WIC Week 2026: Leading From the Front — Building Careers That Last

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In our region, women working across SMCA contractors, SMART Local 19’s workforce, and the JATC/iTi training pipeline are aligning efforts so people can enter, grow, and lead in the sheet metal and HVAC trades.

Why I Lead the Way I Do

I started as a Local 19 apprentice in 2007, at a time when far fewer women were on the jobsite and even fewer were in leadership roles. That experience shapes how I lead today. I learned the pace, the problem solving, the physical demands, and most of all, the pride of our craft by working side by side with the people who make this industry work. I carry that field experience into every management decision.

My roles as Vice President of Fisher Balancing, the SMCA Industry Fund, the Local 19 JATC, SMACNA’s Women in Construction Committee, and the ICB Technical Committee allow me to work alongside people across management, labor, and training who are focused on strengthening the workforce. Through that collaboration, I see every day how our decisions impact the careers and futures of the people we serve.

From the contractor side, broadening access is not about preference. It is smart workforce planning. When we make training, mentorship, and advancement consistent and visible, teams get stronger and we are better prepared to meet demand.

“Representation isn’t symbolic. It is a foundation the next generation stands on.” 

Training & Outreach:

Seeing the Path Changes What’s Possible

Natasha Scott-Lawson

“Acceptance has grown tremendously. The next step is more women in leadership.” - Natasha Scott-Lawson

Natasha Scott-Lawson, JATC Outreach Coordinator and member of the SMART International Women’s Committee, reminds us why early outreach matters. Many young women do not initially see construction as a path until they meet tradeswomen and step inside our training centers. Seeing it changes what feels possible.

“When young women see other women doing this work, everything changes for them,” said Scott-Lawson.

She speaks candidly about real-life barriers such as childcare, family planning, and perceptions, and how she navigated both career and family over nearly three decades. Acceptance on the jobsite has grown tremendously, even as respect for women in leadership continues to evolve.

Labor & Field Leadership:

What Support Really Looks Like

Marlana Jost

“Our job is the same as our brothers: show up ready, deliver quality, and go home safe.” - Marlana Jost

For Marlana Jost, a foreperson and part-time instructor, one common misconception is that women in construction want to be coddled. “Sometimes people think we want to be coddled. We don’t. We want to learn, be challenged, and grow,” said Jost.

She emphasizes that strong support from coworkers matters, but so does being trusted with hands-on responsibility. Growth comes through experience.

Jost also believes the Women’s Committee within the local is essential to the long-term well-being of tradeswomen. It creates space to talk openly, share tools for navigating difficult situations, and offer encouragement.

Sisters in Solidarity

Elena Farina

“You’ll always have another woman to look to for support. That’s the point of Sisters in Solidarity.” - Elena Farina

Elena Farina continues the Sisters in Solidarity Women’s Committee legacy, offering a trusted forum for mentorship and guidance. “WIC Week honors the women who endured the worst so we could have better," said Farina. 

She credits veteran members who mentor and show up consistently. While policies have evolved, culture continues to grow. Peer support ensures women know they are not alone in their careers.

Where Labor and Management Meet

When management, training, and labor sit together, the classroom, jobsite, and leadership table connect. Shared perspective allows challenges to be identified early and solutions built collaboratively.

“When labor, management, and training collaborate, careers grow and the industry moves forward.” 

Systems That Deliver

SMACNA provides technical standards, leadership education, and business resources contractors use immediately. SMART delivers apprenticeship and continuing education. The iTi reinforces quality through high-caliber instruction and curriculum.

When women participate in these systems, they benefit from the same strong framework that supports long-term careers for every member.

In Closing

This week we celebrate. Every week we build.

From recruitment to the classroom to the jobsite to the leadership table, we owe the next generation a path that is clear, supported, and worth the climb.

“When people can see the path, they can stay on the path and build careers that last.”