sisters
the sistersthe trades resourcescredits
 
book cover
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The image of each Sister is
a link to her profile page.
Meet the Sisters

Each woman in Sisters experienced the rigors of working in a nontraditional, blue-collar job. They enjoyed the benefits of bigger paychecks and the same rewards that attract men to these occupations. Like their male colleagues, they take pride in building something tangible or saving lives. Each woman also has contributed to paving the way for other women to enter these careers.

Their oral histories describe the training they received, the working conditions they experienced, and their organizing efforts on the job and within their unions.

Joi Beard, electrician
Brenda Berkman, firefighter
Janine Blackwelder, ironworker
Brunilda Hernandez, electrician
JoAnn Jacobs, firefighter
Ann Jochems, carpenter
Laura Kelber, electrician
Cynthia Long, electrician
Rebecca Lurie, carpenter
Yvone Maitin, stationary engineer
Angela Olszewski, tile setter
Marty Pottenger, carpenter
Consuelo Reyes, carpenter
Lois Ross, biomedical engineering technician
Evan Ruderman, electrician

Ronnie Sandler, carpenter
Irene Soloway, carpenter
Margarita Suarez, elevator mechanic
Eileen Sullivan, transportation/union official
Veronica Session, carpenter
Elaine Ward, plumber
Kay Webster, plumber
Ilene Winkler, switching equipment technician

 
 
AboutThe SistersThe TradesResources Credits
 
Copyright © 2012
Jane LaTour/Talking History
Photos: Gary Schoichet
 
joi beard brenda berkman janine blackwelder joann jacobs ann jochems laura kelber cynthia long cynthia lurie yvone maitin angela olszewski marty pottenger consuelo reyes lois ross evan ruderman irene soloway margarita suarez eileen sullivan veronica session elaine ward kay webster Ilene winkler brunilda hernandez
joi beard brenda berkman janine blackwelder brunilda hernandez JoAnn Jacobs ann jochems laura kelber cynthia long rebecca lurie yvone maitin angela olszewski marty pottenger consuelo reyes lois ross evan ruderman irene soloway margarita suarez eileen sullivan veronica session elaine ward kay webster Ilene winkler Joi Beard Brenda Berkman Janine Blackwelder Brunilda Hernandez JoAnn Jacobs Ann Jochems Laura Kelber Cynthia Long Rebecca Lurie Yvone Maitin Angela Olszewski Marty Pottenger Consuelo Reyes Lois Ross Evan Ruderman Ronnie Sandler Irene Soloway Margarita Suarez Eileen Sullivan Veronica Session Elaine Ward Kay Webster Ilene Winkler