For five members of the IBEW 1245 Women’s Committee, a weekend in San Jose was about much more than attending workshops.
It was an opportunity to learn, share experiences, build relationships, and return home with new ideas for supporting one another, strengthening the labor movement, and better serving IBEW 1245 members.
The committee recently attended the 2026 Union Women: Stronger Together Conference, joining union women from across California for two days of workshops, discussions, and networking.
Julie Brousseau Anderson said one of the most meaningful parts of the conference was the environment itself.
This was a full weekend packed with empowering women in the trade trades,” she said. “It was a place we could share own raw personal stories and empower others with their honesty and motivation.”
For Jennifer Boychuk, attending the conference for the first time reinforced the value of solidarity.
“I left feeling motivated and proud to be part of a community of women committed to growth and positive change,” she said after attending the many varied workshops.
Cassandra Gamez focused on practical lessons she could bring back to her fellow members. A self-defense workshop emphasized situational awareness and techniques to escape dangerous situations, while another workshop on women’s health.
“I am extremely grateful for the opportunity to represent IBEW 1245 and gain insight to help keep my fellow union brothers and sisters safe and informed,” Gamez said.
Iyasha Davis found inspiration in a session on overcoming imposter syndrome and a keynote encouraging participants to “reach one, teach one.”
“My cup is overflowing with inspiration, hope, knowledge, and connection,” she said. “I left with a renewed sense of purpose and a ‘yes, I can’ attitude.”
Women’s Committee Chair Nicole Brooks said one message from the conference stayed with her long after it ended.
“When you aren’t included in the blueprint—become the architect,” she recalled. “If there isn’t a chair at the table, bring your own.”
For Brooks, those messages reflected the spirit of the conference and the labor movement itself.
“Stronger Together isn’t just a theme,” she said. “It’s a reality.”
The conference offered valuable education, but perhaps more importantly, it gave Women’s Committee members the chance to invest in themselves so they can continue investing in others. They returned with new ideas, stronger relationships, and practical tools they can bring back to mentor fellow members, expand committee outreach and encourage future leaders.