ANEW’s 2025 Diversity & Inclusion Summit: Rising Together for a Stronger Trades Community | | |
“Now is not the time to stand down; it is a moment to rise and embrace the power of unity in our trades community.” Those words set the tone for ANEW’s 2025 Diversity & Inclusion Summit—an inspiring gathering that brought together trades professionals, community leaders, and industry partners from across the Pacific Northwest.
Held with the shared belief that every worker deserves a safe, productive, and equitable work environment, the summit highlighted the importance of creating opportunities for all to not only survive but truly thrive in the construction industry. Participants engaged in meaningful discussions, collaborative workshops, and networking that centered on fostering a culture of respect, inclusion, and shared growth.
The day’s featured moment was the keynote presentation delivered by Josh Durham, owner and founder of Gamut Project Solutions, titled “The Hidden Staircase.” Durham’s message resonated deeply as he shared his journey—from initial doubt and resistance to curiosity and newfound enthusiasm—illustrating the powerful impact a well-executed Respectful Workplace program can have on any construction site.
The event served as a reminder that the work of building a stronger, more inclusive trades community is ongoing. Attendees left motivated to carry forward the summit’s message: to rise together, stand united, and continue shaping a future where diversity and inclusion are not just values—but daily practices embedded in every corner of the construction trades.
THANK YOU TO OUR SPONSORS!
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RISE Up 4 Equity is a Respectful Workplace Campaign designed to shift the culture of construction to be more inclusive to a diverse workforce.
This campaign is designed to be used by public entities, construction companies, apprenticeship training programs, unions and community-based organizations. To be effective, a Respectful Workplace program must: be inclusive, cover more than just women and race, and show measurable results. Training alone can harm diversity efforts and create more bias against marginalized groups. ANEW provides customized respectful workplace training with a social campaign in an effort to create an inclusive and diverse work site.
| | ANEW Welcomes New Leadership | | |
Mark Clark
Director of Development
Mark is a nonprofit leader with over a decade of experience in development, strategic partnerships, and community engagement. Originally from Virginia, he brings a deep commitment to equity and systems change, with a focus on creating pathways for economic mobility in underrepresented communities.
He has worked across both national and community-based organizations, leading major gifts strategies, securing seven-figure funding for advocacy and social impact initiatives, and building cross-sector partnerships rooted in trust and long-term impact.
Mark holds a Master of Public Administration from the University of Washington.
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Blake Ingram
Director of Programs
Blake is an executive leader in workforce development and instruction who has led organizational initiatives in access, equity, performance accountability and improvement, and strategic planning in the Washington Community & Technical College system. He is a results-oriented professional with comprehensive experience in training and grant management.
With a proven record of fostering customer and student-centered service approaches, he excels in overseeing initiatives that optimize program operations, recruitment, training and support services. Blake values effective communication, curiosity, integrity, and problem-solving.
He is experienced at navigating complex stakeholder landscapes and aligning institutional goals with regulatory requirements and accreditation standards.
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Building Connections at the Worker Resource Fair
On October 18, RPAC, in partnership with ANEW, the Port of Seattle, and the Northwest Laborers Training Center, hosted a skilled trades resource Fair at the ANEW Training Center in Tukwila. The event connected apprentices, pre-apprentices, and community members with training programs, certifications, and support services to help them stay work-ready and explore career pathways in the trades. It was a great day of networking, learning, and community connection—thank you to all our partners and tablers for making it a success!
| | Your Role in Shaping the Future of Construction | | |
The Regional Pre-Apprenticeship Collaboration (RPAC) was established in 2016 to build a coordinated, region-wide network that prepares local, underrepresented residents for success in the construction industry. RPAC brings together contractors, apprenticeship coordinators, public agencies, educators, community organizations, and pre-apprenticeship leaders—all working toward the shared goal of developing a strong, skilled, and diverse workforce.
As an active partner, ANEW plays a key role in advancing RPAC’s mission by supporting rigorous pre-apprenticeship training and creating clear pathways into living-wage careers. Through collaboration, we’re helping ensure that every apprentice enters the field prepared, confident, and equipped to thrive.
Getting involved with RPAC means more than joining meetings—it’s about shaping the future of the trades. Whether you’re a contractor, apprenticeship program, workforce development board, or industry professional, your partnership helps strengthen training programs, expand outreach, and build the next generation of construction talent in the Puget Sound region.
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Exploring Career Paths:
Life After High School Trades Panel
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The Federal Way School District recently hosted its Life After High School event, giving students a firsthand look at careers in the skilled trades. A highlight of the event included a diverse trades panel moderated by ANEW, featuring:
- Elisa Westcrook, Tenured Welding Faculty at Renton College
- Eric Shelton, Superintendent at BNBuilders
- Donte Wilson, ANEW graduate and Local 242 Laborer’s Apprentice
- Matthew Kurvinck, Western States Carpenters Union Representative
- Travis Dodson, Western States Carpenters Training Fund, Training Center Coordinator.
Panelists shared their personal journeys, from what sparked their interest in the trades to the steps they took to reach their current roles. They discussed the apprenticeship experience, explained what a typical day looks like for tradespeople, and offered insights into how responsibilities evolve from apprentice to journeyman and beyond.
Students walked away with practical advice, inspiration, and a deeper understanding of the opportunities available in the trades—highlighting that these careers are both rewarding and accessible pathways for those looking to build a meaningful future.
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Learn about opportunities across industries and career pathways in the trade. This is a free event and includes the following:
- 100+ local employers
- Hands-on activities
- Q&A with industry professionals
- Open to high school students and community members
WHEN: November 7th, 9:00am - 4:00pm
WHERE: Tacoma Dome
| SUPPORTING ANEW'S MISSION | | |
There are various ways you can make a difference in supporting ANEW's mission and empowering individuals in our community.
Here are a few meaningful ways to get involved
Sponsorship
We believe in building strong foundations — not only for the students in our pre-apprenticeship programs, but also for the industries they’re preparing to join. We invite you to join us as a sponsor and help shape the future workforce.
Our valued sponsors make a lasting impact by supporting our mission in a variety of ways:
- Annual Funding: Help sustain our growing programs and expand opportunities to reach more students.
- Certification Sponsorship: Cover the cost of industry-recognized credentials, giving our students a competitive edge as they enter the workforce.
- Materials & Supplies: Provide essential tools, equipment, and classroom materials that ensure hands-on, real-world learning experiences.
When you become a sponsor, you're not just making a donation — you're investing in the future of your industry and empowering the next generation of trades professionals.
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Monetary Donations
Your generous financial contributions help us continue our work and reach even more people in need. Every donation, no matter the size, directly impacts the lives of those we serve.
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Rosie's Closet
Rosie's Closet provides clothing, PPE, work-related gear, and hygiene products to individuals looking to enter the skilled trades. You can help by donating new or gently used clothing and accessories. Your donations help boost confidence and ensure that our clients are prepared to enter the workforce.
Drop-off location: 18338 W Andover Park W Tukwila, WA 98188 | M-F 8:00 -4:00
Mock Interviews
Volunteers from our partners and industry leaders are needed to conduct mock interviews with our students to help them prepare for real-life opportunities. This is a valuable way to provide direct support, offering constructive feedback and guidance to help our students succeed.
Contact: Doug@anewcareer.org | 206.710.1016
Speed Mentoring
Help guide the next generation of skilled trades professionals through speed mentoring sessions. Share your insights, experiences, and advice in a quick, impactful format, helping individuals find their way in their careers.
Contact: Doug@anewcareer.org | 206.710.1016
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