NYCHA’s Women are Hammering, Welding, Inspecting and More
 I came up through NYCHA’s Minority Youth Training Program that I joined when I was a 19-year-old resident of Throggs Neck Houses. After six months of training I was hired as a heating plant technician in 1985. I was the only female HPT at Soundview Houses, there was no ladies’ locker room, and I had to change my clothes in the bathroom. The women were proud of me and would tell their daughters that if I could do it, so could they. I was later promoted to assistant superintendent and then superintendent. Each time I was promoted I told myself, “You are not here by mistake.” I am here because of my dedication to NYCHA. I try to treat all the employees well and give them everything that I got. I can tell caretakers, “I was where you are and hard work can move you up.” Having a woman Chair now makes me see the direction I can go. |
 As a single mother, I felt I had to earn more money like a man to support my family. So I found out that Local 3 had a program to train women for the elevator industry. I trained for four years, first to become a journeyman, then elevator’s mechanic’s helper and then elevator mechanic. I worked as an elevator mechanic’s Helper for NYCHA for five years and was then promoted to elevator mechanic. Now both my children are grown and graduated college. Sometimes the [male] mechanics might feel that they can do the job better, but I always do the best I can to show them that I can do the job as well as anyone. I carry a toolbox that weighs about 35 pounds, but it’s not heavy. I feel proud that I have the knowledge and skills for the job and I like having a job with responsibility for safety and that provides a public service. |
 Everyone in my family is a union worker. When I discharged from the Marines, I entered the Helmets to Hardhats program for veterans interested in the construction trades and studied for five years to become a journeyman with Plumbers Local 1. I passed the civil service test for plumber’s helper and plumber and my goal is to work as a plumber, hopefully here at NYCHA. I love my job: I can work anywhere, the job is versatile and exciting, and I enjoy helping residents, because they really appreciate our services. We are performing a service in their homes — it’s important we do the best job we can. My peers respect my work ethic and my skill sets, and I am proud of the work we do as a team. |
 I was raised in Alaska, where people do things for themselves. Nothing ever made me think that I couldn’t be a carpenter. I trained for four years in the carpenters union starting in 1998 because I wanted to learn the skills to build my own house. I love being a carpenter for the sense of accomplishment. It feels good to complete projects. I like working in kitchens best, installing cabinets and countertops. There is just one other female carpenter at NYCHA. When residents see me, they may act surprised that I am a woman, but they are always friendly and encouraging. My co-workers are wonderful, too, always showing me ‘the ropes.’ I like making things better. The most rewarding part of the job at NYCHA is that I enjoy making residents happy with the repairs. That’s the best part, seeing residents’ response. |
