! IMPORTANT ! The following list of current Sisters in the Building Trades members, have graciously volunteered to be mentors to either women in the trades, or women who would like to enter into the trades. The list is organized by where the mentor resides, and what trade they are a member of. Although their information is listed here, they do NOT invite solicitation, spam, or any form of unauthorized communications. Please contact the Mentors with only questions about women in the trades. Thank you kindly for your understanding. Please note, emails are not setup as link, this prevents bots from spamming our Mentors. To email the Mentors, copy and paste the address in your email application and change (at) to @. Also, please put "Sisters Mentor" in the Subject line so they can find it in Spam if it lands there.

ALL MENTORS: Here is a Mentor Reporting Form. Please use this form for keeping track of info on your candidates and those that contact you for information. Completed forms can be sent to This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it for our records. Information collected in these forms will only be used for communication and will not be give out to anyone outside of the Sisters organization.

King County

Beth Britz

Bio: 9 years in the industry. I got into the trade, becoming the 5th member of my family as a wiremen with local 46 in my late 30's. I came from a more white collar sector. I love the job and the challenges that come with it. After spending most of my career with Prime Electric. last fall I took a position with SeaPort Maintenance, a division of the Port of Seattle The move was an opportunity for me to get training and exposure in a broader spectrum of our craft. I also now have a consistent commute and paid holidays....yipee!!

Carolina Taylor

Bio: Journeywoman with 9 years experience in the trade. Bi-Lingual: Spanish/English

Chris Littlejohn

Bio: 2 years in the trade.

Danielle Anderson

Bio: I am serving my second year as a commercial plumber apprentice. I am a mother of 2, very beautiful little girls. I hope that I will show my girls that women can be very strong, especially when banded together. I am a single parent, and I must say that life has never tested me as much as now. But by accomplishing all that I have, I have learned to be even stronger for myself and my girls. If anyone has a question regarding work, life, or just to chat, please feel free to email me. I would like to change how women are viewed in the industry and am interested in participating in community volunteer work.

Deborah S. Colombi

Bio: My experience in construction began in the office of a large painting contractor. Many years later, I completed the electrical apprenticeship in Seattle, Local #46. I continue to work as an electrical foreman or journeyman electrician.

Debra Lemmon

Bio: Prior to becoming an Operating Engineer, I was a 19 year old single mother working 3 minimum wage jobs and trying to: go to college, have a life and stay out of jail. I was a dependent on the state, my community and my family. In '02 (21 years old) I was working next to a 50 year old bartender and it scared the poop out of me, "that is not who i want to be when I grew up". I up-rooted my family and moved away from everything I knew to find a better way. I started working in the trades as a laborer in 03". I was surprised at the camaraderie and job training I received from day 1. I learned so much (and made so much $$$) I was no longer dependent upon anyone monetarily, i.e. I paid more in taxes in my first year in the trades than I had ever made in 3 consecutive years prior ! ! ! In '04 I was accepted into IUOE Local 302's Apprenticeship Program. Today I am a Journeyman Operator, Job Steward, Active Member in my Local, and working in King County. I got involved with SITBT for recruitment and retention of women in the trades. I see this organization doing great things! ! But any organization is only as strong or out spoken as its members, so I volunteered for the Mentorship. ( I have a lot to say, but can be a good listener too.)

Denise Salo

Bio: Retired military, graduate degree, licensed electrician, working labor relations; new skills means more choices about where and how I work.

Evelyn Shapiro-O'Connor

Bio:I am a journey level carpenter in Seattle. When I first joined up nine years ago I had no work experience in construction but I knew I would love it. So true! I went through the apprenticeship, journeyed out, and still love the work. I am now employed as a Representative for the Carpenters Union. Mentors saved my sanity when I first started in the trades. Ask for help when you need it.

Guy Astley

Jesse Chute

Kandy Paulson

Bio: I began my career in construction in 1994 when I was a single parent with 3 daughters. I started out in construction by flagging and doing traffic control. My mom owned a traffic control company here in Wa. and I was living in Mich. as a nurses aid. I needed to be able to provide for my girls and so I moved here to work for my mom. My mom closed the business several years later and I went and got my CDL to drive truck. I love what I do! I have been a Teamster since 1998, and shop steward for two employers. I am very active in Teamsters #174, currently working on the 100th year celebration.

