Tradeswomen Talk

Some books are written to impress people. This one was written to move people. In this solo episode of Tradeswomen Talk. I’m sharing the story behind my book, Conceive It. Believe It. And Then Do That Sh t!t why I wrote it, what it cost me to tell the truth, and what I hope readers take away from every page. This isn’t a book about being extraordinary. It’s a book about what happens when ordinary...

In this episode of Tradeswomen Talk , I sat down with Char Miller-King. woodworker, teacher, mom of twins, and the creative force behind the Wooden Maven. We talk about her journey into the trades, how she built her brand, and the impact of teaching kids to work with their hands early. Char is shaping the next generation, helping them build confidence, creativity, and fearlessness one project at a...

On this episode of Tradeswomen Talk ,  I’m sitting down with the powerhouse Karen Grando a true boss who worked for everything she has and then went back and did the extra. Karen didn’t wait for opportunities… she created them. From putting in the work on the job site to stepping into ownership, her journey is a masterclass in grit, discipline, and betting on yourself. If you’ve been thinking abou...

Leadership isn’t handed to you. It’s earned. In this episode, Maria Ford and I go beyond titles and talk about the real foundation of next-level leadership, discipline, accountability, and the courage to lead with vulnerability. Yes, vulnerability. Because strength isn’t pretending you have all the answers. It’s being honest enough to grow, adjust, and lead people,  not just manage outcomes. We di...

What does real leadership look like in the trades when the title comes off and the responsibility stays on? In this episode of Tradeswomen Talk, we sit down with Kevin Khemraj, Vice President of Welkin Mechanical, for a powerful conversation about the kind of leadership that doesn’t need to be loud to be felt. The kind that builds strong teams, earns respect in the field, and creates space for oth...

We’re turning up the volume with a leader who proves that real influence is built on integrity, intention, and purpose. This episode is about leadership with heart, responsibility with backbone, and building something that lasts. Meet Vinny Arnese, a leader, mentor, and culture builder who’s deeply committed to showing young people what’s possible in the skilled trades. Driven by a genuine passion...

We’re turning up the heat with a woman who brings fire, fashion, and fierce advocacy everywhere she goes. Meet Leticia “Letty” Bejarano — a 12-year Arizona tradeswoman who welds with precision, bends sheet metal like a boss with Local 359, and runs not one but two powerhouse businesses: ✨ WeldHer Workshop, teaching women how to spark their confidence through welding. ✨ Saguaro Blossom Jewels, wh...

On this episode of Tradeswoman Talk, your favorite duo, Andrea and I — sit down with the powerful and unapologetic Ke… and trust me, this one hits different.  Ke opens up about growing up without a clear purpose, wandering through life feeling like something was missing, and then discovering the one thing that changed everything: the plumbing industry. Once she found the trades, she didn’t just fi...

Grab your hard hat and your attitude, because this episode is serving steel-toed sisterhood and straight-up union pride!   We’re chopping it up with Chelsea Fenton — laborer, leader, and certified “get-the-job-done-and-don’t-complain” queen. From the jobsite to the union hall, Chelsea shows up loud, proud, and ready to remind the world that power tools don’t come with gender labels. We talk: 💥 Ow...

With excitement…introducing ….. Hellen Harris retired union laborer ( Andrea Harris Mom ) and Carey Mercer local 28 sheet metal worker ( Judaline Cassidy Daughter. ) This episode is special Mother’s Day episode is sponsored by our friends at RIDGID and Greenlee Tools.  These professional tool brands believe in empowering women and supporting the next generation of tradespeople. Working in the trad...

With excitement…introducing   Ken Rusk Ken Rusk is an Ohio-based entrepreneur and best-selling author of the New Times best selling Blue Collar Cash. Ken started his first job as a ditch digger at age fifteen  and turned that into a successful company. He takes pride and ownership of  “million-dollar ditch digger" On this episode we talk and learn from Ken why and how careers in the trades  c...

With excitement…introducing ….. Jennie Ho Jennie Ho is a global business entrepreneur and CEO of Beiter Technologies and Woodwell Tools Group  also known as MujingFang  a 2nd generation family-owned manufacturing business, best known for its  woodworking tools and premium laser levels.  She holds an MBA and BS in business from UC Berkeley. Working for Fortune 500 companies gave her the added confi...

