SMACNA-Western Washington and partnering organizations held another successful Women in Construction Week, this one focused on the theme, Paving News Roads to Construction
SMACNA-Western Washington would like to thank everyone who participated in the 2020 Women in Construction (WIC) Week. From March 1-7, SMACNA-Western Washington joined construction associations, companies, and partnerships across the United States and Canada in celebrating Women in Construction week, the ultimate opportunity to highlight women as a visible component of the construction industry.
According to SMACNA-Western Washington, WIC is an important opportunity to raise awareness of the opportunities available for women in the construction industry and to emphasize the growing role of women in the industry. The theme for this year’s WIC was Paving New Roads to Construction.
Through out the week, SMACNA-Western Washington supported, sponsored, and facilitated programs and events. On Day 1, members of SMACNA-Western Washington and SMART Local 66 kicked off WIC Week 2020 by visiting TRP Cohort 109 at the ANEW Kent training center, and a lunch and learn followed the program.
All State Hot Chocolate 15k/5k race is America’s Sweetest Race, beginning at Seattle Center and featuring both a 15k (9.3 miles) and 5k (3.1 miles) distance. All participants received a super-sweet goodie bag, and runners enjoyed music, hot chocolate merchandise, and finishers’ mugs filled with hot chocolate, chocolate fondue, and tasty treats at the Post Race Party. Make-A-Wish® was the official race charity of the Allstate Hot Chocolate 15k/5k, and as part of WIC, SMACNA-Western Washington sponsored 15 participants in the 5k race. Congratulations to all participants.
The AGC of Washington Luncheon was hosted in partnership with the National Association of Women in Construction (NAWIC). Since 1953, the women of NAWIC have provided opportunities for professional development, education, and advocacy for the community. Participants at the luncheon honored the commitments of these organizations that are impacting the direction of women in the construction industry.
Wednesday’s sold out event at The Museum of Flight brought more than 200 industry professionals together for a delicious Women in Hardhats Breakfast, presented by the women of PSF Mechanical Inc. This free breakfast and networking event brought together women throughout every trade in the construction industry, and a panel of industry-leading women shared their personal experiences and ideas on how the entire industry can Rise Together. PSF Mechanical, Inc. opened the event with a lively raffle before introducing the speaker panel. SMACNA-WW Executive Vice President Julie Muller moderated the panel discussion, which covered a range of topics concerning Rising Together as women in the construction industry.
The week wrapped up with the Women of Hermanson Power Trio networking event at Lemay—America’s Car Museum. Attendees enjoyed live music from the Sheryl Wiser + The Lost Lovers Trio, drinks, appetizers, mocktails, sweets, and socializing with industry colleagues. There was also an opportunity to check out the Lemay Museum exhibits during the event. This year’s theme was The Power Trio: Advocacy // Opportunity // Empowerment, and women were encouraged to bring two friends and enjoy the event as a power trio. SMACNA-Western Washington was a sponsor for this event.
During the entire week, Rosie’s Closet Donations, an initiative from Local 66’s Women’s Committee, collected donations from participating members and companies in an ongoing effort to fill Rosie’s Closet with lightly used work clothing for women.
Another ongoing initiative included a video contest highlighting women in construction, and a social media contest that encouraged industry members to post images that inspire, create, and support the theme of Paving New Roads to Construction using the hashtag #smacnawic2020.
Thank you to everyone who helped celebrate the amazing women in the construction community during WIC week. The programs and events wouldn’t be as successful without the association members and partners who support them.
WIC Spotlights: Each day of WIC Week featured two women who are enjoying successful careers in various parts of the construction industry. Read on to find out how they are paving the way for other women looking for a bright future in construction.
Jennifer Schneider, Project Manager
Holaday-Parks, Inc.
I was working for the Snohomish County Jail as a custody officer for 15 years prior to getting into the mechanical contracting industry. The last few years I was there, I worked on the Snohomish County Jail Expansion as an owner rep to Mortenson. We built a 640-bed expansion, moved all operations into the new building, and renovated the old jail to tie the two buildings together. I worked closely with them as it related to constructability, coordinating shutdowns, and commissioning.
Once the project was over in 2005, I went back into working in the modules, locked up with 72 inmates with only keys and a radio. I had a taste of project management, and knew I didn’t want to settle for the corrections life any longer.
