite part. I also care about bringing people together, getting everyone working in harmony. We spend more time on the job than with our families, so it matters how we show up for each other. If someone is struggling, you help them out.
“The union is fabulous. I’m proud to be union, and my grandfather was, too. People think we don’t work, but that’s not true. It’s hard work, and you get out what you put into it.
“The IBEW helped me build a life—my home in Gilroy, my wife, my three kids. That stability means everything.”
Del’s career trajectory represents what’s possible in the IBEW with hard work, skills,
and commitment.
Diana Ayers, Inside Wireman & ETASV Instructor
Pictured at the Epic Center, Diana is a second-generation 332 member with nearly a decade in the trade. She teaches at ETASV, serves on the 332 Examining Board, and helps lead initiatives to support the next generation of electricians–wearing many IBEW hard hats along the way.
“I turned out in 2022 and now teach fourth-year apprentices advanced fire alarm, lighting controls, and code calculations. I also run the Women’s Committee at the ETASV.
“Before the trades, I worked for a high-end furniture company, dealing with celebrities like Steph Curry. But in my late 20s, I wanted a real career that could support a family. I always liked building and math. My dad, a retired 332 member, told me to apply. He taught me to never to cross a picket line, show up, and volunteer. I used to be ‘Rich’s daughter,’ and now he’s ‘Diana’s dad.’
“I love how diverse the trade is. One day you’re in a ditch installing pipe, the next you’re doing detailed work with a screwdriver. I feel like I get paid to have fun.
“Giving back is important to me. I have a soft spot for apprentices. I tell them to ask questions, take risks, and be better than us. The union gave me everything—I want the next generation to have that too.”
Joe Valdez, Sound & Communications
Pictured in #52 jersey with his wife, three kids, and his kids’ partners. Joe first started in the IBEW in the “1900s” (ancient times). He specializes in fire alarm systems and takes pride in work that protects lives and communities.
“I originally started with the IBEW in 1999 and was in for about three years. Work got slow, I was having my first child, and I left—that was a big mistake. I returned to the apprenticeship in 2014. I feel blessed where I ended up.
“The IBEW has changed a lot. Back in 2000, fewer people were involved. Now communication is so much better—emails, texts, newsletters. Before it was just word of mouth. Members are way more involved now.
“The thing I love most about the IBEW is the unity and camaraderie—people helping each other. I’ve seen members buy tools for someone just starting out or help them get to work.
“Fire alarms save lives. After the Ghost Ship Fire, California took a harder stance on safety. Too many people died. I feel like my work matters.
“My wife has had the biggest impact on me. She’s always been on my side—she pushed me back into the IBEW. She beat breast cancer and stayed strong the whole time. We’ve been together 29 years. I’m proud of my family, and the IBEW helped me build this life.”