Empowered Pathways proudly hosted the inaugural Mohawk Valley Women in Trades Day on May 13, 2026, at Mohawk Valley Community College’s Utica Campus, bringing together approximately 50 attendees for a day focused on workforce development, career exploration, and expanding opportunities for women in the skilled trades.

The event was created to highlight the skilled trades as viable and rewarding career pathways for women and job seekers throughout the Mohawk Valley. Attendees had the opportunity to connect directly with unions, employers, workforce organizations, training providers, and women currently working across the trades industry.

Hosted by Empowered Pathways in partnership with the James R. Cook Labor Agency and Workforce Development Institute, the event was made possible through the leadership support of presenting sponsor LiUNA Local 190.

The program featured a panel discussion titled “Women at Work: Breaking Barriers in the Trades,” where women working across electrical, manufacturing, bricklaying, labor, and union leadership roles shared their personal experiences, career pathways, challenges, and successes in traditionally male-dominated industries.

Panelists included representatives from:

  • IBEW Local 43
  • MACNY
  • Bricklayers & Allied Craftworkers
  • Hartman Enterprises
  • UFCW Local One

Attendees also participated in networking opportunities and a mini job fair featuring local unions, employers, workforce agencies, and training organizations. Representatives from LiUNA Local 190, Carpenters Local 277, Teamsters, MACNY, Oneonta Job Corps, Working Solutions, and additional workforce partners were present throughout the event.

The event focused on increasing visibility, representation, and access within the skilled trades while helping attendees better understand apprenticeship opportunities, workforce supports, career advancement pathways, and the long-term stability trades careers can provide.

“Today is about opportunity, connection, and visibility,” Empowered Pathways shared in the event program. “Women continue to break barriers across the skilled trades, bringing leadership, talent, and innovation to industries that build and sustain our communities.”

Empowered Pathways plans to continue building on the success of the inaugural event, with the next Mohawk Valley Women in Trades Day anticipated for Fall 2027.

The organization extends sincere appreciation to all sponsors, presenters, workforce partners, unions, employers, volunteers, and attendees who helped make the first Mohawk Valley Women in Trades Day a success.