TradesFutures Hosts a Historic Gathering of Tradeswomen Empowering the Construction Industry
A Groundbreaking Event for Tradeswomen
In a remarkable display of solidarity and empowerment, over 6,000 participants from North America assembled in Houston, Texas from October 9 to 11, 2026 for the Tradeswomen Build Nations (TWBN) Conference. Hosted by TradesFutures in collaboration with the North America's Building Trades Unions (NABTU), the event embodied the theme "Breaking Barriers, Expanding Horizons."
Celebrating Women in Trades
The conference aimed to uplift women in the building trades through three days filled with education, professional development, and networking opportunities. Attendees included tradeswomen, industry representatives, labor leaders, and allied organizations from across the U.S. and Canada, all gathering to celebrate the strides made towards inclusivity in the construction workforce.
Sean McGarvey, President of NABTU, expressed the significance of this event, stating, "Tradeswomen are essential to the strength and future of our industry. NABTU is proud to support Tradeswomen Build Nations and remains committed to ensuring women in our industry have the resources and opportunities they need to thrive."
Keynote Speakers and Panel Discussions
The conference featured prominent speakers, such as Liz Shuler, President of AFL-CIO, and Marsha Ivins, a retired NASA astronaut, who inspired attendees with their insights and experiences. Panel discussions addressed crucial aspects of workforce development, emphasizing the importance of supportive jobsite cultures, mental health, and safety, all of which are vital for sustaining meaningful careers in the trades.
One forte of the conference was the open exchange of personal narratives by rank-and-file tradeswomen. Their stories highlighted how supportive programs and Registered Apprenticeships have transformed their lives, making a powerful case for increasing women’s access to the construction sector.
Tools for Success
A robust agenda filled with workshops and plenary sessions encouraged participants to explore strategies for overcoming barriers and enhancing career success in the construction industry. Marina Zhavoronkova, Executive Director of TradesFutures, noted that the connections and skills cultivated during the conference play a pivotal role in shaping more successful pathways for women into construction careers.
"Tradeswomen Build Nations illustrates the possibilities that lie ahead when women are given the chance to flourish," Zhavoronkova stated. The gathering served as a springboard for initiatives aimed at enhancing apprenticeship readiness, recruitment, and retention of women in the trades.
A Look Ahead
As part of its legacy, TradesFutures, NABTU, and their partners are dedicated to continuing their mission of empowering women in construction. Preparations are already underway for the 2027 TWBN conference, set to occur in Kansas City, Missouri from October 22-24, 2027.
This conference not only symbolizes progress but also paves the way for future generations of women aspiring to break into the construction industry. Through programs like Tradeswomen Build Nations, the industry can provide the necessary support and infrastructure for women to build successful, enriching careers.
For more information and to see photos from the event, you can check out the TradesFutures website.
Topics General Business）
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