Women’s Groups Tackle Mountains

By Natalie Bruckner

Apowerful movement is happening within the sheet metal industry that is helping revolutionize the landscape, break down barriers, and pave the way for inclusivity and diversity. Meet the Women in Construction (WIC) program of Bay Area SMACNA in Northern California—a formidable force driving positive change.

With its unwavering determination, WIC exemplifies the spirit of initiatives such as BE4ALL, which is a collaborative effort by SMACNA, SMART, and the ITI intended to positively impact the industry’s work culture to allow SMACNA contractors to attract and retain the best and most skilled workforce, regardless of race, gender, religion, sexual orientation, ethnicity, or nationality.

The WIC program has grown into a model program that celebrates women’s achievements, propels their success, and breathes life into a dynamic work culture.

WIC emerged approximately seven years ago, sparked by the visionary leadership of Angie Simon, a member of the executive committee and past-president of SMACNA National. “I remember looking around at our board, and I was the only woman,” she says. “We knew there are a lot of good women in the industry, but we just weren’t seeing them. I realized we needed a way to support and encourage women and help them feel like they belong in this industry. After chatting with Kathy deYong, who is in charge of labor for SMACNA in the Bay Area, we said, ‘Let’s get something going.’”

And so, WIC was born. Its goals were to recognize the untapped potential of talented women in the sheet metal industry, provide a support network to address unique challenges, and boost confidence. By fostering a community of mutual support, WIC also aimed to bridge the confidence gap and empower women to pursue leadership positions and reach new heights in their careers. Its purpose emerged as a beacon of hope and empowerment.

“I remember folks asking, ‘Why do women need a separate committee?’” Simon adds. “Women make up 51% of the population and 9% of all construction workers, yet they don’t really feel included in construction. Sometimes we need to help and build confidence in each other. Not to mention, we often face specific obstacles and lack the support needed to excel in the industry.”

WIC wasted no time in making its mark. Its inaugural luncheon received an overwhelming amount of support. More than 40 individuals filled with anticipation gathered to witness the birth of a movement. “We were excited, the union ladies were excited, but more than that, we also received a very positive response from the men, too,” Simon says. “WIC actively encouraged all individuals to participate and become allies in the journey towards inclusivity.”

The success of the luncheon demonstrated the hunger for change and the desire for a more inclusive industry.

While WIC is primarily about events, mentorship opportunities, and support, another area of focus is community outreach. Through collaborations with organizations like Rebuilding Together Peninsula (an organization that provides housing repair services) and Local 104, the program has further demonstrated its commitment to inclusivity. WIC members have engaged in initiatives like SheBuilds (an organization that builds safe and beautiful homes and promotes gender diversity). With the support of Local 104, WIC helps make a tangible difference in the lives of others.

Connie Rivera, a site foreperson at Western Allied Mechanical and member of Local 104, describes one example of how labor and management have come together to make WIC work. Rivera was one of 20 volunteers to join WIC at the SheBuilds event. “It was one of the biggest builds yet, and together we were able to accomplish the project’s goals,” she says. “It’s important to have programs like this so women know there are other women like them out there in the field who support them. These are women they can contact, and we can help each other through challenges and opportunities.”

WIC’s growth has been nothing short of remarkable. The program expanded its reach during the challenging times of the pandemic, finding new ways to connect and engage with its members. Hikes, virtual presentations, and collaborative events with other regions allowed WIC to build a robust community, even in times of physical distance. Their mailing list now boasts more than 300 members.

“We really hit our growth pattern when the pandemic hit,” Simon explains. “We never sat back. Our hikes were very popular. They included both men and women and gave everyone a chance to feel included during challenging times of social distance. People felt part of a community.”

Rivera’s husband, Ben Rivera, Local 104 training administrator, also plays a vital role in supporting women’s programs like WIC. Long before he and Connie became a couple, he was actively involved in women’s groups to further promote and support an all-inclusive industry. His continued collaboration with WIC, SheBuilds, and other women’s initiatives has played an important part in the evolution of inclusivity at Local 104.

As WIC continues to evolve, inspired by the commitment of all individuals involved, it serves as a model program inspiring change and shaping a future where gender equality and inclusivity will become the norm in the sheet metal industry. “My goal for the future? I hope in 10 years we don’t need to have a WIC group because we will have 35% to 40% women in the industry,” Simon says. “Yes, there will always be special requirements for women—as women bear children—so we deal with some different challenges. But by then, it shouldn’t be a case of women needing special initiatives to be seen and heard.” ▪

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.