BAC Sisters in the Big Easy

Tradeswomen across North America took over New Orleans at the end of September when they arrived for the annual Tradeswomen Build Nations (TWBN) Conference, the largest event for women in construction. This year, over 5,000 tradeswomen, labor leaders, government officials, and industry heads attended, with the event selling out over a month before it took place.

The first day’s general session included powerful messages from key leaders in labor and politics, including President Joe Biden, Acting Secretary of Labor Julie Su, NABTU President Sean McGarvey, AFL-CIO President Liz Shuler, and award-winning actress and SAG-AFTRA member Kerry Washington. Their speeches resonated deeply with the audience, reinforcing the importance of advancing women’s roles in the construction industry.

The excitement reached its height right before the traditional parade. For several members in attendance, this was their first march. “Oh yeah, I’m very excited,” said Toni Lewis, a bricklayer apprentice from the ADC of Eastern Missouri. “I love getting to be around all my trade sisters marching, taking over the streets.”

“This is my 6th or 7th time coming to Tradeswomen Build Nations, and I love it,” exclaimed Stefanee Ochoa, a BAC member from Local 4 IN/KY and a veteran attendee of TWBN. “It’s great! Look around! Everyone is here showing love, and that’s what we need right now.”

BAC sisters and supporters should save the date for the next TWBN conference, which will be held in Chicago from September 19–21, 2025. As IU Director of Health and Safety Liliana Calderon said, “TWBN is an amazing experience, and I hope every BAC sister has the opportunity to be part of it.”