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Our Mission

To improve women’s economic equity by increasing their participation in high-wage, blue-collar occupations traditionally held by men.

We are a community working together to amplify our voices and advance the goals of the tradeswomen’s movement.

We are welcoming and inclusive and embrace the gifts of diverse voices and life experiences.

We provide a platform for learning, equipping women with the skills and support needed to overcome obstacles and realize their career goals.

“Strong Women Build Each Other” © 2016, Tene Smith

Strong Women Build Each Other

If you visit Chicago Women in Trades, you’ll be greeted by a vibrant mural created by tradeswoman and artist Tene Smith. The colorful piece shows women working in different trades. Along with aspiring messages throughout, the mural captures the spirit and energy of women breaking barriers to succeed in the trades.

Tene Smith

Tene graduated from CWIT’s TOP program and has worked as a welder. Today, she works as an artist and body painter.

“When the CWIT office was being remodeled, a new wall went up in the lobby and I thought this wall needs a mural. I wanted a way to show the journey of tradeswomen and how a career in the trades can transform their lives. These are real tradeswomen that I have met on my own journey. CWIT changed my life, and I wanted to capture that through the mural. No woman is left behind when they come to CWIT.”

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Learn a Trade

Is construction right for you? If you are mechanically inclined, enjoy working with your hands, and are physically active, a career in the construction trades might be a good choice. To learn more about CWIT’s training opportunities, sign up to attend one of our information sessions.

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