In July 2006 I was hired by the WA Botting Company, starting out in document control and working my way up. I gained a lot of experience there, and by the time I left in 2009, I was managing projects. I have been a project manager for 13 years and very much enjoy what I do. I like being a part of a team with my field crews, general contractor, other subcontractors, and owner. There is a real sense of pride in having a completed project to show the fruits of our labor.
Pattie Reuter, Financial Manager
Miller Sheetmetal, Inc.
I joined the team at Miller Sheetmetal, Inc. in 2009 as an administrative assistant. Over the years, I’ve proven myself to be a valuable member of the team and worked into my current position of financial manager. Working for a small company has given me valuable insight into all areas of the business, from our shop fabrication and retail sales to our much larger military and industrial projects. I’m also part of the SMACNA Risk Management Committee.
I was introduced to the construction industry in 2004 when I moved to the Pacific Northwest. I quickly realized this industry was like no other, and fell in love with the fast-paced, ever-changing environment. When I’m not at work, life with my husband and son keeps me quite busy. I can usually be found volunteering at my son’s school, working on the PTA executive committee, or helping with Cub Scouts.
Angela White, Marketing and
Relationship Manager
Holmberg Mechanical
After graduating from college with my Bachelor’s in Marketing, I became a project manager for a construction company. After that, I knew I was in the right industry. I later found Holmberg, and it’s been my place to call home for almost eight years. I have enjoyed being involved with SMACNA-Western Washington for the fun events, interesting educational classes, and overall support of our business and the industry as a whole.
Michelle Willems
Holmberg Mechanical
I became interested in this industry in 2000 when I had been around a non-union architectural shop in San Francisco, CA. I thought it was fascinating how they turned a flat piece of metal into a gutter.
After 13 years as a stay-at-home parent, going through a difficult divorce, and working in a hot kitchen, I decided to make a change. I found a Craigslist ad for ANEW, the six-week pre-apprenticeship program for getting women into the trade. When I called for details, they invited me to an orientation that Wednesday. I showed up and was able to do the physical activities required.
There were 22 ladies in my ANEW class. Almost half wanted to be electricians, but when I talked to Eric Peterson at a career fair, he said sheet metal might be the career for me, since I had taken advanced math and science in high school and done well. I applied and got direct entry because of ANEW.
I won’t say it was a cakewalk. I will say, however, it was worth it and has challenged me both physically and mentally. I am very grateful for the office experience side of it, because it makes me understand a lot more of why we do what we do in the field.
I have a wonderful fiancé (we call each other married) and a two-year-old daughter at home. We attend The Lake Church in Lake Stevens and live in Monroe. I feel so blessed to be working for Holmberg.
Catherine Gundlach, Operations Support Manager
PSF Mechanical, Inc.
As an operations support manager at PSF Mechanical, I have the opportunity every day to work with individuals who are committed to their disciplines and craft. It is exciting and challenging to be a part of the construction industry as a whole and know that our efforts have a positive and lasting impact.
My 25+ year association with the SMACNA organization began with my marriage. I was fortunate to have a variety of SMACNA experience, both on the local and national levels. In the past five years, my personal commitment and involvement have increased, and I currently enjoy participation in the Women in Construction committee.
In my downtime, I enjoy spending time with family and traveling. I’m currently planning my next big adventure—a solo trip to Antarctica.
Tammy Meyen, Shop Foreman
PSF Mechanical, Inc.
During the summer of 1999, I was 19 years old. My dad asked me what my plans for the future were and I came up blank. I was already a year past high school with no plans to attend college, so I gave him the typical teenager shrug with “I dunno” attached to it. He suggested I should get a real job and look into the trades while I figured out what to do with myself. He was a union roofer, but steered me toward the sheet metal workers’ union.
I went down to the hall, signed up as a material handler, and took the test to get into the apprenticeship. I started working for Climate Engineers that summer. It was an interesting transition going from a Taco Bell employee to a construction worker. I had zero knowledge of tools—what they were called, how to use them, when to use them. But, with the help of my coworkers, I made it through the learning phase. I became an apprentice in April 2000 and completed my apprenticeship in June 2005.
I’ve been working for PSF Mechanical since 2004 with a few exceptions during slow times where I had to find work elsewhere. I became the shop foreman in February 2011 and have held that position ever since.
