After her first run for public office, HFC alumna Lorrie Rutledge is undaunted

After her experience as a candidate for the Congressional District 13 in the August primary election, HFC alumna Lorrie Rutledge is proud of herself for running office for the first time. She did not win the primary, but she is undaunted.

“I felt confident as I decided to run for office,” said Rutledge, a lifelong Detroiter and single mom of two adult sons. She was one of nine Democrats who ran for the seat. Shri Thanedar clinched the Democratic nomination.

“I didn’t win, but this was a good experience,” she said. “I plan to run for office again. The healthcare crisis in Wayne County is what I want to see change. I plan to be a part of a change for the better in my district.”

Seeking balance in the workplace

One of three children, Rutledge began her career at what is now DTE Energy when she was a sophomore at Cass Technical High School in Detroit. She began as a co-op student in the DTE’s Administrative and Technical Systems Department.

Shortly after graduating from Cass Tech, Rutledge was able to start a career at Detroit Edison in Steam Engineering and Power Generation and earn a High Pressure Boiler Operator License, Third Class Stationary Engineer License, and Journeyman’s Card as an AA Substation Operator. These union job opportunities occurred during a time when very few women held high-paying skilled trade jobs. These positions gave Rutledge an understanding of the importance of skilled labor and taught her the value of collective bargaining. The experiences also helped shape her understanding of the importance of seeking balance in the workplace.

“I was able to complete the requirements and pass the tests and training to successfully undertake these jobs. My love for mathematics, along with the doors opening wider for underrepresented workers, gave me these opportunities,” she said. “I realized years after leaving this field how fortunate I was to learn how electricity is created. The most challenging part of the job was being a minority female in a male-dominated field. I was fortunate to work with honorable men who recognized my abilities and encouraged me along the way.”

A great experience at HFC

Now a licensed real estate agent, Rutledge recently earned her associate degree in business administration from HFC. She plans to pursue her bachelor’s degree in statistical mathematics at either the University of Michigan-Dearborn or Wayne State University.

“I feel I received a quality education from HFC,” she said. “HFC provided very accommodating services as I pursued my studies part-time. The staff provided excellent customer service whenever I needed assistance, and I always received top-notch instruction.”