Tradeswomen Build Nations
TWBN is the largest annual gathering of tradeswomen in the world and one of the largest convening of union construction professionals in North America. It’s a powerful celebration of sisterhood, solidarity, and opportunity in the unionized building trades.
The conference is brought to you by TradesFutures, with continued host sponsorship and leadership from North America’s Building Trades Unions (NABTU). Together, we’re committed to expanding access to fulfilling, life-changing careers in construction and strengthening pathways into the building trades for women and individuals from all backgrounds.
We look forward to seeing you in Houston in 2026!
________________________________
Tradeswomen Heroes – October Winners
Shakina Bozeman, Apprentice, OPCMIA 534
Erika Castillo, Apprentice, Roofers 33
Jessica Albright, JW, Boilermakers 627
Camille Jackson, JW, LIUNA 242
Click Here for List of Previous Tradeswomen Heroes Winners
The Tradeswomen Heroes Award is a joint effort between NABTU’s Tradeswomen’s Committee and Apprenticeship and Training Committee to highlight the tremendous women workers within our affiliate unions. This award recognizes four outstanding tradeswomen per month – two apprentices and two journeyworkers – nominated by local, state, and international leadership.
For instructions on making a nomination, please visit this link.
________________________________
Lean In Workshop Recording
At TBWN 2020, almost 1000 participants took part in a workshop to unveil the virtual Lean In Circles for Union Tradeswomen program, a mentorship and retention program developed for and by tradeswomen to empower building tradeswomen as they address unique and critical issues of tradeswomen in the workforce. Facilitated by LeanIn’s Archana Gilravi and Stephanie Solove-Chou, panelists from a number of trade unions including Laura Ceja (UA), Tarn Goelling (IBEW), Madison Hull (IUPAT), Erica Stewart (Boilermakers), Gina Walsh (Insulators), Erin, Linda Hamilton (IUOE), Blue Coble (IW), and Kilah Engelke (OPCMIA) shared personal stories and insights into the ups and downs of being a tradeswoman, as well as best practices to help persevere through adversity and create more inclusive workplaces.
Sign up for the program today at leanin.org/tradeswomen!
_________________________________________________________________