Karen Echaniz

Kate Maloney

Bio: Opportunity is the key to a better life. Many individuals struggle to build a better life because they do not have an influential, and welcoming contact to a highly sought job, career, or educational opportunity. As a mentor for the Sister"s in the Building Trades, I hope that I can be one fiber in a network that helps unite an honest, hardworking person with the possibility of a lucrative and satisfying career in the electrical trade. Mentors made a difference for me. I hope to do the same for the next generation

Linda Romanovich

Bio: A carpenter for 28 years, I am currently employed by King County in the maintenance Division as a Carpenter Foreman. I am very active in my union and serve both a Delegate to the Regional Council of Carpenters and as a Trustee for Local #131.

Marge Newgent

I started in the Ironworkers in 1986. I had an on the job injury resulting in back surgery. I was out of work for about a year. I than applied to the Operator's and started my apprenticeship in April of 1990. I worked for Kiewit running a forklift for 18 months and then went to work as an oiler for Mortenson at West Point Treatment plant. I journeyed out and went to work for Kuney and worked my way up from oiler to boomtruck to friction cranes and hydros. I started being a job steward in 2005 and became a Business agent in October 2007.I am an 18 year member and crane hand, I never got into dirt work because my back is fused and the machines are harder on your body than cranes. I am a proud mother and my family is important to me.

Michelle Helmholz

Bio: Laborer, #440 Business Agent, Safety, Apprenticeships, Retrainage with 26 years in the trade.

Rachel Adams

Bio: I Journey out Dec 08. I am a single mom to a teenage boy and a 9 year old daughter. I chose to be an electrician to support my self and not have to depend on anyone else. I LOVE My Job. :) I feel the most important part of being in the trades is the ability to laugh at your self and those around you. I am a soccer mom, and love spending time with my kids doing what they like to do. I love the outdoors, especially snow, working on my house, crafts, a little of everything but TV.

Sandra Lompe

Sheryl Toland

Bio: Laborers Local 242 for 5 years and Operators Local #612 for 3 years.

Soph Davenport

Bio: In the industry since 1996, interested in mentoring, public speaking and community volunteer work. I've done everything from pooky duct to weld 1/2" plate to balance industrial chemical labs. Sheet metal has been a great match for my interests and skills and I'm happy to share my experiences.

Tammy Keen

Bio: I have been a member of the local #191 since 1995, when I started my apprenticeship. I served 3 years of it in Eastern Washington, and the remainder on the west side of the mountains. Prior to electrical work I was a welder - structural steel, then a few years in a metal-fab shop. I'm now classified as a wireman/welder, as I do both. I'm also a proud single mom of 4 wonderful children - 2 still at home.

Tammy Nelson

Bio: I am a Mother of 3 children. I have been working union commercial construction for 9 years. I started out working non -union jobs in 95, in 98 I joined Local 242. My life is no longer a financial struggle, being a union member has allowed me to provide plenty for my family. Working on Highrise buildings has given me a great sense of accomplishment in my own life. I have met many very wonderful people & continue to with each new project. I hope that more young women join the construction Trades.

Tawny Sayers

Bio: 14 years as a Skilled Construction Craft Laborer. The last 5 a an apprenticeship coordinator. ANEW graduate class #30.

Vikki Carson

Bio: I have been in commercial construction for 14 years.

Yolanda Lowery

Bio: I've been a carpenter for 16 years - since I was just a baby! I love it. I love my job. I'm a journey level carpenter working on the light link rail - currently employed by PCL. It’s a wage that lets me buy bigger and better toys! I have three daughters, two adults and one pre teen. And two granddaughters! Lots of girls in this family! I have a great group of friends that I like to hang with and on occasion you can find me at the softball fields. I joined the sisters to support the next generation, set an example for my daughters, and comraderie with other women in like situations.

Pierce County

Annalee Ogle

Bio: I have been in construction since I was 18 years old. At that time I was in the Navy and was HT3, repairing and maintaining structural integrity of the ships. I am a 42 year old single mother of a teenage daughter. 2 1/2 years in the Laborers union, went to collage, got an associates degree in Building Technology. I joined the Carpenters Union 11 years ago. I mainly do concrete construction. I enjoy using my mind and body to build something I can be proud of. I am currently a foreman in charge of hardware and do some of the lay out on the Hood Canal Bridge where I have been working for the last 2 ½ years. I want to make a difference and show that women do have a place in this field, if they are willing to work hard and can stand the weather.

