Strength in Numbers

By Natalie Bruckner

With a mission that extends beyond recruitment and retention, this trailblazing group is proving that bold ideas, fierce determination, and a commitment to mentorship can transform the trades for the next generation of women.

What sets this committee apart is its fearless approach to tackling tough issues, powered by a relatively young group of leaders. They bring together individuals with differing perspectives, fostering open dialogue to address challenges head-on and inspire meaningful change. It’s a strategy that requires devoted commitment, with each member dedicating an average of 10 hours a month to advancing the committee’s goals.

By partnering closely with SMACNA-Western Washington, the committee has driven initiatives ranging from training to impactful inclusion movements, all while fostering stronger ties between labor and management. Together, they kicked off the committee’s mentoring program by bringing mentors and potential mentees together in one room for networking and relationship building. SMACNA-Western Washington plans important events for Women in Construction Week that include Local 66 members, and the chapter provided three sponsorships for sister members to attend the Tradeswomen Build Nations Conference in 2023 and again in 2024.

Their cooperative work has earned national recognition, with the SMART International Women’s Committee commending their progress at the 2024 Partners in Progress Conference.

So, what is the women’s committee’s secret to success?

Co-Chair Allison Ostenberg, training coordinator at the Western Washington JATC, and board chair Tammy Meyen, recruitment and retention specialist at the ITI, credit their success to a strategic mix of structure, passion, and a commitment to collaboration. “We tried several times before to launch a women’s committee, but it wasn’t until 2016 that everything truly came together,” Meyen explains.

The turning point came when a sister member approached then-business manager Tim Carter. His unwavering advocacy became the bedrock of their progress. “Tim didn’t just say, ‘Okay, go start a committee.’ He said, ‘If you’re going to have a committee, you need to have clear goals and a purpose.’”

In Carter’s guidance, they found an ally and a mentor. “Tim did not and does not tolerate any kind of discrimination,” Meyen says. “He has no problem with speaking up against a bully, and he refuses to be a bystander.”

Carter has attended the Tradeswomen Build Nations Conference, sharing with other brother members his experience and encouraging them to attend as allies for the opportunity to see things from a different perspective. Although he moved on to become president of the Northwest Regional Council, Carter ensured the committee would have the continued freedom to grow and spearhead new projects.

“Tim is also a girl dad,” Meyen says. “He was able to see first-hand what women are capable of. He knows, without a doubt, that we can do whatever we put our minds to.”

In fact, Carter’s constant support played such a crucial role in getting the committee off the ground that he was awarded the 2024 Champion of Change Award by Washington Women in Trades.

With mentorship established as its first core mission, the committee found its footing. This opened doors to new possibilities, including career fairs, volunteer initiatives, and importantly, attracting diverse membership. “In all honesty, it was because of Tammy that I joined,” Ostenberg says. “Her commitment and passion were inspiring. I saw areas that could be improved and realized change happens from the inside.”

Ostenberg’s first mission upon joining the committee was working alongside board members and Lance Deyette, thenpresident of Northwest Regional Council, to develop the committee’s bylaws. This introduced much-needed structure, enabling the committee to assign specific roles to dedicated volunteers, including leads for mentorship, collaboration, personal and professional development, and outreach.

“One of the things we do well is actively seek out people who are not like us,” says Meyen. “By bringing in new members, we ensure fresh ideas and perspectives. That adaptability is what keeps us thriving.”

Ostenberg and Meyen agree that such collaboration wouldn’t be possible without support from partners like SMACNA-Western Washington and advocates like Julie Muller, the SMACNA chapter’s executive vice president. Muller, who also serves on the JATC committee, has driven practical changes, including feminine hygiene products on job sites and portable lactation stations. “Julie saw the lactation pods at the airport and thought, ‘Why don’t we have this for job sites?’” Ostenberg says.

Once Muller found a manufacturer, she asked the women’s committee, Local 66, and the JATC if they were interested in joining forces to bring the pods to construction sites. “Now we have a portable station that can be sent to different sites,” Ostenberg shares.

“This way our sisters know that they’re cared for and valuable members of the team,” adds Muller. “During an industry event years ago, I met a young journeywoman with young children of her own. We exchanged stories about motherhood, and she said the only way she could continue to breastfeed her baby was to go down to her car parked on the jobsite, cover the windows with sheets, and use the cigarette lighter to pump. I instantly realized the inequality and that it was much easier for me to return to work with an office job than it was for her, working on a construction site. The pods are a way to change that, and I knew a partnership with Local 66 was the way to make it happen.”

In an era where many committees prioritize social media for outreach, the women’s committee demonstrates that personal connections can be more impactful. “I mainly speak with leadership, which tends to be from a particular generation, and they prefer email or phone calls,” Meyen says. “For younger generations, though, you can send them an email and they won’t read it for weeks, so I’ll always follow up with a text to make sure.” Their tailored, hands-on approach challenges the assumption that digital channels are the only way to engage effectively.

However, the committee recognizes the importance of executing social media effectively and plans to involve a dedicated, skilled member to lead the effort. While they maintain a private Facebook group, expanding their broader social media presence remains a work in progress.

“I’m an organizer, not a creative type,” Meyen admits. “If someone can put together a TikTok or Instagram video, I can support it, but I’m not the one coming up with it as that’s not my specialty.” In the meantime, their hands-on communication style continues to yield strong, direct connections with members and partners, showcasing the power of personal engagement.

While the committee continues to refine its strategies, its impact already extends far beyond Washington state. By sharing its bylaws and inviting other groups to observe its meetings via Zoom, the committee has become a valuable resource for women’s committees across North America.

“We’re happy to share what worked for us, but more importantly, what didn’t,” Meyen says. “We understand that failures are often where the real learning happens. It’ll look different in every area, but by sharing our experiences, others have a starting point to build from.”

Looking ahead to 2025, the committee plans to expand its mentorship program and make training available to other locals in the region. They’re also prioritizing leadership development, encouraging women to apply for key positions.

“When Allison and I decide it’s time to step down, we want to ensure there’s a strong team ready to take over,” says Meyen. “We’re sharing everything we’ve learned—the successes and the failures—to help the next generation of committee members thrive. Our ultimate goal is to one day reach a point where a women’s committee is no longer needed.” ▪

Natalie is an award-winning writer who has worked in the United Kingdom, Germany, Spain, the United States, and Canada. She has more than 23 years' experience as a journalist, editor, and brand builder, specializing in construction and transportation. When she's not writing, you will likely find her snowboarding, mountain biking, or climbing mountains with her rescue dog.