Empowering Women in the Trades
Raising the Trades: Culture Shift for Workforce Inclusion
Supporting women in construction with mentorship, mental health resources, and stronger workplace culture.
Volunteer Opportunities
Contact us below if you are interested in becoming a mentor
Mentorship That Matters
Connect with experienced tradeswomen who understand your journey
Mental Health & Wellness Support
Confidential resources to help you navigate stress on and off the jobsite
Stronger Worksite Culture
Helping create safer, more respectful environments for everyone
Our Mission
Supporting Women in Construction
The Los Angeles Urban League is leading a new initiative to support women in the construction trades—not just entering the field, but staying, growing, and advancing. Through mentorship, wellness support, and employer engagement, this program is helping build a more inclusive and supportive construction workforce across Los Angeles County.
Through targeted programs and initiatives, we aim to break down barriers and foster a culture of respect and equality. Join us as we pave the way for a brighter future in the trades.
Why This Work Matters
Challenges and Opportunities
Women—especially African American, Latina, and other underrepresented workers—continue to leave the trades at disproportionate rates.
The challenge isn’t a lack of skill or commitment. It’s the culture.
Worksite environments, lack of support systems, and unaddressed stressors create barriers that push talented workers out of the field. True inclusion requires more than access—it requires belonging, support, and long-term investment in people.
A New Approach to Workforce Support
Mentorship & Peer Support
Participants are paired with experienced mentors from the trades who provide guidance, encouragement, and real-world insight. Mentorship begins early and continues through key stages of apprenticeship.
Mental Health and Wellness
Confidential counseling, wellness workshops, and supportive resources help address the stressors that often go unspoken—on and off the jobsite.
Worksite Culture Training
Employers, supervisors, and teams receive training to foster safer, more inclusive, and respectful work environments that support long-term success.
Employer and Industry Engagement
Partnering with Employers to Drive Change
Creating lasting change requires collaboration. This initiative works directly with contractors, unions, and industry partners to:
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- Strengthen inclusive hiring and retention practices
- Provide tools and training for workplace culture transformation
- Integrate mentorship and wellness into workforce systems
- Support long-term policy and culture change across worksites
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Who Should Get Involved
Women currently working in construction trades, Apprentices and pre-apprentices, Journey-level tradeswomen, Women exploring careers in construction, Contractors and employers committed to workforce inclusion
Built With Community Voice
This program is shaped by the lived experiences of women in the trades. Through focus groups and ongoing engagement, participants help guide the design of mentorship programs, wellness resources, and workplace strategies.
Building a Stronger Future for Women in the Trades
We envision a construction industry where women are not only welcomed—but fully supported to stay, grow, and lead.
A future where worksites are grounded in respect, safety, and accountability, and where culture supports success at every level.
Through mentorship, community, and intentional culture change, we are working toward stronger networks across the industry and measurable improvements in retention, experience, and long-term career advancement.
Get Connected, Get Involved
Whether you’re currently in the trades, exploring a new path, or looking to support a more inclusive workforce—this initiative is here for you.