New York Union Plumber, Judaline Cassidy, is a big proponent of bringing women into the trades. She first acquired her skills in her home country of Trinidad and Tobago. Judaline found great pride and freedom in her profession. After living and working in the states, she wanted to share the benefits of a Union job with other young people, in particular young girls. Women make up only 3% of the trade force.
Judaline started Tools and Tiaras, a nonprofit that focuses on educating and exposing girls to the trades. She offers workshops and summer programs, all taught by women currently working in the field.
“Plumbing wasn’t always my first choice. I wanted to be a lawyer. I love watching Perry Mason, LA Law, and any crime solving shows. When I was going to University it wasn’t a possible due to the passing of my great grandmother. She was my caregiver and support. I had to look for other means to lift myself out of poverty. Learning a Trade In Trinidad and Tobago, the Caribbean Island I’m from, was free and I could mostly definitely afford that.
Then came the task of choosing what craft I should apply for next. So many women were applying for Dressmaking, Tailoring, Culinary, and other similar classes. I decided to improve my odds of being accepted by choosing a male dominated craft. My method of deduction then was: Plumbing you get wet, Electrical you get shock. Plumbing it is. The journey to become an awesome Plumber wasn’t a one way journey. I was a housekeeper, babysitter and nanny on my destination to becoming a Union Plumber.” –Judaline Cassidy of @tools_n_tiaras
“What fuels my passion is the heart, pride, and love of Trades. I want people to respect Trade workers and the structures we have been building for centuries. We need more skilled craft workers because there’s a shortage, and I want people to know it is a great option without any college debt, and you get paid while you learn.” -Union Plumber Judaline Cassidy of @tools_n_tiaras
“I wasn’t always confident, and I must admit I struggle with it sometimes. My confidence comes from the fact that I know beyond a shadow of a doubt that I have a super power: Plumbing. Everyone needs a Plumber. Choosing to be a Tradeswomen is in itself a confident and daring action, so why not own it?” –Judaline Cassidy
Check out Tools and Tiaras to see how you can get involved: http://www.toolsandtiaras.org.
Crafted in Carhartt 