She’s a mom of two and cares for her mother while working as a Customer Service supervisor. Shelley Dunham this week marks 36 years with AEP. Dunham says the company took a chance on hiring her in 1988 – and she has made the most of all the opportunities, life lessons, friendships and the ability to have a thriving family and career.

How long have you been at I&M and in what roles?

As of this week, I have been with the company for 36 years. I started on January, 18, 1988 – all my lucky numbers! I started when we still had area offices and I was hired to be a “clerk” in the Van Wert, Ohio office with Ohio Power Company, now AEP Ohio. I got a promotion to Customer Service Representative (CSR) working out of the Lima Area Ohio Office. In 1998, after a reorganization I came to Fort Wayne and have been forever grateful to Carmon Swinson-Lake who took me into Billing and Account Operations. There, I served as Functional Analyst until 2002 when I went back to customer service and now, I’m a Customer Services supervisor for the Fort Wayne area. 

Tell us about your family! 

I have two grown married children and two grandchildren who all live in the same town as I do -- which is GREAT! My daughter, Amy, is 41 and my son, Adam, is 39. The grandkids are in sports year-round, band, theatre, choir. I try to go to every event, if possible, which keeps me SUPER busy. My mother who lives in the same town accompanies me to most activities and church also. Dad passed away suddenly in 2020, so I spend a great deal of time with and helping Mom. I have one sibling who is eight years younger than me who lives in Knoxville, Tenn. – who we love visiting.

How has working at I&M helped you grow as a parent/caretaker?

In 1988, the company took a chance on me as I was a newly divorced mom with young children ages 3 and 5). With the company offering of Educational Assistance, I applied and obtained my associate and bachelor’s degrees. I am forever grateful for that benefit for employees!

From a young age, I saw working hard could be very rewarding and I wanted to raise my children with the same values. My father was co-owner of a hatchery business and my mother was a dental assistant and swimming instructor for many years.

The company has always been very supportive of family life and obligations one has as a parent/caretaker. My children have grown to appreciate all that the company has allowed for our family. As a single parent it was never easy, but it was possible, because of this company. I was 25 when I started with the company. But, I “grew up” after I was hired at AEP because the company molded me into the person I was supposed to be -- both for my family and for myself.

What lessons have you learned at I&M that you share with your family?

Over the years my children have seen me do several things that I’ve learned because of our safety practices – both at work and at home.  Something as simple as seeing me wrap glass from a broken window in LOTS of newspaper (some ball may or may not have been played in the house!) before placing it into the trash.

The people at I&M, encourage you to be the best person you can be. Because of the gratefulness I have always felt for them hiring that young, divorced mom with two small children, I’ve tried to show those two same children, what working hard and being grateful can do for them and their families.  

What is your favorite family activity?

I love holidays and birthdays and all the memories made when we are all gathered. I also love when they all come over to swim during the summer! A favorite vacation of mine has been taking my granddaughter to South Haven, MI to enjoy Lake Michigan or taking my mom with me to visit my brother’s family in Knoxville.

Any advice for working families?

Many years ago, my kids were part of a daycare and then Latch Key program. This worked well for our situation as the children were loved by the those running the organization. To this day, my kids still laugh and talk about all the memories they made there.

You need to do what you are comfortable with and fits your family’s needs. Also, try to remember, EVERYONE is tired at the end of the day. Be patient and kind, even when things have you at your wits end. Try to see how important it will really be -- even a year from now. I can’t tell you the times I came home when the kids were older, to find schoolbooks, coats etc. dumped by the front door and I would immediately turn into a “screaming” fool as soon as I walked in. I have thought back many times, what did that accomplish? I could have been focusing on their days, making them feel more valued and loved. Focus on things that will build and grow, not divide. Be kind and remain the adult as much as possible. And always, always be willing to take the time to get down on the floor with them and play -- literally! Time goes way too fast, enjoy the little things!

If you're interested in joining I&M, please vist www.aep.com/careers.