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March 16, 2022Capital Region BOCES Celebrates Women in the Trades
The March 9 luncheon provided career and technical school students an opportunity to learn from, and network with, women in the trades from throughout the region. Those experts included Samantha Travis, a carpenter and author of The House that She Built, Diana Steber, an apprentice with the Operating Engineers, Tori Rodriguez, an independent contractor with Guyson Corporation of USA/Automated & Robotic Blasting and Victoria Carl, owner of Carl’s Advanced Automotive & Truck Repair. Carl is a 2017 graduate of the Diesel Tech program. Also speaking at the event were current Career and Technical School student Isabel Tribunella, who attends BOCES from the Scotia-Glenville schools, and Ashley Moorhead, a sophomore from Middleburgh who is enrolled in the construction/heavy equipment program for the 2022-23 school year.
“One of the things I like most about the Operating Engineers is that it is like a brotherhood and sisterhood … there is always someone who can help you out and wants to see you be successful,” Steber told students.
Travis said becoming a carpenter was one of the best things she has done in life.
“I never went through the wishy-washy phase. The variety and practical application of carpentry answered all of that for me,” she said.
Travis – who also met with construction students on Thursday on the Schoharie Campus, encouraged the scholars to “truly get out there and give what you want a try.”
The Women in Trades Week activities also included presentations to Building Trades students on the Albany Campus by Melissa Clark of the Sisters in the Brotherhood organization, and Peter McAnearney, council representative, North Atlantic States Regional Council of Carpenters.
The Monday talks encouraged women – and all students – to enter the skilled trades and help the regional and state economies expand.
“The demand has never been greater,” McAnearney told the students.
Business Liaison Nancy Liddle said the Women In The Trades events are “key to building awareness and knowledge of the vital role women play in the industry.”
