On Thursday, September 12, 2024, the newly formed IBEW 1245 Women’s Committee held its first meeting at the Union Hall in Vacaville, California.
IBEW 1245 Business Representative Nicole Brooks, a 15-year 1245 member and former Senior Construction Operator for the PG&E GC Gas Transmission Department, is leading the effort and chairing the committee.
Sister Brooks welcomed our union sisters and thanked them for answering the call to lay the foundation for the Women’s Committee.
The impetus for the Committee came from IBEW 1245 Business Manager Bob Dean. “IBEW 1245 women play a crucial role in our union. But the number of women in our industries remains stuck. I see this Committee as the driving force to develop an agenda that supports our women, conducts educational outreach to young women, and organizes nonunion women in the trades.” He added, “It’s a blank slate and yours to imagine.”
Ten IBEW 1245 women from across our jurisdiction introduced themselves to each other, shared their journey as members of IBEW 1245 and began the conversation about the work ahead.
Back Row: Lauren Trout, Tierney Foster, Julie Brousseau, Nici Caldwell
Second Row: Nicole Brooks, Business Manager Bob Dean, Cassandra Gamez, Karyn Newmark, Tiffany Clemons Front Row: Eileen Purcell, Kaycee King, Sandra Martinez, & Juana Perez Ochoa
Absent: Jennifer Ybarra, Iyasha Davis.
“Our task,” said Brooks, is to provide a space for IBEW 1245 women to be seen, heard, supported and celebrated. It is also to grow our numbers, reaching out to girls and young women outside IBEW 1245 to lift up the possibilities.”
“Engagement, outreach and organizing are the core of what we are called to do,” she said.
The circle of women introduced themselves, shared what they love about their work and leveled about the challenges they face on the job.
Julie Brousseau, a Traffic Control Tech Lead shared, “I love everything about my job; I love the diversity; and I love the lack of paperwork!“
“I like that I make people safe,” said Sandra Martinez, a Leak Survey Tech, at NV Energy .
“ I grew up climbing trees in the beauty of the Sierra Nevada, and love that I get to climb trees for a living,” shared Tiffany Clemons, a Journeyman Line Clearance Tree Trimmer.
“I love what we give our community,” said Karyn Newmark, a Substation Electrician from SMUD. “I love the opportunity to do the work in the first place and to learn as much as I can,” said Lauren Trout, a GC Apprentice Electrician.
“I enjoy the culture and diverse group of people I work with. I’m learning every day, and how to find answers. The Green Book is my bible. No day is the same,” said Kaycee King, a Gas Pipeline Inspector.
The challenges boiled down to being respected and being taken seriously. “We have to work twice as hard to get the respect we deserve,” declared one sister. “It’s a journey,” remarked Sister Brooks.
The group brainstormed ways to support each other and to expand outreach, especially to girls and young women.
All came highly recommended by their Business Representatives as well-respected workers who have been active in the union.
As we closed the meeting, Juana Perez Ochoa, a Welder 3 from Trayer Engineering, shared, “I believe that this is a moment in which women are getting involved in work traditionally led by men. This is an opportunity to open a great door through which many more can follow decisively, with respect, and with passion. This is our chance to leave our legacy.”
The Committee will be formally inducted at the October 26th 2024 Advisory Committee meeting at the Hall.