About Oregon Tradeswomen
From Oregon Tradeswomen to AFSCME
Oregon Tradeswomen is proud to announce that our Director of Advocacy Programs, Tiffany Thompson, has started a new chapter of her career with AFSCME Council 75 as an organizer. She will be working on higher education and behavioral health organizing campaigns as well as developing and training member organizers. Her last day with Oregon Tradeswomen was November 26, 2018.
Kelly Kupcak, Executive Director of Oregon Tradeswomen stated, “Tiffany has been a tremendous asset not only to Oregon Tradeswomen, but to our industry as a whole, and to the national tradeswomen movement in shifting our conversation from what is wrong, to the powerful impact we can have when we collaborate together. We have been privileged to build our work with her vision and look forward to her continued success at AFSCME.”
Stacy Chamberlain, Executive Director of Oregon AFSCME added, “We couldn’t be more excited to welcome Tiffany Thompson to our team at Oregon AFSCME. Her commitment to worker rights and experience in leadership development and organizing will be huge assets to our organization.”
Tiffany expressed that she will genuinely miss her coworkers and members of Oregon Tradeswomen, but is excited to expand her passion for workers’ rights through the union movement at AFSCME Council 75. Tiffany explained, “I wouldn’t be here if it weren’t for the wonderful experience I have had at Oregon Tradeswomen. I plan to stay an active volunteer and donor of the organization. Most importantly, I know that this move will only deepen the relationship between Oregon Tradeswomen and AFSCME, strengthening our shared fight for respectful workplaces, the rights of working folks, and the leadership of our members. I am grateful to everyone who has believed in me and I look forward to taking on new challenges.”
All of us at Oregon Tradeswomen, from our staff, to our Board of Directors, and our extended community wish Tiffany the very best in this new chapter in her career.
Oregon Tradeswomen is in the Willamette Week Give!Guide
The Willamette Week Give!Guide announced the 150 non-profit organizations that will be featured in this annual campaign, supporting these organizations and encouraging philanthropy among Portlanders age 35 and under. Oregon Tradeswomen is honored to be included this year!
The Give!Guide was started in 2004 as a way to inspire people under the age of 35 to get in the good habit of donating to local organizations that help make our community a better place to live!
The Give!Guide campaign runs through midnight on December 31, 2018.
Big Give Days!
To inspire giving, the Give!Guide offers different Big Give Days throughout the campaign where any donation of $10 or more on that day will guarantee you entry in a drawing for a BIG prize!
Note: Each Big Give Day will have TWO raffles of the same prize: one for everyone who donates and one just for donors 35 years of age or under.
December 20: Big Give Day #6
A specialized FX 1 Commuter Bike from Bike Gallery
December 27: Big Give Day #7
A Cultural Adventure Package Across Oregon from the Oregon Cultural Trust:
The package includes:
A Cultured Evening in Portland: Two vouchers for a pair of premium-level seats to Literary Arts’ presentation of Everybody Reads: Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie on Thursday, March 14 and a two nights stay at the Portland Marriott Downtown Waterfront.
A Day Trip to Historic Astoria: A gift certificate for tickets to any Liberty Theatre presented event in historic downtown Astoria, with tasty appetizers on the house at a local restaurant.
Outdoor Adventure at Crater Lake: Gift certificate for two at Crater Lake Zip Line and a one night stay at the Running Y Ranch Resort in Klamath Falls.
We hope you join us in this season of giving and support the work we do at Oregon Tradeswomen, and maybe you’ll win big in the process!
Events
Give!Guide is also hosting some shows throughout the campaign which are FREE and open to the public (21+) where you can dance the night away and also donate to your favorite non-profit!
