OPG’s Lee Hamilton setting an example for others as a Black leader
At a glance
- OPG employee Lee Hamilton works as a Work Control Manager at Pickering Nuclear Generating Station.
- He became a manager in part to set an example as a Black leader for others to follow.
- He is now working to mentor younger people and advocate for equity, diversity, and inclusion at OPG and across the industry.
Lee Hamilton always envisioned a career in the nuclear industry – and he has the yearbook entry as proof.
In his Grade 8 write-up, he listed “nuclear physicist” as one of his future career aspirations, next to baseball player.
Shortly after graduating from McMaster University in Earth Sciences, Hamilton would go on to fulfill his prediction in 1999, when he became a nuclear operator at OPG’s Pickering Nuclear Generating Station.
Today, as he celebrates his 25th year at OPG, he still calls Pickering home. Over his long career, he has held various roles, including stints in Operations Support, Regulatory Affairs, Performance Improvement, and in Work Control.
He now works as a Work Control Manager at the station, a role that involves scheduling all important work at the six-unit plant. His contributions are one of the reasons Pickering Nuclear is performing better now than it ever has in its 50-plus-year history.
Representation matters a great deal. I wanted to be an example so other Black candidates would consider taking on key leadership roles.Lee HamiltonWork Control Manager at Pickering Nuclear GS
But beyond his day-to-day work, the native of Trinidad and Tobago is embarking on another mission these days: setting an example of Black representation at OPG and in the nuclear industry.
“I chose to move into management in 2022 because there are not many Black managers at the Pickering site,” said Hamilton, who came to Canada with his family at age 11. “Representation matters a great deal. I wanted to be an example so other Black candidates would consider taking on key leadership roles. As a leader, I have a greater opportunity to be the change and influence the station and company’s future direction and have a say in the hiring process.”
Additionally, Hamilton is proud to be a champion of equity, diversity, and inclusion (ED&I) at OPG through his work as a member of the company’s Employee Resource Group for Racialized Employees and as a member of the Pickering Diversity Committee.
He has also been involved in the production of OPG training modules on ED&I and micro-aggressions in the workplace to help educate and raise awareness on issues of systemic racism, diversity, and inclusion.
And, with his years of experience, Hamilton has embraced mentoring younger employees, providing key guidance for up-and-coming staff.
His dedicated efforts are helping to build a more diverse, inclusive work environment at Pickering Nuclear, one in which everyone feels safe to do their best, and is directly supporting OPG’s 10-year ED&I strategy, as well as Reconciliation Action Plan.
“When I immigrated to Canada, I experienced racism, especially in the second high school I attended in Etobicoke,” said Hamilton. “That experience contributed to my desire for raising awareness of those issues.”
While he recognizes that there are instances of racism at OPG, Hamilton is encouraged by the growth in representation of Black and racialized employees in leadership and other roles over the years and the availability of anti-racism resources. When asked if he has a role model at work, he said he sees qualities in different individuals that he admires and perhaps he can be a role model to others.
He has a simple message to younger Black people who might be considering a career in the energy and nuclear sectors: “Have genuine interest in your work, strive to be the best you can every day, and you’ll do well.
“If you have a passion for STEM (science, technology, engineering, and mathematics), even if your background isn’t in STEM, if you’re inquisitive and if you enjoy learning, do not be intimidated. OPG is an excellent company to work for, and you can excel and be an example for others.”
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