On July 17, 2016, New England Sisters co-sponsored a “report back” event about the National Women Build Nations Conference that was held in Chicago from April 28 – May 1, 2016. Over 100 people attended and heard reports from women representing different trades: New England Sisters in the Brotherhood Committee, Local 12 Plumber’s Women’s Committee, Painters DC 35 Women in Action Committee, Policy Group on Tradeswomen’s Issues (PGTI), Mass Tradeswomen’s Association, and Women’s Institute for Leadership Development.

Panelists shared approaches they were using to increase women in the trades. They also engaged the audience, exploring ways to make improvements. These pictures show some of the attendees listening to a presentation. Liz Skidmore from the New Council SIB Committee is also pictured delivering a presentation. Apprentices Hieu Niguen-Local 67 and Linda Oba-Local 40 are shown with the Women Working sign.

This was the first event to be co-sponsored by all the regional tradeswomen’s groups. By all accounts, it was productive and meaningful.