Grace
Vanderhei
Nuclear Fuels Engineer & Clean Energy Advocate at Constellation Energy
"Optimism is a High-Voltage Choice"
"Optimism is a High-Voltage Choice"
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Session: Optimism is a High-Voltage Choice
Throughout my career, I’ve often been placed into a single box at a time — just a nuclear engineer, just a Miss America, just one thing. That experience sparked my passion for challenging the limits we place on people and the assumptions that can quietly shape opportunity. I want to share the message of the “Woman Who Can” — because no single title or role defines a person’s worth. Each of us defines our own.As a nuclear engineer, former Miss America, violinist, and first-time author, I bring a perspective shaped by navigating high-pressure environments and embracing multidimensional identity. In this talk, I share how optimism is not blind positivity — it’s a strategic, learnable skill that helps people respond with resilience, clarity, and purpose in a constantly changing world.
In today’s fast-paced and uncertain landscape, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed or discouraged. Learning to intentionally choose optimism empowers individuals and teams to lead more effectively at work, in their communities, and in their personal lives. Attendees will gain:
1. Tools to reframe challenges and uncover opportunity in moments that feel frustrating or uncertain.
2. Best practices for changing patterns and habits to improve performance, well-being, and impact.
3. Practical strategies for applying a positive, grounded mindset when facing challenges — both online and in person.
I believe I am uniquely positioned to share this message. I have built a career across diverse and demanding fields while remaining hopeful, adaptable, and authentic. My story resonates with anyone striving to break out of limiting labels, lead with intention, and move forward with confidence in an evolving world.
Key Takeaways
- Tools to reframe challenges and uncover opportunity in moments that feel frustrating or uncertain.
- Best practices for changing patterns and habits to improve performance, well-being, and impact.
- Practical strategies for applying a positive, grounded mindset when facing challenges — both online and in person.
Bio
It’s not often that you find an athlete, engineer, musician, and a former Miss America all in one. Grace Vanderhei was named the “New Face of Nuclear Energy” by the Wall Street Journal and was on the Forbes 30 under 30 list for Energy during her year as Miss America 2023. Throughout that year, she spoke in 26 different states and 8 different nations, all while finishing her undergraduate degree in Nuclear Engineering from the University of Wisconsin-Madison. Since concluding her year as Miss America, Grace now works as a Nuclear Fuels Engineer & Clean Energy Advocate at Constellation where she supports the operation of 12 different nuclear power plants across the country and is actively working on the restart of a nuclear reactor – a historic first for the United States. She creates social media content, participates in public engagements, and hosts educational workshops to emphasize the benefits of nuclear energy while inspiring the next generation of scientists, engineers, and mathematicians. Additionally, she is also pursuing a Master’s in Business Administration at Arizona State University. Outside of the nuclear industry, Grace is an avid waterskier, classical violinist, and a travel enthusiast.