Women in Construction

MARCH 2021

“NEVER GET COMPLACENT, ALWAYS STRIVE FOR THE BEST.” - LAKEISHA MEYERS-JONES

LAKEISHA MEYERS- JONES

Maintenance Technician, EXCEL Group

Lakeisha is a former student of the ABC Pelican Baton Rouge Training Center who currently holds the position of Maintenance Technician at EXCEL Group. Before joining the EXCEL team she followed in her mother’s footsteps and joined the military where she operated equipment. After retiring from her career in the military Lakeisha decided to bring her knowledge to the construction industry, where she has now been for five years. “I love a challenge and believe the construction industry has made me a stronger woman,” Lakeisha says. Lakeisha believes “females can do whatever they want - there is no such thing as “male” and “female” jobs.” Outside of work Lakeisha enjoys spending time with her three sons and working at her dance studio.

SARAH VINNING Welder/Fabricator, Rotor Source Current Student at ABC Pelican

Sarah is a current welding student at the ABC Pelican Baton Rouge Training Center. She has been in the construction industry for two years and currently holds the job title of Welder/Fabricator at Rotor Source. She says “I was not originally interested in welding, but once I tried it I was hooked!” Her favorite part of her job is organizing her various tools and welding machines. If she could give any advice to women wanting to join the construction industry it would be to start out slow and wrap your head around all that is invovled and figure out where you want to go. Sarah is currently in the process of launching a website called Women Welders Nation for women who want to get involved in the industry but do not know where to start.

FAITH BAUDOIN Welding Student, ABC Pelican

Faith is a current senior at Dutchtown High School and welding student at the ABC Pelican Baton Rouge Training Center. She started attending ABC

Pelican training when she was a junior in high school. “I am appreciative of the opportunity to get a headstart on my career,” Faith says. She feels, as a woman, empowered when she is in the welding booth.

STEPHANIE VALADEZ

Analyzer Technician, ISC Constructors

Stephanie graduated from the ABC Pelican Baton Rouge Training Center in Electrical and is currently re-enrolled at the training center to complete the level 4 instrumentation class. She currently serves as an Analyzer Technician at ISC Constructors. In her three years in the industry, Stephanie has enjoyed making friends and being able to improve her leadership skills. Her favorite part of her job is troubleshooting and using analytical thinking to solve problems. The advice she would give to other women looking to join the industry; get a trade, go to school, always ask questions and learn as much as you can.

“DOING THE JOBS NO ONE ELSE WANTS TO DO WILL BUILD YOUR CHARACTER AND HELP YOU BECOME RECOGNIZED.” - STEPHANIE VALADEZ