The Sisters in the Brotherhood(SIB), “Leading the Way” conference, was a historical event that offered Sisters an opportunity to network and learn. And the attendees took full advantage of that opportunity; Sisters connected with each other and gained some very valuable information.

Held at the new 100,000-square-foot training center in Edison, NJ, more than 300 current and retired women carpenters attended the 3-day event from April 13 – 15, 2018. They were joined by elected officials, as well as representatives from local businesses and community organizations.

The panel presentations and workshops were timely and informative, covering topics such as: transitioning from corporate to construction; creating a career pathway from apprenticeship; leveraging technology; union activism; and social media training. There was also a vendor expo and a tour of the new training center.

Several Sisters received awards during the conference, and a ceremony was held for 14 Pioneer Sisters who helped pave the way for women to enter the construction industry. Also, a special award was given to Susan Schultz, chair of the SIB program and member of the International SIB committee.

The presentations, the interactions, the fun – these were all hallmarks of a very successful conference.