With excitement…introducing Jacqueline Townsend Brick by brick Jaqueline Townsend have building a foundation in her career as a Bricklayer for 17 years. Jackie fell in love with this trade the after attending Chicago Women in Trades Technical Opportunities Program in the spring of 2003. From that moment her path was clear to her, succeed so others could follow. Currently Jackie is the Bricklaying...

With excitement, let us introduce to you Dwayne Smith Alexander. Mr Alexander is a proud first generation Jamaican American base between New York City and the Caribbean.   He earned Bachelors of Architecture degree at Howard University and is a proud member of NOMA ( National Organization Of Minority)  D’Smith does it all, he’s  is an architectural designer, urban theorist, singer/songwriter and r...

Hello fam.. we’re launching our  brand spanking new season of Tradeswomen Talk.  Andrea and I have had the privilege of sharing the inspirational stories of women and men who believe that they have found their highway working in the trades.  We’re passionate about bringing back a resurgence and appreciation for the trades! Why?   We’ve always been essential. We build nations. 85% of construction w...

With excitement, let us introduce to you Shamika & Jason Minisee Founders and owner of Presidential Concrete.  Partners in life for 18 years and partners in business for 17, Shamika, a business consultant, and Jason, a cement finisher, are the ultimate power couple. They started their company, Presidential Concrete, inspired by family and for family. Determined dreamers with parallel visions,...

With excitement, let us introduce to you Gabrielle Shelton  Gabrielle is a sculptor, architectural metalworker, and founder of Shelton Studios Inc. in Brooklyn, NY has been described as “the rare combination of craftsperson and artist”(Becca Bull, 1stdibs.com ).  She’s been featured in numerous publications including Architectural Digest. Being a mother and wife sparks the creative magic within he...

                     With excitement, let us introduce to you                                       Beatrice Thompson   Two words that stands out when  you meet Beatrice Thompson determination and unstoppable. Determination is her habit to develop success. Unstoppable when she decided  who she wanted to become, Beatrice didn't let anything get in her way. She’s fearless, strong, compassionate...

                      With excitement, let us introduce to you                                       Mr Dwight Threepersons. When you listen to his story, you hear his PASSION,  PURPOSE, AND POWER. Purpose : He succeeded on purpose. Power : He identify the problem and gives power and energy to the solution. He focuses on the actions that produce results. Passion : Passion is his key in leading, cr...

With excitement, let us introduce to you Hugo Sajid The one word that comes to mind when I listen his story is “ Mindset ” Mindset is all about the moment you wake up to the moment you rest your head at night.   He is speaking, feeling, and working his goals and mission into existence.  All challenges that arises he attacks them as “ fuel for my fire!” Yes, he is an apprentice for Plumbers Union L...

With excitement, let us introduce to you Tara Garner She is the founder and creative eye behind Under Construction Photography, social media and marketing development in the construction industry.   She hails from  a family of five generations of union Ironworkers. When you listen to her story she  radiates power and beauty in silence.  She continues to show us that silence stands up, shows up wit...

With excitement, let me introduce to you Angela Cacace. She’s one of the star players pulling the pieces together for the circle of equality in the trades.   This circle is built on women builders, achievers, trailblazers, educators, and believers. This circle holds its strength through: Perseverance – appreciate where you are and have the courage to push forward. Fearless – when life becomes limi...

With excitement, Introducing the hosts of Tradeswomen Talk  Andrea Harris and Judaline Cassidy Andrea Harris Here is a quote about Andrea that will stand out when you hear her story  “She led the way and embraced change”. Let’s take a quick walk through her career as a Mason. She initiated her career through Mason Local 780 where she worked on bridges, tunnels and high rises. She left high rise co...

With excitement, let us introduce to you Blayne Harding Blayne lives his life by one mantra  “No excuses no explanations” This mantra  has help him rise above difficulties and struggles both in his career and personal struggles .  Blaynes’ job as an  electrician is his career but, his passion is investing and teaching others that wealth comes from investment. Knowledge is the only currency is what...

With excitement, let us introduce to you Joe Maniscalco . Here is a word that will stand out when you hear his story "Activist ". Listed below are significant words he has confidence in Justice and Labor Movement.    Justice = Equality for workers.   Labor Movement = Of the people.  Justice and Movement definitely awaken an array of emotions: purpose, fear, fearless, freedom, and love.  ...