Empowering Indigenous Women in the Union Trades: The Leadership of Jessenia Rivera    (IUOE Local 30)

Supporting, Educating, and Promoting Opportunity Through Community, Culture, and Career Pathways

At the ULA Network, our mission is clear: Support • Educate • Promote Union Labor & Our Communities.

That mission comes to life through leaders like Jessenia Rivera, a proud Stationary Engineer with the International Union of Operating Engineers (IUOE) Local 30 and co-founder of International Native Women in the Trades—an organization dedicated to uplifting Native and Indigenous women through careers in union labor.

A Career That Became a Calling

For Jessenia, the skilled trades are more than a profession—they are a pathway to purpose, stability, and community.

Like many union members, her journey was shaped through apprenticeship and hands-on experience. Today, she stands not only as a skilled professional, but as a leader and advocate working to expand access and opportunity for others.

Public labor and workforce advocacy sources highlight how trade apprenticeships can transform lives and create long-term career pathways, especially for underrepresented communities.

Jessenia has taken that impact one step further—turning her experience into action.

Building Community Through International Native Women in the Trades

As co-founder of International Native Women in the Trades, Jessenia is helping to build a national movement focused on:

• Recruitment of Native and Indigenous women into union careers
• Retention through mentorship, support, and shared experiences
• Education around opportunities in labor unions and apprenticeship programs

This work is part of a broader national effort to increase access and equity in the trades. Organizations like the National Taskforce on Tradeswomen’s Issues—where Jessenia also contributes—bring together industry leaders and advocates to advance opportunity for women in blue-collar careers.

Her leadership reflects a powerful truth:
👉 Representation and community are essential to building a stronger, more inclusive workforce.

Representation Matters in the Skilled Trades

Across the country, more women are recognizing that union trades offer a viable, rewarding career path—with competitive wages, benefits, and long-term security.

But for Indigenous and Native women, access has not always been equal.

That’s why Jessenia’s work is so important.

Through mentorship, storytelling, and outreach, she is helping to ensure that:

• Young women see themselves in these careers
• Cultural identity is respected and celebrated
• No one enters the trades without support

Strength in Solidarity: NYC Tradeswomen Meet-Up

The ULA Network had the privilege of connecting with Jessenia at the NYC Tradeswomen Meet-Up hosted by DeWalt in Maryland—an event that brought together hundreds of women from across the country.

Moments like these highlight the true power of union labor:

• Connection across states, trades, and backgrounds
• Education through shared knowledge and experience
• Inspiration for the next generation of tradeswomen

It’s more than an event—it’s a movement.

Why This Matters for the Future of Union Labor

The future of the skilled trades depends on expanding access, strengthening communities, and investing in people.

Leaders like Jessenia Rivera are helping to:

• Close workforce gaps
• Build stronger, more diverse unions
• Create sustainable career pathways for future generations

This aligns directly with the work of the ULA Network Foundation, including initiatives like Vets4Vets Community Construction Projects, which bring together union labor, service, and community impact.

Get Involved | Be Part of the Movement

If you’re inspired by Jessenia’s story:

👉 Follow International Native Women in the Trades on social media
👉 Explore apprenticeship opportunities in your local union
👉 Support organizations creating pathways into the skilled trades

Because the truth is simple:

When we invest in people, we build stronger unions, stronger communities, and a stronger future.

ULA Network | Supporting the Next Generation

The ULA Network is proud to highlight leaders like Jessenia Rivera who are driving real impact in the labor movement.

Through storytelling, education, and collaboration, we continue our mission to:
Support • Educate • Promote Union Labor & Our Communities

🎧 Listen to more inspiring stories on the ULA Network Podcast
📲 Follow us across social platforms for career opportunities, education, and union insights

🌐 Visit: www.ulanetwork.com

Disclaimer

This content is intended for educational and informational purposes only. ULA Network does not provide employment placement services or guarantees of employment. Individuals are encouraged to contact local unions, apprenticeship programs, and workforce development organizations directly for specific application requirements and opportunities.

About the Union Labor Advisory Network (ULAnetwork)

The ULA Network is dedicated to honoring the strength and solidarity of union labor by educating, connecting, and empowering individuals through shared experiences, opportunities, and support. Our mission is to uplift families and communities by promoting the value of union careers, economic development, and workforce resilience. Through collaboration and storytelling, we aim to build a future where every person understands the power of unity, dignity in work, and the promise of a better tomorrow. http://www.ulanetwork.com Subscribe to the ULA Network for more interviews, insights, and inspiration about union labor, skilled trades, and the opportunities waiting for you in the construction industry!

The ULA Network would like to thank our sponsors and supporters for believing in our mission to support educate and promote our union labor family and our communities. To learn more visit: https://www.ulanetwork.com/supporters