"Before I became an IBEW member, I was a full-time student studying chemical engineering, weighing the statistics of getting into graduate school and the further student loans I'd have to obtain. At that time, I was living in Oregon and learned about an apprenticeship to become a wireman, and I decided to join that instead of completing a university degree.

I started out nonunion, and about a year later, family circumstances required that I move to Arizona. When I arrived, I was looking for a training center that was similar to the one I'd been attending in Oregon, and I stumbled across the IBEW and Phoenix Electrical Apprenticeship Program. In Arizona, most companies don't offer apprenticeships for training, and there is no state license to set a standard of training for inside electrical workers. This opened my eyes to what I needed to train properly, and once I learned about the IBEW and the benefits I'd gain in my career, I decided to start my union apprenticeship.

Once I was accepted for apprenticeship, I continued learning about the IBEW and all of the protections and benefits available to me as a member. I became a member the same month I was accepted into the apprenticeship. As a new member, I wanted to make a positive impact on the lives of my fellow workers in the electrical industry.

Because of the IBEW, I have a career for life and not just a job. I'm able to provide everything my children need, spoil my two giant dogs and know that my household won't go without. Because of the health insurance through my membership, the deliveries of my children were affordable and I've not had to stress about the cost of medical emergencies or any care that my family needs.

More specifically, my IBEW membership has given me a real sense of inclusion and protection as a woman in the trade, which I didn't have before I joined. Once I became a journeyman wireman, I worked on chartering a Women's Committee in my local to encourage sisters to become more active. Another wonderful opportunity came when I was elected to Local 640's executive board, and I currently serve as chairman. I also have the privilege of being an instructor at our local's JATC, where I can foster the passion of union membership and offer a proper trade education to our newest members.

I see my local making organizing efforts on a daily basis to speak to unrepresented workers. These staff efforts at our local help engage young people into the trade and show the benefits of the IBEW.

This outreach is important: I didn't know about the IBEW until I was researching electrical apprenticeships. Now that I know better, I want others to know, too."