Christina Hall

I have been with the Operators for 7years, but have been in the mechanic/maintenance field for 15 years. I started in the field as a diesel mechanic in the army. For the last 6 years I have worked on asphalt plants and a little on rock crushers. I am the first female to graduate the Operator's mechanic apprenticeship program in about 15 years. I went through the apprenticeship as a single mother, which proved to be challenging, but it can be done. I am also working on getting my associates degree (one more class). I love what I do and would be more than happy to assist anyone on their journey for a better life.

Cynthia Neubauer-Lee

Bio: 13 years in the field. The greatest part of my labor experience, I was a Carpenter, Cement Masonry and Plumber Helper. I worked on the Mercer Island and Hood's Canal Bridge, Burien, Renton, Federal Way Sewage Treatment Plants, Burien Water Tower, Black Diamond Sewer Installation Project and several Interstate 5 projects. Co-Founder of the Sisters in the Building Trades.

Joyee Mendoza

Bio: I am a Journeywoman and Mother. I Married a carpenter.

Kathy Swan

Bio: Local #470 Organizer, Carpenter with 26 years in the industry.

Lori Martin

Right after high school I worked a variety of minimum wage jobs ranging from food service and retail to assembly line production, making a decent wage in a deprived economy. In '04, living in Colville, WA, I made a hard decision to leave behind family and friends in search of a better life style. A life my dad and sister already achieved on the west side and supported my decision to pursue. I entered my apprenticeship in 05' with a short 8 wks of school and was promptly put to work with Scarsella Brothers, who I am still currently working for as a journeyman. The enjoyment, skills, and camaraderie I have gained in these three years are irreplaceable. I volunteered as a mentor with The Sisters In The Building Trades to become a resource to help anyone who wants a better way of life.

Marilyn Oviatt

Bio: Co-Founder of the Sisters in the Building Trades, an instructor for the Carpenters Trust since 1999.

Martha Holly

Bio: In the industry since 98, interested in mentoring and community volunteer work.

Terry Tilton

Bio: Lobbyist for the Union Building and Construction Trades: promoting the construction industry, jobs, apprenticeship, best value contracting procedures, safety and health, and infrastructure development and renewal in transportation, energy, water, sewer, and communications for healthy communities in Washington State and beyond. A 1982 graduate of A.N.E.W, lead to acceptance in the International Union of Operating Engineers JATC apprenticeship program to become an operator of cranes and heavy equipment on bridge, heavy highway, and other public and private works projects since 1983. I wanted a career that was rewarding mentally, physically, and financially, that didn’t pay women a different wage than men. It was also important to build a career that supports team work yet allows autonomy. Careers in the Building and Construction Trades are rewarding in all respects, and the job market for construction and the process to earn while you learn to take your education and career to obtain the highest level of achievement is at an all time high demand!The job market in Washington for skilled building and construction trades workers will remain in high demand for many years. 25 years as an Operating Engineer, now lobbying on behalf of the Building and Construction Trades Affiliate Unions to promote construction industry jobs that deliver: apprenticeship-to-pension careers, best value public works construction contracting, prevailed wages, safe working conditions, and infrastructure investments with an environmental and social conscience. Union Tradeswoman earns good wages, healthcare and builds a traditional quality pension from the first day of our apprenticeship. Pathways are open for us to afford a university degree in construction project management, own our own company, or simply enjoy the self respect and independence a skilled tradeswoman gains from a job well done. Previous experience isn’t required, just possess the drive to learn and work hard. Check out the variety of different careers available in the Union Building and Construction Trades at www.WaBuildingTrades.org If you’re interested in a particular trade and want more information, call on any Tradeswoman mentor to learn more..

Tracy Prezeau

Bio: I have been in the electrical industry since 1998. I graduated our Inside Wireman's Apprenticeship in May of 2006. I have been the Recording Secretary for Local #76 since October 2003, and was the first woman to hold Executive office in our 110 year history. I currently fulfill the responsibilities of our Membership and Business Development Director (or Traditional Organizer) and have since December 2004.

Vikki Carson

Bio: I have been in commercial construction for since 1992. I like hiking, rock concerts, movies, and beach combing.

