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March 2026 |
Women’s History Month:
Celebrating Tradeswomen |
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Dear Friend,
March is a month we take seriously at Chicago Women in Trades. Women's History Month and Women in Construction Week give us a chance to spotlight the real people building careers in the trades. This year, we're celebrating with particular enthusiasm.
We're also marking a milestone: one year ago, on February 26, we filed a federal lawsuit to protect the programs and the funding that make our work possible. We're still in that fight. |
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And we're still doing the work — training women, changing policy and supporting organizations across the country doing the same.
In that spirit, this newsletter is full of good news. We hope it inspires you as it does us!
Jayne Vellinga, Executive Director |
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A State of Illinois Bill Says Every Worker
Deserves Basic Necessities on the Job |
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A new bill in the Illinois legislature would require construction contractors to accommodate workers who express milk or menstruate, and for work sites with 10 or more workers to provide private, secure bathroom facilities for women and people who menstruate.
Sponsored by Sen. Graciela Guzman (D-20) and Rep. Theresa Mah (D-24), the Menstruation and Lactation Support on Construction Sites bill builds on existing sanitation requirements and addresses gaps that have long made construction sites less safe and welcoming for women. For tradeswomen, these aren't small details — access to clean, private facilities affects job performance and health.
Learn more about the bill and how you can support it. |
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Building Skills and Confidence
for the Next Generation |
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CWIT's Equity Resource Center works with people who want to improve their outreach, recruitment, assessment, training, and retention practices to support women in the skilled trades. Recently, our work brought us together with Pittsburgh’s Industrial Arts Workshop to launch a welding cohort for young women.
Read: Centering Equity in Workforce Development |
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Celebrating Women in Construction |
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This Women in Construction Week, we're celebrating two tradeswomen
who came through CWIT's Women Build Illinois program. |
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Aisha Brundidge
Aisha was inspired to pursue the trades for the good wages and specialized skills. Now she mentors CWIT grads because she knows the value of having someone in your corner.
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| Meet Aisha |
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Carol Otarola
Carol is a tech engineer apprentice who found her footing in a career defined by precision. As a surveyor, Carol enjoys the details and putting her math skills to work.
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| Meet Carol |
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Starting the Year Strong in 2026 |
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We are so proud of CWIT graduates who stayed overnight outside IBEW Local 134 in 19-degree weather back in January to apply for the electrical trainee program. And their determination paid off. Ten of our recent graduates were among the first 50 applicants! And now they are working with electrical contractors, gaining valuable experience that will set them apart when they apply to the apprenticeship program.
In addition to the new trainees, eight graduates received the good news that they will soon begin their careers as Local 134 apprentices. |
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An Industry Partner Who Walks the Talk:
Meet Consolidated Flooring |
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Consolidated Flooring's leadership has been committed to mentoring and advocating for women in the trades. Executive Vice President Kristy Burlingame and Director of National Engagement and Talent Leadership Michelle Heron-Means share what it actually means to build an inclusive culture.
Read the full story |
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Trivia Night Benefiting CWIT
April 11, 2026 |
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The Women’s Committee of Painters District Council 14 is hosting a trivia night fundraiser, with all proceeds benefiting Chicago Women in Trades. Only 36 tables are available. Tickets are $25 per person or $250 per table of 10. The event is BYOB, and bring your own food for your table.
We hope to see you there! |
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Support Our Work |
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The women featured in this month’s newsletter didn’t get here on their own — and neither did we. For 40+ years, CWIT’s work has been made possible because of people who believe the trades should be an opportunity for everyone.
If you’re one of them, consider making a donation to support our work.
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| Donate to Chicago Women in Trades |
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