November 2: Give!Guide Magazine Release Party
No Vacancy Lounge, 8 pm – 11 pm
8:00 Party // Listening Man / Dj Le’Mix
9:00 Skidmore Prize Announcements
9:30 Zach Carothers of Portugal. The Man (Dj Set)
November 15: Give!Guide Presents #1
White Owl Social Club, 8 pm – 12 am
8:00 Ezza Rose
8:45 Plastic Cactus
9:30 Honey Bucket
10:30 And And And
December 6: Give!Guide Presents #2
Mississippi Studios, 8 pm – 12 am
Time TBD Blossom
Time TBD Maarquii
Time TBD Amenta Abioto
Time TBD Karma Rivera
Woman of Vision: Tiffany Thompson
Every year, the Daily Journal of Commerce seeks nominations from industry for their Women of Vision award recognizing remarkable women who are shaping our built environment. This year, 51 women will be honored for their leadership, mentoring efforts, community involvement and the promotion of industry diversity.
One of Oregon Tradeswomen’s dedicated and passionate employees, Tiffany Thompson, will be recognized this year for her tireless work changing the playing field for women and minority groups in the construction industry.
As the Director of Advocacy Programs, Tiffany leads the efforts in ensuring access to leadership development and mentoring to tradeswomen across Oregon. From new apprentices to veteran tradeswomen, Tiffany connects women in the trades with opportunities for professional growth and personal leadership development. She launched our Tradeswomen Ambassador Program which provides training to tradeswomen to become role-model speakers for the community, acting as ambassadors to the industry where they speak with women and girls across the region about the possibilities that come with a career in the skilled trades. Tiffany also works with industry stakeholders to shift the culture in construction to support tradeswomen. One example is the “Green Dot” program, a by-stander intervention tool to increase support for those experiencing harassment and serve as a resource to combat it on the job site.
Tiffany’s dedication to the community and the industry is clear as she serves on a number of boards and committees related to advancing models of equity and inclusion like the Metropolitan Alliance for Workforce Equity, the National Taskforce on Tradeswomen Issues, Metro’s Equity and Inclusion Advisory Board, and others. She works closely with companies, government, registered apprenticeship programs and unions to provide technical assistance and resource to implement equal employment opportunity plans and advance social equity goals.
We are so proud of Tiffany and her accomplishments and thank the Daily Journal of Commerce for selecting her as a Woman of Vision this year.
Woman on the Rise Nominations Are In!
2017 Woman on the Rise Award Winners from Left: Katie Kuchta, Isis Harris, Heather Mayther, Carly Rush
On September 28, 2018, Oregon Tradeswomen is hosting our 2nd annual Build With Us! Blue Collar Gala and this year we will be announcing the winners of the 2018 Woman on the Rise awards! These awards were conceived last year as a part of Women in Apprenticeship Day to honor exceptional women in the industry and we wanted to celebrate their accomplishments this year with a larger audience. Here are the 20 women who were nominated by their unions, employers, and peers as Women on the Rise:
Aida Aranda
Journeyman Laborer, LiUNA Local 737
Aida Aranda started her journey as a laborer with LiUNALocal 737. She proved herself on the field as a journeyman laborer and then worked her way up into management. Aida has worked as a Dispatcher, Apprenticeship Coordinator, Organizer, and is currently the Director of the Oregon Laborers Apprenticeship and Training Program. She has proved herself to be a natural leader and a mentor to all.
Gabrielle Cowan
Laborer Apprentice, LiUNA Local 737
Gabrielle Cowan is a go-getter Laborer with Liuna Local 737. Still an apprentice, Gabi is giving the men on the crew at Mortenson a run for their money. She is already a skilled concrete hand and leaves a trail of workers behind her questioning their own abilities when working alongside her. She does her job well, with passion and precision, putting her far ahead of her peers.
Sara Currie
Journeyman Inside Wireman, IBEW Local 48
Sara Currie is an Inside Wireman with Local 48 who has worked her way up to Safety Director at the NECA-IBEW Electrical Training Center. Her motivation and commitment to the industry has gained her the respect of her peers as well as the NIETC Health and Safety community.
