2022 Recap

Our 2022 event took place Saturday, May 14, 2022. Our deepest thanks go out to our presenters and moderators for sharing their knowledge and encouraging the next wave of leaders! We appreciate your time, talent, and expertise to making this year’s Tradesworker Leadership Institute such a valuable experience!

View a recording of the event on YouTube

Watch Congresswoman Suzanne Bonamici's Keynote Address

View Donna Hammond's closing address

 

Workshops

Building Our Power

– Tools for Your Leadership Tool-belt
Just like the tools in your tool-belt that help you get the job done; this discussion will give you tools for building your own leadership power. Hear from tradesworkers who will share tools and tips for navigating difficult conversations with people who hold power as you build your own. You will learn how to build a supportive network, create allies, and tap into your own strengths for leadership!

Moderator:
Sara Moore, CC/Superintendent for AM Technical Solutions, Oregon Tradeswomen Board Member

Panelists:
- Jenna Bazner, Business Representative, IBEW Local 48
- Rose Swartz, EIS Local 146, Instructor, Pacific Northwest Carpenters Institute
- Kadence Jimenez, Journeyman Exterior/Interior Specialist, UBC 146, and Trustee, Pacific Northwest Carpenters

---

Understanding Power - Who Has It, How to Get, and Using it for Change
Join this dynamic panel of tradeswomen who are fighting for equity and equality in our industry and in our movement. Whether you are new to the trades or have been in for years, understanding how meetings operate, learning the structure of our unions, who holds power, and how change happens – this panel will help inspire you in your own leadership path. Hear from tradeswomen who have moved up the ladder into positions of power and who are making change!

Moderator:
Lori Baumann, Laborer’s Local 737 and Chair, Oregon Tradeswomen Board of Directors

Panelists:
- Jana Ashton, Recording Secretary, Bricklayers and Allied Craftworkers Local 1
- Nichet “Shay” Newsome, Business Agent, UA Local 290
- Liz Nichols, Business Agent, Cement Masons Local 555
- Amanda Swenson, IUOE Local 701, OR State Apprenticeship and Training Council, Trades Employee Representative

---

Leveraging Our Power – Creating Policy Change
Even though we may love construction, the industry doesn’t always love us back. We know that through leveraging our collective power as tradesworkers, we can make changes that will improve our workplace and industry for everyone – but how to start? Join this panel of tradesworkers who are using their voices to make a difference in the skilled trades. Hear from tradesworkers who are advancing changes in family leave policies, holding industry accountable to create respectful workplaces, and fighting for workers’ rights in the public sector.

Moderator:
Dr. Roberta Hunte, Professor, Portland State University and Oregon Tradeswomen Board of Directors

Panelists:
- Miranda Jenniches, IUOE Local 701, Safe from Hate & Tradesworker Equity Council
- Zuleyma Figueroa, Laborer’s Local 483, Oregon Tradeswomen Board of Directors
- Kennitha Wade, President, Electrical Workers Minority Caucus
- Lisa Davis, HVACR & TAB Specialist for International Training Institute of SMART, Policy lead for SMART International Women’s Committee

---

The Power of Our Movement & the Trades Community Beyond the PNW
Our movement reaches tradesworkers everywhere – and it continues to grow and build power! Join us to learn more about what is happening beyond the Pacific Northwest and across the country and the globe. You will hear about the federal public policy agenda that the National Taskforce on Tradeswomen Issues is doing to advance women’s equity, what is happening globally to build bridges with tradeswomen across the globe, and how to get more involved!

Moderator:
Connie Ashbrook, Co-Chair National Taskforce on Tradeswomen Issues and Founding Executive Director, Oregon Tradeswomen

Presenters:
- Leah Rambo, Training Director, SMART Local 28 and Co-Chair, National Taskforce on Tradeswomen Issues
- Allie Perez, Founder, Texas Women in Trades, and Communications Co-Chair of the National Taskforce on Tradeswomen Issues
- Kelly McClellan, Founder, Tradeswomen Building Bridges, Co-Chair of the National Taskforce on Tradeswomen Issues Tradeswomen Action Committee, and Member IUOE Local 101 (Kansas City)