Honoring Women’s History Month
Women’s History Month is a time to recognize the leaders, pioneers, and everyday changemakers who have shaped our communities. Here in the Pacific Northwest, that story includes women who are building ships, wiring terminals, fitting pipe, maintaining ferries, and leading crews across the skilled trades.
For unions and working families, that progress matters.
Breaking Barriers in the Trades
Trailblazers like Lillian Ann Baumbach, the first licensed female Master Plumber in the U.S., helped open doors decades ago. Since the 1970s, more women have stepped into construction, plumbing, maritime, and industrial careers — proving that skill, leadership, and craftsmanship know no gender. Today, women across greater Seattle continue that legacy. From Washington State Ferries captains to electrical supervisors at the Port of Seattle, to certified pipefitters and plumbers across our region, women are strengthening the industries that keep the Pacific Northwest moving.
Creating the Next Generation of Tradeswomen
Organizations like Washington Women in Trades (WWIT) help ensure young women see those opportunities clearly. Through mentorship, outreach, and hands-on experiences, they connect girls to real pathways in construction, manufacturing, and transportation.
One example is the Steel Toe Teens Summer Camp, a week-long introduction to the trades for girls ages 11–14. Participants explore carpentry, electricity, pipe trades, and more — building both confidence and awareness of future apprenticeship possibilities.
The 2026 camp takes place July 20–24 at Shoreline College, with registration opening March 1.
Celebrate. Encourage. Support.
This Women’s History Month, we celebrate the women who paved the way — and we look ahead to the girls who will carry that work forward.
If you’re a union member, parent, mentor, or leader, encourage a young woman in your life to explore the trades.
Because when we invest in girls today, we strengthen the future of our unions tomorrow.
👉 Learn more and sign up for Steel Toe Teens: https://www.wawomenintrades.com/steel-toe-teens
Sources
Washington Women in Trades (WWIT) https://www.wawomenintrades.com