Kerri Danay
Sheet Metal Workers, Local 16
Kerri Danay is a Sheet Metal apprentice with Local 16. Kerri was nominated by her peers at McKinstry Co who said that, as a new apprentice, Kerri showed great potential. As she progressed through her apprenticeship, this potential was proven to be more than true. Kerri is a smart, hard working individual and has gotten positive feedback from every foreman she has teamed up with who note that she learns quickly, works safely, is highly productive and is always equipped with a good attitude!
Aisley Deymonaz
Line Worker Apprentice, IBEW Local 387
Aisley Deymonaz was nominated by a Crew Foreman from Arizona Public Service Electric Company (APS) who met Aisley when she was just a pre-apprentice. Aisley’s dedication, integrity, and great attitude immediately stood out to her foreman and he recognized her as #1 out of the 700 young adults who try to get an apprenticeship with APS. She excels at everything she attempts and was the only woman on the 2017 APS Lineman’s Rodeo team where she got 1st place in the hurt man rescue. Her passion was apparent early on to the Brotherhood and they uncharacteristically welcomed her with open arms. Aisley is someone who has earned the respect of a trade that is suspicious of outsiders and broke the mold of what it takes to be a Line Worker.
Danielle Elowe
Journey-level Plumber, Area 1
Danielle Elowe’s apprenticeship program is grateful to have her as she is always willing to help promote the program by putting on workshops and helping with speed mentoring which has helped draw more women to the plumbing trade. Her employer, Weekend Plumber, even gets regular calls from clients who have nothing but wonderful things to say about their experiences working with Danielle!
Jinnie Freeman
Apprentice, Sheet Metal Workers, Local 16
Jinnie Freeman was nominated by her union, Local 16, who describe her as an instrumental and integral part of the union. She puts her heart into anything she does and is a top tier student. Jinnie holds the position as co-chair for their new Minority and Women’s Committee where she organizes and runs meetings as well as always offers help and resources for members in hardship. She even volunteers with Oregon Tradeswomen to support the women who are on their way to starting a career in the skilled trades. Local 16 knows she has a bright future within the union and the industry!
Sandra Holguin
Flagger and Business Owner
Sandra Holguin started her own company, IQ Traffic Services, after disappointment with the lacking of quality employees at a flagging company. She is dedicated to provide a safe work environment for her employees and made sure they had steady employment, housing assistance, and even offered financial assistance. Her big heart and boldness have lent a hand in her success as an entrepreneur!
Ann Lawson
Deconstruction, Lovett
Ann Lawson began her work at Lovett Deconstruction in the field as a crew member. After 9 months, Ann had the opportunity to move up and into the office as an Estimator. In her new role, Ann went above and beyond and quickly took charge of organizing lead meetings, strengthening office culture, insisting on protocols and processes that improve transparency, communication and career mobility within the company. Her dedication to making Lovett a forerunner as an equitable place for women in the trades has been a hallmark of her management. Now as a Project Manager, Ann continually strives to bring a positive, solution-oriented, and team-centered perspective to her work. She contributes exponentially to both the functionality of the business and the quality of its culture, using her brilliant observation, incisive questions, ability to analyze information and situations, and daily joy.
Irene Mcguire
Journey-level Laborer, LiUNA Local 737
Irene Mcguire’s work at Anderson is recognized because no matter the task, Irene will make it happen. Her excellent work ethic and drive for success has left an impression on everyone who has worked with her.
Saylor Neher
Powerline Clearance Tree Trimmer Apprentice, Local 125
Local 125 details that Saylor Neher is an outstanding apprentice and is ahead of the pack in skill and maturity. Saylor repeatedly overcomes obstacles with tenacity and has won over her peers with her winning attitude and solid work ethic. Recently, Saylor proved herself with her impressive results in the PNW Lineman’s Rodeo including an awesome 55′ foot-locking demonstration!
Andrea Presler
Painters Apprentice, IUPAT Local 10
Andrea Presler is said to excel at everything she does and seems to have a natural talent making everything look easy. Leadership comes as second nature to her which goes hand in hand with her deep caring for others. Not only does she already have all her certifications, but she has performed on such a high level that the company she works for pays her at a level that only journeyman make!
