I recently attended the Tradeswomen Build Nations (TWBN) conference, hosted by NABTU, and I’m excited to share what I learned on behalf of the WSCC and our unions. Currently, women make up about 10% of the construction workforce in the U.S., a figure that has slowly increased over the past decade but still highlights our industry’s underrepresentation of women. As we strive for greater union market share, it’s vital to embrace diverse perspectives that drive innovation and strengthen our community.
Since starting my career as a plumber, I’ve witnessed significant progress in diversity efforts. Attending TWBN has been a transformative experience; my first conference in 2018 was the first time I was surrounded by thousands of tradeswomen. This powerful moment reinforced that women should be integral members of our unions.
Our UA women’s committee, formed after the 2018 conference, has expanded our initiatives for recruiting and retaining women in the trades. We’ve hosted various recruitment and community service events, building a supportive network across multiple local unions.
At the conference, we participated in workshops that addressed challenges like non-standard hours and childcare expenses, and shared strategies for increasing engagement within our unions. Evening bonding activities with apprentices and journeymen fostered mentorship connections, strengthening our community.
I’m grateful for these opportunities to learn and grow, and I look forward to future TWBN events alongside my union sisters and allies. Together, we truly are “Stronger Together.”
— Sarah Harkssen, WSCC Denver Plumbing Campus Lead