Lewis, Kitsap, Snohomish, Thurston County and Other Areas

Amanda McGrew

Bio: I am a second generation pipe fitter. I served my apprenticeship through 760, and I've worked as a fitter, instrument fitter, welder, inspection prep fitter, foreman and lead foreman. I don't have any children, so I'm not trying to balance kids and work, but I am married, so I can relate to travel and the hardships it can cause for a couple. I've worked with some fitters who didn't want women on the job, but I've also been fortunate enough to work with several great journeymen that were more than willing to teach me the trade. If I can help anyone, drop me a line.

Brandi Lee

Bio: 4 years in the industry. I am a single woman with 3 children. I believe in Women encouraging one another and lifting each other up and not breaking us down. I am interested in community volunteer work, and being a volunteer speaker.

Cathie Jett

Bio: 32 years in the industry, 26 years in the shipyard. Welder, sheet metal, and planner. On the board of the Washington Women in Trades Fair since 1989.

Dana Baer

I have 2 daughters and a granddaughter. I got involved in the trades about 10 years ago, when my husband was injured on the job. I was a stay at home mom and needed to get back into the work force. I wanted to make a difference for others and went into Safety. I am a Safety Professional for an electrical company and volunteer teach a safety class at the local JATC I am so glad there are organizations like this one to help those getting into the field.

Helen O'Brian

Bio: 20 years in the industry.

Ilsa Petelle

Bio: 11 years in the trade. I started as apprentice in 1996. Got into the trade so I could support myself and not have to rely on anyone. I've been fortunate enough to work my way up in my chosen profession from journeyman to foreman to my current position as a general foreman. I am the proud mother of 2 young children.

Jeri L. Hall

Bio: I have 12 years in the trade and am currently working at Local 46 as an intern in dispatch. You can have this learning opportunity by becoming a member of this union and going through the Leadership classes. I've also taken and passed the state exam for electrical administrator, this allows me to either run an electrical contractors company or become an inspector. I'm very interested in state or city inspection and will be looking in that direction. The electrical industry allows an individual to keep learning and expanding your knowledge, giving you the ability to go in several directions with a career.

Judie McLaughlin

Bio: I Have been in the trades for 30 years. I have been an instructor, welder, supervisor, general foreman, project zone manager. Worked in the field as a production welder prior to federal service. I have two adult children whom I raised as a single mom working in the field as a welder. They are both on their own and doing well. My daughter, Jacquie owns her own business in San Francisco where I grew up. My son John lives in Port Orchard and works at Fred Meyer...we moved around a lot due to work, then after a long layoff I went to work for the government. I love to cook and being alone, the guys that work for me benefit from leftovers a lot..In the summer I train for a triathlon that we do in Seattle. I like to bike, rollerblade, swim, run/walk, lift weights etc....I am a very diversified person....glass half full all the time. My passion is helping others. I currently have a prison ministry where I share bible stories and how they have worked in my life. How the Lord has brought me through drug addiction to a life filled with blessings. I know, now that this is what I am here for. I am going to start ministry school in April and complete in 2010...hoping to grow the ministry and help as many women as I can to make a life for themselves. I am also a mentor at the prison and have one woman who will be getting released in a few months. I have learned that it is not about me....and now I am able to give back for all that I have been given. I NEVER imagined being here today and doing what I do. I have a lot to share....

Kathleen (Kathy) O'Hara

Bio: I have been a carpenter since July 1985. I went through the apprenticeship program from 1985 to 1990. I became a Superintendent in 1998. I have worked for Garco Construction in Spokane WA since 1991. The largest project I have supervised is 15 million +. I have two kids; son-25, daughter-11. I built my house myself. I do supervision, layout, finish work, concrete formwork. I have taken some construction management courses I love the outdoors: camping, fishing, hiking, hunting, 4 wheeling, gardening, skiing, boating, etc. etc.

Kayla Maxin

Bio: Bio: I have had my CDL for 18 years, 12 of which has been working as a teamster truck driver in construction. I originally started by going through the apprenticeship program in Pasco. I have lived in the Olympia area most of my life. Single mom of one son...who is now almost 22. Yippy. Worked hard and now it is time to do some things I enjoy other than work. I am very involved with the environment and volunteer for Puget Sound Keepers and South Sound Estuary Association.

Laura Robinson

Bio: 18 years in the Broadcast industry, TV Editing.

