This past September, New Orleans became the gathering point for 5,000 tradeswomen from across North America at the annual Tradeswomen Build Nations (TWBN) Conference, hosted by North America’s Building Trades Unions (NABTU). Nearly 400 members from the International Union of Painters and Allied Trades (IUPAT) joined the crowd, marking the largest attendance overall, reflecting the growing momentum and importance of this conference for women in the trades.
With the theme “Let the Good Jobs Roll,” the conference highlighted the transformative impact of the Infrastructure Generation, a workforce empowered by historic federal initiatives like the Infrastructure Bill. This once-in-a-generation legislation has strengthened the construction industry, provided good jobs for working families, and underscored the critical stakes in the upcoming November elections. The conference wasn’t just a celebration, it was a call to action, emphasizing the need for continued political engagement and advocacy for policies that support the trades.
This year has been groundbreaking for IUPAT. Shauntelle Hollett from District Council 17 became the first woman elected as Business Manager/Secretary-Treasurer (BM/ST), representing Alberta, Saskatchewan, Manitoba, and the Northwest Territories. Meanwhile, Lezlie Harris made history as the first African-American woman to become President of Local Union 1244 in New Orleans. These milestones reflect IUPAT’s dedication to increasing female representation, with a bold goal set at the union’s 33rd General Convention: to boost the number of women within the IUPAT to at least 20% by 2029.
Under the leadership of General President Jimmy Williams Jr., IUPAT is laser focused on ensuring women have visibility and a voice at every level of the union, from apprentices to the IUPAT General Executive Board. Williams has made it clear that women are integral to the union’s future, and his leadership is pushing IUPAT to new heights in gender equality and representation.
Though women make up only 4.3% of the construction workforce, their impact is profound – and growing. Events like TWBN foster leadership, mentorship, and activism, providing women across all trades with the tools to address the unique issues they face. “Tradeswomen Build Nations is the most important conference in existence for women in construction,” said Mandy Jo Ganieany, Director of Organizing with IUPAT District Council 30 and Chair of the IUPAT Women’s CORE Committee. “As a former Drywall Finisher, I know firsthand how tough construction work is, and being a woman in a male-dominated industry poses a unique set of barriers. As more women enter the trades, we need to partner with industry and government to advocate for inclusive policies that support these workers to compete and succeed in the industry.”
The conference has come a long way from its early days. Acting Secretary of Labor Julie Su recalled its humble beginnings: “I remember when there were only 400 women at Tradeswomen Build Nations. Now there’s 5,000!” Su credits the continued success of the event to the incredible women in the trades and the support systems they’ve built. She emphasized that when women are uplifted, everyone benefits. The women in attendance – and those working every day on job sites – are not just reshaping unions; they are reshaping the nation’s understanding of work.
What sets TWBN apart is its ability to unite women from diverse backgrounds and trades, creating a powerful network of support. From the northern provinces of Canada to the vibrant streets of New Orleans, tradeswomen came together to celebrate their achievements and the progress they’ve made in building a better future across North America. The conference is a testament to the strength of the union family, and no one captured that spirit better than IUPAT’s own Tureka Dixon, who spoke passionately to the thousands of attendees: “Never lose hope, keep the faith, and never downplay your accomplishments. I am so thankful for my union family – like all families, we’re not perfect, but we’re constantly improving because we’re one union, one family, one fight!”
The Tradeswomen Build Nations Conference continues to be a crucial space for women in the trades to find solidarity, strength, and solutions to the challenges they face. For IUPAT, it’s a reminder of the powerful role women play in shaping the future of the union and the industry as a whole. Through leadership, advocacy, and solidarity, these tradeswomen are building more than just infrastructure – they’re building the foundation for future generations.
