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Hello Stephanie,
I hope this newsletter finds you and your family doing well as we enter the first week of October! Fall is in full swing, and if you’re looking for fun activities to enjoy with your loved ones, Illinois has plenty to offer. From apple orchards and corn mazes to the breathtaking sight of the leaves changing colors, there’s something for everyone. Be sure to check out Enjoy Illinois at www.enjoyillinois.com to discover seasonal adventures across the state.
Last weekend, I had the honor of attending the Tradeswomen Build Nations conference, the largest gathering of tradeswomen in the world, hosted by North America's Building Trades Unions. This year’s event brought together 5,000 attendees with the theme "Let the Good Jobs Roll," highlighting the vital role of the Infrastructure Generation. I was proud to join over 300 union women representing Illinois at the conference, which featured plenary sessions, guest speakers, workshops, and panels to help develop leadership skills and industry knowledge.
This was my second year attending the conference, and it was an unforgettable experience. A standout moment was the parade through the streets with over 5,000 tradeswomen proudly representing their unions. I also made a meaningful stop at Mother's Restaurant, a historic Marine Corps hangout during and after World War II. As a U.S. Marine Corps Veteran myself, I found it especially significant to visit a place that holds such a strong connection to the Corps. And, of course, no trip to New Orleans is complete without a stop at Café Du Monde for some beignets!
As we continue to recruit and advocate for women in the building trades here in Illinois, conferences like this play a critical role in empowering women to take on leadership positions in the industry and contribute to our state’s growing workforce.
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