Submitted by Arden Building Companies
Vicki Cataldo
Vicki Cataldo, Local 537, is a pipefitter foreman with Corporate Mechanical of New England. She has been in the pipefitting trade for 20 years, and her interest in pipefitting was initially sparked by family involvement in the business. Her biggest challenge as a woman in the trades was being the only female when she first joined the union. She says, “Twenty years ago, it was very different from how it is now.” Her best experience is all the great people she met along the way – the ones who have taught her and the ones she has taught. She advises other women in the trades to “learn the trade so that no one can ever say you can’t do the job. And don’t take any crap from anyone. Learning your trade and doing it as well or better than anyone else is your best asset.”
Rose Connelly
Rose Connelly, Local 777, is a pipefitter journeyperson/foreman with MJ Daly. After joining the union in 2016 and MJ Daly in 2017, she has worked on various projects: big powerhouse jobs, small boiler jobs, and other projects in between. This has given her experience and interactions with people from across the country, and she says she truly never feels disrespected or looked down on because she is a woman. When Rose became a foreman in 2021, she noticed that many people would “test” her or try to gauge her knowledge and ability or how she would react to something. She says, “Now that we are a few years down the road, I’ve settled into my abilities as a foreman and genuinely don’t feel any different than the guys. Everyone treats me just like they would anyone else.”
Chloe Jackson
Chloe Jackson, Local 777, is a pipefitter/welder and fifth-year apprentice with MJ Daly. Chole joined MJ Daly in early 2021 as a third-year pipefitter apprentice. She says, “MJ Daly has given me the opportunity to obtain quality on-the-job training. Two years and two large projects later, I’m smarter and more skilled. I have gained the respect of my peers and mechanics. I have no issues pulling my weight. I am comfortable enough to crack jokes and have a good laugh. The job’s hard on everyone. Construction isn’t for everybody. Female or male: find what you’re good at and stick to it.”
Julie Figueroa, Local 777, is a pipefitter journeyperson with MJ Daly. Of her role, she says, “It’s like any other job. I go to work, pull my weight, and respect those who have taught me. That’s all it takes to earn the respect of whoever I’ve worked with. We are all there to make a living, earn that credit and get home safe to our families.”
Danielle Cruso
Danielle Cruso, Local 51, is a HVAC/R, apprentice with Arden Engineering Constructors. She comes from a background of working with her hands on project cars as a hobby. She researched the trades, and found that HVAC sparked an interest that she wanted to pursue for her career without giving up her hobby. Danielle says, “The most interesting thing about being a service tech is that we are the jack of all trades. We become the masters of our craft.” Her advice for women in the trades is to “dive in, and don’t be afraid to get your hands dirty. No one can tell you what you can and can’t do; you can do anything you put your mind to.” Danielle believes seeing more and more women getting into the industry and taking the lead will take away the stigma about women in the trades. She comments, “It’s a lifelong, rewarding career, having knowledge and skills that can’t be taken away.”
Amanda Romano
Amanda Romano, Local 51, is a pipefitter journeyperson with Arden Engineering Constructors. She is in her ninth year of pipefitting, and six months into a new VDC/fabrication position. She studied art and anthropology in college, but got into the trades after becoming interested in learning the art of welding. She says, “The positives usually outweigh the negatives, but it’s not an easy career. You must be able to wake up early, be on time, work hard, and get dirty, without much time off (unless there is little work). If you’re cut out for that type of work, generally, women make great workers in the trades. We pay attention to detail, work safely, and communicate well.” She adds, “There is a lot to learn in the trades, which is very useful. I don’t need to call a plumber when redoing my bathroom or replacing my water heater. It has been rewarding to grow independently, and I think a lot of women would enjoy seeing the fruits of their hard labor.”
Susan Avakyan is a controller with Unique Metal Works. She has worked at Unique for 10 years, first as an office manager and now as a controller. “But really,” she says, “being that we are a small company with many different aspects, I’m involved in some manner or another in just about everything. If office staff or field or shop workers need help, they know I can help them.” She continues, “It wasn’t always like that, especially being a female in a primarily male environment. I got pushback on procedures or comments that ‘they didn’t have to do what I told them.’ But with time and experience, that has changed. I have gained acceptance and understanding and now feel well respected.”
Susan, along with her colleagues Amber-Rose Sousa, senior project manager with Unique, and Katie Spatcher, VP of service sales at Arden Engineering, are especially proud of their accomplishment in helping create the New England chapter of Women in the Mechanical Industry (WiMi).
(l-r): Meghann Hennrikus, American Refrigeration Co.; Lori Gately, Kelvin Group; Katie Spatcher; Yasmin Souza, Corporate Mechanical of New England; Amanda Gagne, American Refrigeration Co.; Amber-Rose Sousa; and Susan Avakyan
New England Mechanical Contractors Association (NEMCA), in conjunction with the Mechanical Contractors Association of America (MCAA) developed the New England Chapter of WiMi. Their focus will be to provide professional development, support, advocacy, and networking opportunities for females across the region. They will also assist in reducing skill gaps and creating a more gender-equal workforce.
