Tradeswomen Leadership Institute 2019

On December 7, 2019, Oregon Tradeswomen held our annual Tradeswomen Leadership Institute (TLI) at the Sheet Metal Institute here in Portland, Oregon. The event drew more than 50 participants from a diverse spectrum of trades! We were thrilled to see such a successful showing of trade workers from our community and across our industry.

The event was organized in part by an advisory committee of tradeswomen who shared ideas and insights which informed the workshop content, including topics such as Surviving and Thriving in the Trades and Advancing Your Career from the Jobsite into Management. Workshops also provided resources on how to access financial supports and plan for retirement, as well as how to politically advocate for yourself and other tradeswomen.

Our Keynote speaker, Sonia Ramirez, Wage and Hour Administrator for the Oregon Bureau of Labor and Industries, wrapped up the day with a passionate speech about her professional journey, and her path to leadership as a woman of color in a male dominated industry. Sonia inspired the whole room! We were also surprised and delighted to see Oregon Labor Commissioner Val Hoyle, who stopped by to show her support for the event as well.

Oregon Tradeswomen wants to thank the TLI Advisory Committee for their wisdom, enthusiasm, and superb ideas which made TLI 2019 so successful and well attended. Special thanks to the Sheet Metal Training Center Local 16 for hosting us for the day. We extend our gratitude to the speakers who shared their valuable time and advice with us, as well as our dedicated community partners and staff who helped make the event a success.

Check out photos from the event on Facebook!

We look forward to seeing you in 2020!