Meet Tiffany Orff, welding instructor breaking barriers

January 10, 2025

Tiffany Orff, a vocational welding instructor at the Correctional Training Facility at Soledad, is breaking barriers while inspiring the next generation of welders.

She’s been with the department for only two years but comes to CDCR with more than 15 years of experience in the welding industry. She co-owned a custom lowrider and welding fabrication business in southern California where she discovered a passion for her craft.

“I understand what it’s like to not have a seat at the table. So, I take pride in showing them how they can build their own table and create their own destiny through welding.”
Tiffany Orff, vocational welding instructor

While building a successful career, she has also dedicated herself to creating opportunities for women and youth in this traditionally male-dominated field.

“The shop was the one place I felt at home, and the skills I learned while welding gave me a purpose and a sense of self-worth,” Orff said.

Inside CDCR caught up with Orff to discuss her career and advice she has for others seeking to join the department.

Q&A with Tiffany Orff, vocational welding instructor

Tig welding with sparks flying. — Orff holds a welding workshop in the community.

Tiffany Orff hosts a workshop on welding. — Orff holds a welding workshop in the community.

Why did you choose to join CDCR?

Ever since I can remember, I’ve wanted my life and career choices to be meaningful to my community. I vividly recall the day when CDCR called me for an interview. At the time, I owned and was running a custom hotrod and fabrication shop, which also doubled as a weekend welding school for women and youth. I was extremely busy and hesitant to answer the phone.

Eventually, I did, and they made me an offer I couldn’t resist as a small business owner. The retirement and benefits were something I couldn’t secure on my own. Also, I found a way to make a similar impact with welding, this time for incarcerated individuals.

What advice would you give someone considering a career in corrections?

Well, it’s not for the faint of heart, that’s for sure. The one piece of advice I can give is to humble yourself and know why you’re joining CDCR. Make sure you are strong enough, have enough experience in your field, and be ready to learn patience. And that’s just as a welding instructor or any subject matter expert. I’ve seen so many incarcerated individuals inspired by a correctional officer, education or vocational instructor, or management, simply because we were fair, honest, and dedicated to doing a thorough job.

Why do you focus on empowering women in the welding trade?

I believe it is crucial for women to have safe spaces where they can see successful female leaders in welding roles, free from harassment. This belief inspired me to create Welding Women Syndicate, an online platform where I highlight and interview women in the welding industry.

Through this platform, I have hosted welding classes for women and youth in the Salinas area. I’ve partnered with local businesses and worked with schools to introduce opportunities in welding to diverse groups. Women are not the status quo in this industry, so I wanted to showcase myself as a successful and capable woman to demonstrate that success is possible.

What message do you share with youth about welding?

My message to youth is clear: welding offers limitless career opportunities. From custom lowriders to robotic design, it all uses welding in some way. While welding can lead to financial success, I emphasize how it requires patience, dedication, and effort. The more you put into your craft, the more in demand you’ll become, leading to better opportunities and income.

Did you have any mentors?

Throughout my career, I’ve had several mentors, and the prevailing theme they taught me was to be fearless and infallible, but not perfect. They emphasized the importance of continuously educating myself and broadening my skill set so I can give back richly to others.

What is a common misconception people might have regarding your career?

The notion that this job is for men only. Like I mentioned, this job is not for the faint of heart, and it’s doubly challenging in a prison facility. I find myself constantly having to validate myself not only as a welder but also as a person of substance in the facility, given the small percentage of women in a male-dominated environment. Despite these challenges, I am extremely dedicated to my career and to sharing my knowledge with others.

What do you enjoy doing when you’re not welding or at work?

I enjoy visiting local schools, holding workshops, and sharing the benefits of welding, which has greatly enriched my life over the past 15 years.

My focus is mainly on women and youth from diverse backgrounds. I understand what it’s like to not have a seat at the table. So, I take pride in showing them how they can build their own table and create their own destiny through welding.

Learn more about CDCR careers on the website.

Story by Quinn Sheppard, program analyst
and Don Chaddock, Inside CDCR editor
Office of Public and Employee Communications

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