Steamfitter

Union member for 21 years

What inspired you to choose the building trades as your profession? I choose the trades because I felt that it offered me the best opportunity to provide a decent living for me and my family as a single parent.

What have you learned as a woman in the trade? Being a woman in the trade has made me realize that there is always more than one way to solve a problem. How I complete a task is not always the same as the next person. Sometimes as a woman I see and find solutions a different way, but I usually come to the same end result. You have to go in with the confidence that you can do the task. I can do almost anything that I set my mind to.

What are your favorite projects? I worked at the 49er stadium briefly and at the new Apple campus, which are both high profile buildings in this area. But every job seems to have a different problem or situation that makes it unique. Being able to adjust and adapt had made each job special in its own way.

Why are you union proud? The thing that makes me the most proud is knowing that my daughters look up to me. Hopefully they see that they can achieve anything if they are determined enough. I’m also proud that I’ve accomplished something that most did not think I would be able to accomplish.

Do you have any advice for young women thinking about this career? I would say to take a serious look at it. If you enjoy a challenge, being outside, working with your hands, and variety, the trades may be the career for you. Come knowing that there is still a stigma and some adversity, though it is getting better.