Join Women Building Success for a food packing event at Second Harvest Heartland Saturday, March 7, followed by a solidarity lunch.
Get details and register here.
Statement on the tragic murder of Amber Czech
As women and siblings in the trades, as welders, and as fellow workers, we are deeply saddened and angered by the tragic murder of Amber Czech. Amber’s death is a painful reminder of the urgent need to address workplace violence, especially in industries like ours where safety should be paramount.
Every day, we go to work with the expectation that we will return home safely to our families. Yet, according to OSHA, workplace violence is the third leading cause of death in environments like Amber’s. We firmly believe that these acts of violence are preventable. It is our collective responsibility to foster workplaces where frustrations and disagreements are met with dialogue, empathy, and understanding—not violence.
Workplace violence was the leading cause of workplace fatalities for women as recently as 2017. This is unacceptable. We call on our peers, employers, educators, and community leaders to work together to make our trade schools, training centers, and job sites safe and neutral spaces for all. Safety must be a shared value, and conflict resolution must be a taught and practiced skill. If you become aware of hostility, anger or aggression between coworkers or colleagues, please tell someone.
We extend our deepest condolences to Amber’s family, friends, and community. We will honor her memory by continuing to build relationships that bridge differences in opinion, background, and values. Amber will not be forgotten.
Let us stand united in our commitment to safety, respect, and solidarity in the trades.
Now accepting nominations for 2025 awards
Join us for a night of celebration as we honor UNION tradeswomen and those who support them. Complimentary heavy appetizers and cash bar.
What: 2025 Women Building Success Awards Ceremony
When: Thursday, June 5, 2025, 4:30-8 p.m. (4:30-6 p.m. social networking and buffet; 6 p.m. awards ceremony)
Where: Kellerman’s Event Center, 2222 Fourth St., White Bear Lake
Tickets available through your union.
Categories:
- Apprentice of the Year
- Journeyworker of the Year
- Tradeswomen in Leadership
- Women’s Advocate of the Year
Nomination deadline: Monday, May 19, 2025
Download the nomination form here.
Email completed form to events@womenbuildingsuccess.org by May 19.
NOTE: Women Building Success will only notify finalists. If you wish to ensure your nominee knows they were nominated, please share this information with them. Even if they don’t achieve finalist status, it would be meaningful for them to receive your comments and know you took time to nominate them.
2025 Photo Contest Winners
Congratulations to the finalists and winners of the 2025 Women Building Success Photo Contest!
Category: Me at Work
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- Olivia Gillman-Piledrivers
- Heather Pap-Millwrights
- Connie Smallman-Local 49
- Melissa Pasicznyk-IBEW 292
Category: Jobsite
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- Ruth Lindeman-Local 49
- Rosey Grab-Local 49
- Carly Wordelman-Laborers 563
- Cassie Abrahamson-Local 49
Category: Tools & Craftsmanship
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- Chelsea Alton-Ironworkers 512
- Lisa Schmidt-Heat & Frost Insulators 34
- Tina Janke-Local 49
Now accepting entries for 2025 photo contest
What: 2025 Women Building Success Photo Contest Reception
When: Tuesday, March 4, 2025, 4-6:30 p.m.
Where: Insulators Local 34, 95 Empire Drive, St. Paul
Reception is open to all. Contest is open to all union tradeswomen.
Food will be provided.
Three finalists in each category will be selected. Event attendees will vote on winners March 4!
Categories:
- Me at Work
- Job Sites
- Tools/Craftsmanship
How to enter:
Contest is open to all union tradeswomen.
Email photos, along with your name, trade, email address and the state where you live, to events@womenbuildingsuccess.org
PHOTO ENTRIES DUE BY 4 PM FRIDAY, FEB. 21.
By submitting your photo, you agree to allow Women Building Success to use your photo in media, website and marketing materials.
Download the event flyer here.
Join us for the Trades Games Challenge Nov. 21
What: 2024 Trades Games Challenge
When: Thursday, Nov. 21, 2024, 4-6:30 p.m.
Where: Pipefitters 455 Apprenticeship Training Center, 1301 L’Orient St.,
St. Paul, MN.
In honor of National Apprenticeship Week, Women Building Success hosts Trades Games Challenge. Join us for fun, food and friendly competition! We’ll give away a variety of prizes, including cash-prize drawings.
Anyone age 18 and up is welcome.
PLEASE RSVP HERE.
All will be entered in a prize drawing when they RSVP!
Download the event flyer here.
Accepting nominations for 2024 Women Building Success Awards
Nominate someone you know for the 2024 Women Building Success Awards!
This year’s ceremony is Thursday, June 6. The nomination deadline is Monday, May 20.
Categories are:
- Apprentice of the Year
- Journeyworker of the Year
- Tradeswomen in Leadership
- Women’s Advocate of the Year
Download the nomination form, category criteria and other guidelines here.
Ask your union about tickets for the ceremony.
Full event details here.
2024 photo contest winners
2024 Women Building Success Photo Contest Winners
Congratulations to this year’s winners, and thanks to everyone who submitted photos and attended the 2024 event!
Winners
Me at Work:
- 1st Place – Madyson Brady, Pipefitters & Steamfitters Local 455
- 2nd Place – Jacqueline Bartosh, Laborers Local 563
- 3rd Place – Delaine Reale, Piledrivers 1847
- 4th Place – Olivia Gillman, Piledrivers 1847
- 1st Place (tie) – Courtney Pepin, Local 49
- 1st Place (tie) – Derra Range, Laborers 563
- 2nd Place – Missy Vandal, IUOE Local 49
- 3rd Place – Cassandra Abrahamson, IUOE Local 49
- 1st Place – Lauren Nelson, Heat & Frost Local 34
- 2nd Place – Danielle Rose, Ironworkers 512
- 3rd Place – Syd Nielsen, Ironworkers 512
- 4th Place – Jordan Rogers, IUOE Local 49
- Jeanine Strobel, IUOE Local 139
Photo contest: Help us pick winners March 6!
Join us for a reception to choose the winners of this year’s photo contest. Reception is open to all. Food will be provided.
What: Women Building Success Photo Contest Reception
When: 4-6:30 p.m. Wednesday, March 6, 2024
Where: Ironworkers Union Hall, 851 Pierce Butler Route, St. Paul
3 finalists in each category will be selected. Event attendees will vote on winners March 6!
The photo entry deadline has passed. Thanks to everyone who submitted!
Download the flyer here.
Now accepting entries for 2024 photo contest
What: Women Building Success Photo Contest Reception
When: 4-6:30 p.m. Wednesday, March 6, 2024
Where: Ironworkers Union Hall, 851 Pierce Butler Route, St. Paul
Reception is open to all. Contest is open to all union tradeswomen.
Food will be provided.
3 finalists in each category will be selected. Event attendees will vote on winners March 6!
Categories:
- Me at Work
- Job Sites
- Tools/Craftsmanship
How to enter:
Contest is open to all union tradeswomen.
Email photos, along with your name and email address, to events@womenbuildingsuccess.org.
Deadline to enter photos is 4 p.m. Friday, Feb. 16.
By submitting your photo, you agree to allow Women Building Success to use your photo in media, website and marketing materials.
Download the flyer here.