Elizabeth “Tissi” Snelson
Carpenter Instructor, Carpenters Local 1503
Elizabeth “Tissi” Snelson is very involved in her union and since its inception, Tissi has organized the 1503 Pride float. Now, Tissi works at Angel Job Corps as a UBC Carpenter Program Instructor and is excelling in her field!
Jani Turner
Journey-level Laborer, LiUNA Local 737
Jani Turner is a journey-level Laborer at Anderson Structures. Her peers at Liuna Local 737 nominated her as a Woman on the Rise because she is a skilled worker, a leader by example, and a caring teammate. She prioritizes her women’s group, Liuna Women @ Work, and is often used as an example of someone who has found great success in the trades. As someone with a difficult past, Jani uses her own experiences to relate to others and speaks up on behalf of those who haven’t yet found their own voice. She passes on her knowledge by going out of her way to teach, help, and lead others around her.
Stephanie Vasquez
Journey-level Drywall Finisher, IUPAT Local 10
Stephanie Vasquez is a journey-level Drywall Finisher with Local 10 who recently graduated from the Drywall Finishing Apprenticeship. She is said to be an outstanding journey-woman at Cascade Acoustics and actively promotes and recruits women for the Drywall program. Only three years in, Stephanie has already found her stride as a drywall finisher.
Jess Giannettino Villatoro
Political Director, Oregon AFL-CIO
Jess Giannettino Villatoro worked her way up the AFL-CIO because of her passion for workers rights. She exemplifies leadership and is an advocate and ally for all in the construction community. Jess’s persistence in fighting for fair wages, equal opportunities, and protection for families has led to her success.
Erin West
Journeyman Plumber, Area 1
Erin West’s apprenticeship program is grateful for her help in recruiting women for their program. Erin’s employer, Meticulous Plumbing, says that she is excelling in her field and overcomes prejudices of past generations. She continually receives positive feedback and it is clear that she is extremely proud to be a plumber. In her heart, she is setting the path for today’s young women to succeed in the trades.
Melinda Wilson
Journey-level Operating Engineer, IUOE Local 701
Even though she comes across as reserved, Melinda is a highly driven woman that goes for what she wants until she achieves it, no matter how long it takes. Local 701 deeply values Melinda’s work within the union as she is dedicated to doing outreach to other women who are curious about a career in the trades.
Sondra Winters
Journey-level Electrician and Solar Installer
Sondra Winters is a Journey-level Electrician and Solar Installer with the Energy Trust of Oregon. She is a licensed journeyman in Oregon and Washington as well as holds a State of Alaska Electrical Certificate of Fitness. Being able to work in multiple states makes her a great asset to her employer as well as her attention to detail and leadership in whatever crew she is working with. She regularly gets rave reviews from customers for going above and beyond. Sondra also is an active member of her community, organizing rafting trips, hikes, and volunteering with Girls Build.
Suzanne Young
Journey-level Roofer, Roofers Local 49
Suzanne’s union, Local 49, nominated her because everyone from her apprenticeship peers to her instructors enjoyed her presence in the program. She grew to become an excellent mentor to others and even takes time off from work to do outreach in the community for new female apprentices. Her work is decorated as she graduated among the top of her class and took 1st place in the 2017 West Coast Roofers Apprenticeship Competition. The International Union Office is even flying her back to Washington DC to do an article on her for her progress and help in recruiting for a more diverse workforce!
Excitement Over Oregon Tradeswomen’s Annual Picnic and All Class Reunion!
On Sunday, August 12, 2018, from 11:00 am – 2:00 pm, Oregon Tradeswomen is hosting our Annual Picnic at Creston Park in Southeast Portland, complete with food, games, camaraderie, and fun!
This year, the picnic will also serve as an all-class reunion where we hope to see dozens of tradeswomen who went through our Trades and Apprenticeship Career Class show up to represent! The class with the highest percentage of alum at the picnic will win a prize. There will be more opportunities for competition and prizes as we will be holding a cornhole contest where the top two winners will win a pair of Portland Thorns tickets!
