By Jane Vellinga

I’ve spent the past 24 hours trying to find my footing in this new reality, to find the right words under the weight of uncertainty and concern. As we prepare for the new administration, I want to speak directly to the tradeswomen in our community. Our mission to uplift women isn’t just a statement on paper. Chicago Women in Trades remains steadfast in our efforts to advocate for equal access for women and nonbinary individuals to secure careers in the skilled trades.

For many years, we have worked in partnership with government agencies to develop strong policies and secure funding to cultivate a workforce of women equipped with the skills essential for America’s infrastructure and economic growth. Our efforts are vital as skilled trades are increasingly in demand, and diversity initiatives are under attack.

At this critical moment, we won’t back down in our efforts to address the overwhelming challenges women face in this field and in their own lives. We will persist in our advocacy for workplace safety, equitable wages, equal employment opportunities, and zero tolerance for harassment. We look forward to strengthening our collaborations with local government and industry partners and finding new allies to ensure that women are recognized, respected, and valued in the workforce and that the progress to center gender and racial equity across all institutions is not reversed.

To every woman who has picked up a tool or put on a hard hat, we have your back. We believe in our collective power to make change. We’re ready for the fight–whatever lies ahead.