Milwaukee Tool reposted this
Congratulations to #TradeswomanoftheWeek, Jessenia Rivera. Jessenia is a Stationary Engineer with IUOE Local 30 based in New York City. With Diné (Navajo) and Taíno roots, Jessenia brings a deep sense of community, advocacy and resilience to her work in the trades. Before entering the trades, Jessenia worked three jobs just to make ends meet, yet still struggled to afford living in the city where she worked. Seeking stability and a sustainable future for herself and her family, she found a life-changing opportunity through the IUOE Local 30 apprenticeship program. “What started as a career shift became a total life transformation,” Jessenia shared. Today, in addition to her work as a Stationary Engineer, Jessenia is one of the Co-Founders of International Native Women in Trades, an organization dedicated to uplifting Native and Indigenous women in the labor movement. Through advocacy, mentorship and solidarity, the organization works to ensure Indigenous women are seen, heard and supported across the trades industry. One of Jessenia’s proudest achievements came after completing her apprenticeship, when she was able to purchase her first home. “My son had his own bed for the first time in nine years,” she said. “That stability is everything.” She is also proud of the growing impact of International Native Women in Trades, including speaking at Native American and Indigenous convenings and helping expand a strong network of Native and Indigenous tradeswomen across Turtle Island. Jessenia stays motivated by the impact her career has had on both her son and her community. Every technical challenge she masters and every new member welcomed into the organization represents another step toward a stronger, more inclusive future in the trades. Thank you, Jessenia, for your leadership, advocacy and commitment to building pathways for the next generation of tradeswomen. This post is sponsored by Milwaukee Tool.