We begin a three part series of interviews called Swimming with Sharks! Women have made significant strides globally over the years, however, there are many fields that remain male dominated, not just at the top, but often in the trenches too. Male-dominated industries and occupations are particularly vulnerable to reinforcing masculine stereotypes that make it even more difficult for women to excel. In the United States, only 7.2% of women worked full-time in male-dominated occupations in 2018. Women in male dominated industries can sometimes feel as if they’re swimming with the sharks.
In this episode we will learn about the challenges women face in a male-dominated industries and how one woman has paved the way for others in the area of trades.
We are joined by Evelyn Pacheco. She is an Army Veteran, Mother, and Grand Mother. Evelyn made history as Nevada’s first licensed Black female plumber. Letting Women know that it doesn’t matter how hard your life is or was, you can still make something of your life. She has leveraged her experience to help all Women through her “Nevada Women in Trades” organization, a non-profit organization formed specifically to increase the number of Women in trades. It is a signature program called “Pipelines”. NVWIT is increasing the number of Women in the Nevada workforce, specifically in highly skilled blue collar (trade) occupations.
January 28, 2020 marked the first-ever graduation ceremony for Nevada Women in Trades. NVWIT Pipelines Comprehensive Program (PCC) initiatives increase career opportunities in the construction industry for Low-Income, Re-Entry, ExPrisoners, Veterans, Homeless, and Disenfranchised Women.