Nova Bordynuik

Bio: I started my apprenticeship with Thunder Bay Local #1151 when I was 19 years old. I had no idea that what I was getting into was "non-traditional". I was always told that women could have any job they wanted. Considering that I spent most of High School in the tech wing, it seemed obvious I was destined for a hands-on, constructive future. I applied for an apprenticeship with the Millwrights and was invited to write the aptitude test. They were hiring six new apprentices. I watched the odds pile up against me when I walked through the door and realized I was 1 of 120 applicants. Even more surprising to me was that I was the only woman! I was allowed a 90 day trial because of my test score but many of the men were not sure if they wanted to "carry" a female on the job. 14 years have gone by since then and even if they don't agree that a woman should be on the job they would never say I didn't do mine. I have won over most of the skeptics, the rest are due to retire any day now. I have plowed a trail through the forest, is anyone going to pave it behind me? I can only assume that most women want what I do. Great pay, benefits, security and satisfaction in a job well done. If you can prove hundreds of men wrong along the way, isn't that a bonus?

Rita Moore

Bio: In 1989, after a university education and related work, I switched careers to become the first female construction millwright in Ontario (maybe in Canada), finally finding the job of my dreams. It's too bad I didn't know to do this sooner. I believe this is due to the school system, in which teachers are so proud of having their university education that they want to convince people that anyone whose jobs do not require this are somehow inferior. Stuck in this mindset, the guidance counsellors try to direct "smart" kids to university regardless of whether such career paths will make them happy; and you only find out about the fantastic jobs in the skilled trades if you are lucky to hear about them elsewhere. So my message to you is: the life of a tradesman could be exactly what you want, and you don't have to fit the stereotype to do it!

Shana Summers

Bio: I was accepted into the Temporary Services Electrician’s apprenticeship in September of 1997. I was a newly single mother of 4 and 40 years old. I had never worked in the trades and was not very mechanical. I was not in very good physical shape either and remember being sore every night for the first year of my apprenticeship. As a temporary service electrician, I ran temporary electrical services for ships in dock and all industrial services. If the weather was nasty; we were out in it, hooking up services. During the last large earthquake, all the other shops went home, but we stayed to check the integrity of all of our electrical services. I installed everything from temporary shipboard lighting to shore power for aircraft carriers. I worked mostly with 110, 220 and 440 volt systems, running services for industrial equipment, lighting, and power boxes for small tools.
The job was very physically demanding, and always entailed climbing in and out of dry docks, up staging or down shipboard trunks; usually carrying tools and equipment. While it was demanding, it was also very satisfying. I could assess the work I’d accomplished for the day and know I lit up a Trident submarine or powered up the Casualty Control alarm system on a cruiser. I loved that!

Tinamarie Alzaga

Bio: I'm a third period apprentice. I come from a family in the trades, husband, brothers and grandpa. Talk about facing some Resistance!!! So a deal was made that I would wait until the last child, was 5,to go to work. On her birthday we went down to the apprenticeship so I could sign up! I was working in the field by the end of June! I have waited 18 years to become an ironworker, I was introduced to the trade of ironworkers by a boyfriends dad who at the time was married to a welder. I found that fascinating, she knew a skill, worked outside and made money! But being a young mother of twins I decided to wait.!! I love my job! It certainly isn't easy! But the pride and the respect of the iron is what I live for! I never take things for granted now! I learned to appreciate the moment! I want to share my experience with other females, I believe in the power of numbers! We need to increase our female recruitment in all the trades, so we don't look so surprised to see another female on the job. We also need to remember we are all Sisters! Striving for the same thing. We need to support one another. We need to share the best kept secret with other girls, trades, trades, trades, be independent, self sufficient!!! NO ONE CAN TAKE YOUR JOURNEY CARD AWAY!!!! YOU EARNED IT! I want to thank the Sisters in the Building Trades and NAWIC. For the best conferences, the life long friend ship and experience, which will help me, grow as an individual and in my trade.

I don't believe in excuses!

I have five kids and started the apprenticeship at 37!!

Tammy Meyen

Bio: In the industry since 99, interested in mentoring and community volunteer work.

Wendy Walsh

Bio: 28 years. I live in the St. Louis county, in a house that my husband and I built together. I do finish carpentry and have worked exclusively for residential stair companies for the last 14 years. Before that I was a foreman for a carpentry contractor and did finish work for them. I also do metalsmithing on the side and plan on devoting more time to that after I retire, I'm 52 and I have been a carpenter for 28 years. I love problem solving, working with my hands, working with high quality materials and good tools that enable me to produce a satisfying product.

wendyw855(at)gmail.com
Website