There is a tremendous need for women in the trades to find peers who support and listen to them. “Several members of the Empowering Women in Construction group are the only woman in their company. One of the most popular topics of discussion so far has been how to negotiate, personally and professionally,” says Wittke Schaffner. Mara Slack, a student in the machine tool technology program at Napa Valley College, developed an interest in the trades by taking woodshop in middle school. When she attended high school in west Sacramento, there were no shop classes available. She worked at other jobs for decades but eventually returned to hands-on work. She is now close to 40 and has already completed the welding technology program at Napa Valley College. “I think starting young really helps women,” says Slack. “Having family ties also helps. My grandfather was a stationary engineer in the U.S. Navy. I grew up watching my grandfather repair pipes, working first as a boilerman for Libby’s and later for Tri Valley Growers. It’s a good idea for programs to ask girls and young women what relatives inspire them.” New paths in career education are always in development. In August 2024, Santa Rosa Junior College will open the Construction Training Center in Petaluma. The center will offer classes in carpentry and residential heating, ventilation, air conditioning and refrigeration (HVAC-R). Benjamin Goldstein, dean of the Construction Training Center, industrial and trade technologies and culinary arts at Santa Rosa Junior College, says his team is working with Tradeswomen, Inc. and The Lime Foundation, a Santa Rosa nonprofit that offers
construction training for young people ages 16 through 24. “We welcome past participants from their programs to our center,” says Goldstein. “We’re exploring the concept of a dedicated trades academy for women. The idea is to form a cohort so women can support one another.” Andy Calderon, a student in the North Bay Construction Corps, a basic construction training program for seniors in their last semester of high school. [Photo by Will Bucquoy]
Congratulations to all Sonoma County Graduates –
Goldstein says it is important to make every student feel welcome. SRJC does this by addressing common misconceptions about the construction industry and highlighting the importance of a dedicated work ethic over physical strength. “Creating a better space for everyone is also about the little things, like providing personal protective equipment like safety vests and hardhats in a variety of fits and sizes. We want to offer PPE that fits everyone,” says Goldstein.
and the Leadership Petaluma Class of 2024!
Better outcomes, even with challenges
County commissions are on board with the goal of increasing the number of women in the trades. Gina Fortino Dickson, chair of the Sonoma County Commission on the Status of Women, believes having more women in the trades would increase the median income for women. “It would also open
If you’re interested in Leadership Petaluma, contact Onita at the Chamber.
6 Petaluma Blvd. North, Suite B-11, Petaluma, CA 94952 707-762-2785 • www.petalumachamber.com Open: Mon-Fri 10am-4pm
Seeking to further enhance the quality of life of all Petalumans while sustaining our unique environment for the bene t of future generations.
54 NorthBaybiz
June 2024
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