ANEW Strengthens Its Statewide Impact
Through Policy Leadership
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We are excited to share that ANEW will now have a voice at the state level through Executive Director Karen Dove’s appointment to the Washington State Economic Well-Being Committee. This opportunity ensures that the experiences and perspectives of the women and individuals we serve will directly inform policy discussions and workforce strategies across Washington.
Having ANEW represented on this committee strengthens our mission of advancing equity in the trades and creating pathways into family-wage careers. It also reflects the critical role ANEW plays as a statewide leader in expanding opportunities for women, BIPOC, and underrepresented communities. This partnership allows us to bring forward the insights of our students, graduates, and industry partners—helping shape a more inclusive and diverse workforce for the future.
| | Exploring Careers in Construction Through ANEW’s Youth Exploration Program | | |
In partnership with the Department of Vocational Rehabilitation (DVR), YEP introduces young people to living-wage careers in the construction industry. Designed for in-school youth ages 14–21 with an IEP, 504 Plan, or documented disability, the program combines career readiness, technical training, and hands-on experience.
Youth participants gain:
- Work-Readiness Skills – Classroom workshops (virtual or in-person) held during the school year
- Summer Boot Camps – Paid, 40-hour work-based learning experiences
- Trades Career Exploration – Job site tours, informational interviews, and job shadowing (when available)
- Strength Building – Self-advocacy, workplace communication, and team-building skills
This program not only sparks interest in careers in construction, but also creates a pathway into ANEW’s pre apprenticeship training programs.
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Olivia Myers
Senior Manager of Programs
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Em Barraza
Construction Career Educator
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Mandy Kempka
Youth Exploration Program Coordinator
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Johnathan Price
Youth Exploration Program Coordinator
| | Celebrating 5 Years of the
Sellen Subcontractor Appreciation Event!
This summer marked the 5th Anniversary of Sellen Construction’s Subcontractor Appreciation Event, which has raised more than $400,000 in support of ANEW since its inception. Proceeds from the event fuel the Sellen Community Foundation’s Pre-apprenticeship Support Fund, a dedicated effort to generate economic opportunity by reducing barriers to entry in the construction trades and diversifying the industry.
The Pre-apprenticeship Support Fund provides critical resources for local trades training and readiness programs, ensuring students have access to wraparound services, training gear, tools, and testing requirements. On average, it costs $100,000 to fund one pre-apprenticeship cohort of 25 students, and thanks to the generosity of Sellen Construction, the Sellen Community Foundation, subcontractor partners, and community supporters, these opportunities are made possible for women and people of color entering the trades
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ANEW is grateful to Sellen and its partners for their continued investment in building a stronger, more inclusive workforce across the Puget Sound region.
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Building Pathways: ANEW’s TRP 127 Visits the Port of Tacoma
ANEW’s all-women Trades Rotation Program (TRP) 127 recently toured the Port of Tacoma, gaining first-hand insight into one of the region’s largest hubs for trade, transportation, and logistics. Students learned about the wide range of career opportunities available at the Port, including roles in construction, maintenance, operations, and maritime trades.
The visit highlighted the importance of recognizing and supporting women in the trades, as well as the growing need for diverse talent in these industries. For TRP participants, the experience not only connected their classroom training to real-world applications, but also showed them that there is space and opportunity for women to thrive in fields where they have historically been underrepresented.
We are grateful to the Port of Tacoma team for opening their doors to our students and for helping broaden their understanding of the many pathways available in the trades.
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Partnering for Opportunity: ACHD and ANEW Connect Youth to the Trades
ANEW was proud to welcome students from the African Community Housing & Development (ACHD) Youth Program to our training facility this month. ACHD is a community-based organization dedicated to empowering the African community in South King County through housing assistance, economic development, youth programs, and community leadership opportunities. Their Youth Program supports young people with mentorship, education, and career exploration to help them thrive.
During their visit, ACHD youth had the opportunity to learn more about careers in the construction trades by engaging in hands-on activities. Current PACE pre-apprenticeship students took the lead in guiding participants through ACES stations—demonstrating skills, answering questions, and sharing what they’ve learned in their own training.
This collaboration gave ACHD youth a first-hand look at the opportunities available in the trades, while providing ANEW students a chance to practice leadership, mentorship, and peer-to-peer teaching. Experiences like this highlight the power of partnership in inspiring the next generation and building inclusive pathways into family-wage careers.
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Connecting Training to Careers
ANEW is excited to collaborate with UnionHiringHall.org, a project of the Presidents’ Organizing Initiative (POI) at the Martin Luther King Jr. County Labor Council (MLK Labor) and Partner in Employment (PIE). The platform helps job seekers access open positions at unionized workplaces and break down barriers to high-road employment.
Through this partnership, ANEW is utilizing Union Hiring Hall’s job search feature to promote our pre-apprenticeship training programs—connecting more people to pathways into union careers and family-wage opportunities in the trades.
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PACE Graduation!
Please join us in celebration as we honor the achievements of our Pre Apprenticeship Construction Education program graduates.
PACE 59-Friday, August 29 | 11:00-1:00
PACE 57-Thursday, September 11 | 11:00-1:00
Location: 18338 Andover Park W-Tukwila
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The Washington Workforce Association (WWA) brings together thought leaders from across the state to connect, share ideas, and celebrate the successes of our workforce system. This event will gather local area leaders, industry experts, economic development professionals, workforce professionals, and elected officials to provide solution-oriented workshops and dialogue that address the new and growing demands currently facing our workforce system.
WHEN: November 4-6
WHERE: Hotel Murano, Tacoma
| 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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