We want to take a moment to shout out Las Primas, a fantastic woman-owned business, for catering our event with delectable Peruvian cuisine (We are so excited to indulge in their home-style churros)! An additional thank you goes out to IBEW’s Credit Union for preparing a picnic themed gift basket for the event!
The Annual Picnic is going to be a spectacular opportunity to come reconnect with classmates, network with tradeswomen, indulge in a splendid meal, and win prizes!
We hope to see you on Sunday, August 12th at Creston Park from 11:00 am to 2:00 pm!
Our Students Help Build Four New Tiny Homes in Dignity Village
On April 4th, four new tiny homes were unveiled at Dignity Village, one of Portland’s oldest city-recognized camps which is a membership-based community providing shelter to more than 50 people. Many of the structures are more than 15 years old and have problems with mold, leaks, and pests. To help improve the situation, a few local nonprofits, including Oregon Tradeswomen and The ReBuilding Center, came together to build better homes for the camp.
Not only does this project benefit the community, but it gives our students the invaluable opportunity to get hands-on construction experience. This is incredibly important to our Training Director, Amy James Neel:
“Building small structures provides students with a unique opportunity to touch multiple aspects of residential construction on a condensed timeline. The building skills they develop during class prepares them to integrate into professional trades jobs where they will make a living wage. The partnership between the ReBuilding Center and Oregon Tradeswomen allows our students to build safe structures for our community while also building their own confidence that they belong in the skilled trades.”
We are beaming with pride for our students, both for their exemplary work and for this important contribution to our community!
Oregon Tradeswomen “We’ve BEEN Doing It” At AAUW Convention
The American Association of University Women (AAUW) held a convention on the weekend of the 20th of April in Hillsboro, OR where many women gathered for meetings, workshops, and networking around the topics of equity, empowerment, and education of women. Oregon Tradeswomen’s Construction Training Director, Amy James Neel, had the honor of leading a workshop at the event on Saturday called “We’ve BEEN Doing It!”
Amy discovered carpentry by accident, but the trades are her ideal career! She didn’t even know that the trades were an option for her, as representations of tradeswomen are not common. This put Amy on a mission to introduce women and girls to the possibilities of a career in the trades. This path eventually led her to Oregon Tradeswomen where’s she’s been for the last decade at first as a contract instructor, and now as our Training Director!
The workshop Amy led was focused on Oregon Tradeswomen, how our Trades and Apprenticeship Career Class is structured, how it impacts the women who seek our services, and our long-lasting impact on families, on our community, and on the industry – literally changing the face of construction. So many people were interested in attending this workshop that it filled to capacity and a number of people had to be turned away at the door. We are so grateful people are interested in the work we do and want to learn more about how they can support our mission.
PCC Honors Oregon Tradeswomen as “Employer Partners of the Year”
On April 11, 2018, nearly 100 people representing Portland Community College‘s (PCC) key employer partners gathered at the Oregon Museum of Science and Industry for an early morning breakfast hosted by PCC. Three organizations were recognized as PCC’s Employer Partners of the Year: one small business (Blessing Landscapes), one large business (Intel Corporation), and one non-profit (Oregon Tradeswomen).
Marc Goldberg, associate vice president of Workforce Development and Continuing Education at PCC, stated:
“For PCC to effectively prepare its students for employment opportunities and careers in an ever-changing work environment, we need strong partnerships with local employers… The event was simply a means to thank our partners, whose input, support and guidance enables PCC to educate a skilled workforce — and this is what drives Oregon’s economy. PCC’s partnership with a variety of organizations, in many and varied configurations, enables the college to be a critical catalyst for the region’s economic success. All of us can stand to benefit from a thriving economy, and for that, we want to thank our partners.”
