At GLY, we're committed to building a more inclusive future in construction—one where young women see a clear path into the trades and feel empowered to take it. That’s why we’re proud to support initiatives like Steel Toe Teens, a camp organized by Washington Women in Trades [WWIT] to introduce girls ages 11–14 to hands-on careers in construction.
Held July 23 at Shoreline Community College, the third annual Steel Toe Teens camp brought together a diverse group of industry leaders to conduct workshops in carpentry, concrete masonry, painting + glazing, sheet metal, electricity, pipe trades, brick laying, automotive, and labor—and even a popular session dedicated to power tools. The day also featured an inspiring talk on Rosie the Riveter and the legacy she helped create for women in the trades.
The third annual Steel Toe Teens camp gave teen girls hands-on exposure to a variety of skilled trades through thoughtful and engaging projects.
GLY General Forewoman Elie Egan was part of the incredible team leading workshops that day—sharing her skills and passion as a carpentry instructor. After the event, she reflected:
"It was inspiring to meet and work with so many middle school–aged girls curious about the building trades and to see their excitement as they tried things out for themselves."
For Elie, the cause is close to her heart. Her path into construction wasn’t traditional—it’s actually her second career. After earning a degree in Biochemistry and working in research, she realized something was missing. A friend encouraged her to try carpentry, which combined her love of working with her hands and connecting with people. Though it was a big change, she applied for a Carpenter Apprenticeship program—and hasn’t looked back since.
Now, she’s paying that forward.
"Growing up, I genuinely didn’t realize that a career in construction was an option for me—or for women in general. That’s why I’m so excited about Steel Toe Teens: I wish I had been introduced to this field earlier, and I’m committed to making women’s roles in it more visible and showing teen girls that, yes, this path is absolutely open to them."
And on a more personal note, the experience reflects a broader goal shared by many women in the industry:
"To be completely frank, I would love not to be the only woman in the room 90% of the time, and it feels like this is one small way I can help change that."
Elie swapped her lab coat for a safety vest when she discovered her true calling in construction—and she hasn't looked back since.
GLY is honored to support WWIT and collaborate with industry leaders like Forma, MacDonald-Miller, LiUNA Local 242, and IBEW 46 to make programs like Steel Toe Teens possible. But it’s just one of several efforts helping open doors for young women to explore the trades in a real, hands-on way.
Another is Camp buildHER, a free two-day program for girls in grades 7–10 that also introduces construction through experience and exploration. This year, Project Executive Jon Friedrichsen gave campers a behind-the-scenes tour of a lab project currently underway.
These early exposures matter. Whether through camps, mentorship, or simply being invited onto a jobsite, each moment helps shift perception, spark confidence, and plant the idea that a future in construction is not only possible—but welcome.
2025 Steel Toe Teens. Photo courtesy of Washington Women in Trades [WWIT].
2025 Steel Toe Teens. Photo courtesy of Washington Women in Trades [WWIT].
2025 Steel Toe Teens.
2025 Steel Toe Teens.
