Rooted and Rising: The 2026 Enlighten Women's Forum Brings Tradeswomen Together
Over 200 people filled the conference center at Clover Park Technical College on March 11 for the Enlighten Women's Forum, and thanks to our presenting sponsor LiUNA! Northwest Region and Washington Northern Idaho District Council of Laborers, the energy was electric from the moment doors opened at 7 AM.
This wasn't just another conference. It was a celebration. A community coming together to share stories, build connections, and lift each other up. The room buzzed with the kind of energy that only happens when women in the trades—and the allies who support them—gather in one place with a shared purpose: to rise together.
Keynotes That Resonated
Chelsea Fenton (@thatunionlaborer) took the stage and immediately connected. Heads nodded throughout the room as she shared her journey of using her voice to advocate for more women in the trades, building a digital sisterhood that's grown into a movement. Her authenticity and vulnerability reminded everyone in the room why visibility matters—and why telling our stories changes everything.
Nkosa Barrett followed with a candid, engaging presentation that drew people in from the first moment. As a Black woman navigating a predominantly white and male profession, Nkosa didn't hold back. Her honest reflections and thoughtful Q&A session left the audience inspired and equipped with practical advice they could take straight back to their jobsites and union halls.
Workshops, Panels, and Real Talk
The day's workshops tackled the topics that matter most: mental health and resilience with Naomi DuCharme, negotiations and leadership strategies with Shana Peschek and Kairie Pierce, clean energy career pathways with Mel Clark, and building powerful women's committees inside union locals. Attendance was strong across all sessions, with panelists delivering field-tested insights and actionable strategies that attendees could put to work immediately.
Community in Action
But the magic of the day wasn't confined to the main stage. In the hallways, over lunch, and during networking breaks, connections were happening everywhere. Tradeswomen swapped contact info, shared resources, and made plans to stay in touch. Over 30 LiUNA members attended, bringing big energy and the incredible can-do attitude that exemplifies the laborers. Male allies showed up to support—and speakers took time to recognize and thank them for their presence and partnership.
One of the most inspiring moments? Watching a group of CTE students from WF West High School dive into conversations with seasoned tradeswomen. The students asked fearless questions. The tradeswomen answered with encouragement, mentorship, and visible excitement. You could feel the entire room cheering them on—proof that when women see themselves in the trades, the next generation follows.
What's Next
As people headed home (ahead of an incoming windstorm that cut the day slightly short), the mood was celebratory and grateful. Attendees left energized, connected, and ready to bring what they learned back to their locals, their jobsites, and their communities.
The Enlighten Women's Forum proved what we already knew: when tradeswomen gather, powerful things happen. Roots deepen. Networks strengthen. And the future of the industry gets brighter.
Thank you to every speaker, panelist, sponsor, attendee, ally, vendor, and volunteer who made this day possible. We were delighted to host this event at Clover Park Technical College’s incredible McGavick Conference Center.
Stay connected and watch for announcements about future events at www.TradeEmpower.com.
Join Our Free women in construction webinar series
Following the Enlighten Women's Forum March 11th, the Washington State Construction Center of Excellence (WSCCE) is thrilled to announce a free four-part webinar series honoring women in the construction industry. Spanning March and April, these sessions cover both career-building skills and important workplace wellness topics we'd love for you to join us! Please pass along to others who may benefit from these sessions. As always, we are grateful for your support and advocacy! A few important notes:
Please complete all registration questions to receive your confirmation receipt.
These sessions will not be recorded, in order to protect attendee privacy.
The WSCCE will run transcript dictation and AI notes for internal purposes only; no attendee-identifying information will be released.
To register for all four sessions from one location, please visit the WSCCE Zoom Events HUB: https://rtcedu.zoom.us/ze/hub/WSCCE
March 19, 2026, 07:00-08:30PST
From Blueprint to Balance: Building an Industry That Works for Women - Pt 1: Menopause
Guest Speaker: Mathilde Roux, Policy Analyst and WSCCE Consultant
This workshop will provide information about menopause and how it impacts people who work in the construction industry. Topics will include: the business case for addressing menopause on the job site, accommodations and workplace policies that can help, applicable laws and regulations, and the roles we can all play to create menopause-responsive work environments.
March 23, 2026, 15:00-16:30PST
Women in the Trades Foundations: Interviewing for Construction Careers
Guest Speaker: Alissa Thompson, Director of Human Resources, ABSHER Construction
This practical workshop is designed to help those new to construction build confidence and skill for successful interviews, even if they are new to the process. Participants will learn the types of questions employers commonly ask, how to prepare strong real-world examples, and how to present themselves professionally and authentically. The session also focuses on managing nerves, communicating with clarity, and demonstrating a strong learner’s mindset. Attendees will leave with simple tools and language they can use immediately in their next interview.
March 26, 2026, 07:00-08:30PST
From Blueprint to Balance: Building an Industry That Works for Women - Pt 2: Menstruation
Guest Speaker: Mathilde Roux, Policy Analyst and WSCCE Consultant
This workshop will provide information about menstruation and how it impacts people who work in the construction industry. Topics will include: the business case for addressing menstruation on the job site, accommodations and workplace policies that can help, applicable laws and regulations, and the roles we can all play to create menstruation-friendly work environments.
April 6, 2026, 15:00-16:30PST
Women in the Trades Foundations: Building a Strong Resume
Guest Speaker: Jade Thompson, Talent Acquisition Manager, ABSHER Construction
This session will walk attendees through how hiring managers read resumes and how to build a clear, effective resume that highlights skills, experience, and value. We will cover what recruiters actually look for, how to structure a resume so it is easy to scan, and how to translate hands-on experience into resume language that makes sense to employers. Attendees will learn common resume mistakes to avoid and simple ways to tailor a resume for different roles. The goal is to leave with practical tools that make resumes clearer, more confident, and more competitive.
