Published: Jul 11, 2023
On June 30, 2023, ValleyBuild, a training branch of the Fresno Regional Workforce Development Board, celebrated the graduation of a 15-person, all-female cohort. Students completed a 4-week construction preparatory workshop and 6-weeks of Multi-Craft Core Curriculum (MC3).
“I had the chance to attend the June graduation of ValleyBuild’s second all-female cohort, and I have never been more inspired by the stories, the courage, and for our future,” said Tim Rainey, CWDB’s Executive Director. “ValleyBuild is opening access to high-paying union jobs in the trades that offer health benefits and pensions. This is life-changing stuff—changing the trajectories of whole families.”
Graduates of the ValleyBuild all-female cohort included Nidia Chicas, Carol Leigh Ganshorn, Delilah Gonzales, Rina Gutierrez, Paris Jackson, Jaqueline Luna, Desiree Mata, Heidy Mendez, Jasmin Mendoza. Marianni Reyes-Rojas, Chermona Revis, Crystal Rodriguez, Maura Romo, Emily Tineo, and BreAnna Zuniga. During the program, they earned certifications in Blueprint Reading, CPR/First Aid, OSHA-10, Scissor Lift, Forklift, 8-hr HAZMAT Transportation Awareness and Scaffolding Cards.
The ValleyBuild projects participants had a chance to practice using a harness while climbing a rebar wall at Iron Workers Union, Local 155.
Two participants of the all-female cohort helping each other through a toolbox-making project at the Sheet Metal Workers’ Local Union, No. 104.
Chermona Revis, BreAnna Zuniga, and Desiree Mata learning and applying soldering techniques with the Plumbers and Pipefitters United Association, Local 246.
Leigh Ganshorn and Emily Tineo were awarded the Leadership Award, which allowed them to be Foreman for a Day on a Habitat for Humanity: Women Build project.