PCC staff spent a year and a half of planning and deliberation when considering which partners had the most impact on PCC students, graduates, and the communities to which they belong. Oregon Tradeswomen was selected in recognition of our partnership with PCC’s Swan Island Trades Center which offers programs in welding, machine manufacturing technology, and career pathways. Additionally, Oregon Tradeswomen’s Industrial Fabrication track (formerly known as “Women in Metals & Manufacturing” program) brings many women to PCC to advance their education in metal disciplines. Oregon Tradeswomen’s commitment to advancing equity in the trades has also influenced PCC’s partnership with Vigor and the Maritime Welding program where women are currently 50 percent of the students!
Oregon Tradeswomen staff: Abby Bandurraga, Pathways Program Manager (left) and Max Beyelia, Job Developer (right)
Amy James Neel, Oregon Tradeswomen’s Training Director, observed, “Our students tend to go off into a lot of different construction industries, some of which we are really well connected with, and some of which PCC helps us gain even better access to those connections. PCC has been able to bridge that divide for our pre-apprenticeship program, which prepares them for these entry-level jobs.”
Oregon Tradeswomen extends our deepest gratitude and appreciation to Portland Community College not only for this honor, but for being truly outstanding community partners!
Update 5/9/18: You can view PCC’s video about Oregon Tradeswomen here!
A World of Difference Features Oregon Tradeswomen
MediaLab, an applied research and media production organization affiliated with Pacific Lutheran University’s School of Arts and Communication, launched a new series, “A World of Difference,” where the producers explore gender, race, national origin, and ask the question, “How do we value difference?”
Each of the four episodes focuses on new topics in different cities. The second episode was filmed in Portland, and investigates gender, specifically in the construction industry. Women comprise a mere 3% of the national construction trades workforce, but in Oregon, nearly 7% of apprentices in the skilled trades are women.
Oregon Tradeswomen’s Executive Director, Kelly Kupcak, and Director of Training, Amy James Neel, had the opportunity to speak with MediaLab about this disparity and what Oregon Tradeswomen is doing to bridge the gap.
We are humbled by the opportunity to share with the world the work Oregon Tradeswomen does. We applaud MediaLab for their efforts to open a discussion recognizing the experiences of people in marginalized communities and what can be done to make a difference.
The series premier of “A World of Difference” took place on Saturday, February 17, 2018 at the Seattle Public Library. You can find the episodes available for rent or purchase on Vimeo.
Donna Hammond to be Honored at LERC Black History Month Event
Donna Hammond (Photo from Portland Tribune)
The University of Oregon Labor Education and Research Center (LERC) is holding a special Black History Month Event!
Pioneering a Living Legacy:
Shaping Our Vision for Diversity and Inclusion in the Labor Movement
February 8, 2018
6:00 pm to 8:30 pm
UO Portland
White Stag Building Room 142/144
70 NW Couch Street
Portland OR 97209
Click here to save your seat for this free event!
LERC will be honoring Donna Hammond for her continued efforts to make the trades a safer place for women, people of color, and other minorities. There will be a special viewing of the film “Sista in the Brotherhood” by Dawn Jones Redstone followed by a panel discussion with Dr. Roberta Hunt of Portland State University and honoree, Donna Hammond, Business Representative for IBEW 48.
Donna began her career in the trades 39 years ago as an apprentice electrician and became Oregon’s 2nd ever black woman to journey out as an electrician. During her time in the trades, Donna faced discrimination and harassment from her coworkers and even supervisors. As a result of her experiences during those 20 years where she was a union electrician, Donna took it upon herself to blaze a trail for marginalized people so that they could pursue a career in the skilled trades without fear of harassment.
Hammond joined the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers (IBEW) as their first black female Business Representative and negotiates contracts and inspects job sites among other things. Outside of her work there, she has been a member of the Electrical Workers Minority Caucus for the past 22 years and has spent the past 3 years with the Coalition of Black Trade Unionists. Not only that, but Donna Hammond played a key role in the development of our Pathways to Success program here at Oregon Tradeswomen.
We have immense respect for Donna and the impact she has made. Thank you for your continued work making the trades a safe place for women and diverse workers!
Isis Harris (front) and Donna Hammond (back) on National Women in Apprenticeship Day