I’ve been active with the Local 66 Women’s Committee for several years now, which includes participating in the mentoring program and assisting with the set-up of several extra activities for our sisters to enjoy.
Vanessa Carman, Trimble/RTS Foreman
Hermanson
It’s amazing how far construction technology has come in such a short amount of time. I remember being on layout crews as a new apprentice. We would do layout using a tape measure, and it would take us a weeks to complete a floor. Using Trimble, that same layout can be done in one day. Being part of Trimble allows me to be part of many projects. I have probably been to most of the Hermanson job sites in the last four years. When I am not out doing Trimble work, I am based at the Google Block 25.
Before sheet metal I worked in accounting for a wholesale florist company. I was bored at my job, and I knew I wanted to work with my hands and get outside. One of my brothers decided to get into the trades, and I thought it sounded like a fun job. At that time, I never thought I could do something like construction work because there were very few women in the trades.
I applied at a residential HVAC shop for a warehouse/delivery driver position, hoping I could get my foot in the door. It worked. I worked for a few years as a residential installer while attending night classes for HVAC service. In 2007, I applied to get into the sheet metal apprenticeship at Local 66. I have been at Hermanson for more than five years.
Desiree Ropel, Safety Manager
Hermanson
Desiree brings nine years of industry experience to Hermanson along with the knowledge and discipline she acquired while in the United States Navy. She believes that Safety is a CORE value, not just a priority.
Desiree is a versatile safety professional who has supported the safe production efforts for a span of industrial construction projects. She is also experienced in establishing and sustaining safety management systems, utilizing formal processes for education, training & enforcement, and delivering solid safety and production improvements at reduced costs.
Desiree is particularly skilled in coordinating and managing construction safety efforts within occupied and fully operational medical centers situated in congested urban locations. She has the advanced skills necessary to monitor and supervise construction teams in these complex environments to maintain safety throughout the project duration.
Karen Galipeau Forner
Employer Solutions Law
I was born in Seattle, raised in the Kent area, and attended Whitman College. After graduating from law school, I worked for a judge for one year. I moved on to work at the Attorney General’s Office in the Labor and Industries Division. After handling workers’ compensation cases for a few years, I branched out to whistleblower cases and prosecuting workplace safety citations against employers. From those cases, I got an inside look at construction companies and safety practices (or lack thereof!)
Fourteen years ago, I founded K-Solutions Law (newly named Employer Solutions Law) in Bellevue, Washington.
I have been working with employers on L&I and employment law issues. I care about our clients, and my greatest satisfaction is working with employers on becoming safer companies to save money and lives. My practice has grown into advising and representing employers statewide on matters including workers’ compensation, workplace safety (WISHA/DOSH/OSHA), wage and hour, prevailing wage, and employment law issues. I have also become an industrywide speaker and am often called to do training presentations across the state and nation. I am especially passionate about speaking on suicide awareness and prevention.
Lisa Connors, P.E., Project Manager
ACCO Engineered Systems, Inc.
I grew up in Northern Idaho and Eastern Washington, where I spent my time between the great outdoors and at my father’s auto repair shop. I developed a passion for working with tools at a young age while working next to my father as he repaired and restored classic cars. Throughout my childhood, my parents would always tell me I could do anything I wanted to do, which I took to heart.
I graduated from high school in Spokane and, shortly after, took a job opportunity with a tool store that moved me to California. Still having a passion for automobiles, I eventually moved on to working in an automotive plant at the age of 22. Within a few years, I learned that the repetitive and passionless duties of the job were not for me, so I went back to school and received my BS in mechanical engineering at Sacramento State University California.
During my studies, I worked several internships, ranging from electrical engineering and R&D work to HVAC design. With each internship providing another unique and enjoyable experience, I found HVAC design and construction the most exhilarating. Solving customers’ problems and figuring out what seems impossible was especially rewarding. In 2013, I was offered a job with ACCO Engineered Systems as a design engineer and worked in the San Leandro office for 11 months before transferring to Seattle. After one year as a design engineer at the Seattle office, I was asked to step up as a project manager for a newly awarded data center build-out project. Shortly after successfully managing my first project, I was officially promoted to project manager and have been enjoying my job ever since. ▪
