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.
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.
As co-founder of International Native Women in the Trades, Jessenia is helping to build a national movement focused on:
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.
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:
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:
It’s more than an event—it’s a movement.
The future of the skilled trades depends on expanding access, strengthening communities, and investing in people.
Leaders like Jessenia Rivera are helping to:
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.
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.
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
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.
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