Student Leadership Council

Our Non-Traditional CTE Students Strengthen their Leadership Skills

The Massachusetts Girls in Trades Student Leadership Council will engage young women (including transgender and non-binary individuals) currently enrolled in construction-related career and technical education programs, in discussions and activities to further promote leadership skills, fairness, and equity for learners in pathways that are non-traditional for their gender. Our specific focus is on women pursuing careers in the union construction trades, but all are welcome as broad-minded allies.

Student Leadership Mission
The Equity in the Trades Student Leadership Council will engage student learners in discussions and activities to further promote fairness and equity for non-traditional learners.

Our specific focus is on pathways for women pursuing careers in union construction trades but ALL are welcome as broad-minded allies.

Jaylene dos Santos

Student Leadership Council Chair

Jaylene dos Santos is an engineering technology teacher at Blackstone Valley Tech. Jaylene worked for 8 years in civil engineering consulting before moving to education. She is a SkillsUSA Massachusetts Management Team member, which oversees the Technology Events for the last 10 years. She holds a bachelor of science in civil engineering from Wentworth Institute of Technology and is working on a master’s in occupational education from Fitchburg State University.

Student Leadership Council Project

Promotional Bulletin Board:
Students will create a bulletin board promoting girls in trade within their schools and community. The board should promote the career pathways after graduation. Showcase the work being done by the girls in your school building. Bulletin Boards can be affixed to the wall or a trifold board that can be displayed.

Boards should include:

  • Projects created by students
  • Work within the community
  • Co-op placements
  • Pay ranges for different careers within the trade community.

Other ideas

  • Union application deadlines and how to apply to trade unions.
  • Local Job Opportunities
  • Mentoring opportunities for other students.
  • Publications to share within your school buildings.

Meet the Officers

Each officer plays a vital role in the Student Leadership Council, working together to organize events, advocate for student needs, and foster a positive school culture. While their specific roles are still being defined, all officers are dedicated to leadership and making sure students' voices are heard. As the core leaders of the SLC, they lead workshops, serve as ambassadors for the council, and represent the student body at various events.

While each officer may take on additional duties based on their strengths and interests, all members of the Student Leadership Council are expected to:
Collaborate: Work together to plan events and address student concerns.
Advocate: Represent the interests and needs of the student body.
Engage: Participate actively in school activities, foster inclusivity, and encourage student involvement

Maura Cleary

Maura Cleary

Automotive Technology

Maura is a senior at Blackstone Valley Technical Regional High School, where she is in the Automotive Technology. After graduation, Maura plans to attend the University of Massachusetts Lowell to study Civil Engineering. She hopes to become a civil engineer and enter the construction field, a passion sparked by her involvement with Girls In Trade. This program has helped Maura discover her career path, providing her with the tools and skills she needs to succeed in the future.

Kiele Sarni

Kiele Sarni

Construction Management

Kiele is a senior at Blackstone Valley Technical Regional High School and has had a passion for building since she was very young, sparked by the gift of her first Lego set. This love for construction has continued to grow, and she plans to pursue it as a career in the future. Kiele believes that each day offers an opportunity to shape the future, and she is excited to begin a career in Construction Management at Wentworth University. She hopes to be involved in building important infrastructure, such as schools, hospitals, police stations, and community centers, believing that this work is not only valuable to society but will also create a lasting impact. Above all, Kiele is proud to be a Girl in Trade!

Angeliz Solivan

Angeliz Solivan

Construction Craft Labor

Angelize is a senior at BMC Durfee High School and has a deep passion for the trades, especially the leadership roles they encompass. She is dedicated to making a positive impact in the lives of others, believing that providing essential services such as shelter and access to clean water is crucial to improving communities. Angelize’s enthusiasm for construction, combined with her ambition for leadership, has led her to pursue a career in Construction Management with the Laborer's Union and/or the Wentworth University Construction Management program. Through the Student Leadership Council, she is eager to continue developing the skills necessary to make a lasting difference and empower others in the process.

Bianca Waters

Bianca Waters

Electrical

Bianca is a senior at Medford Vocational High School and chose electrical work because she never saw herself attending a typical academic-based college. She wanted a hands-on job where she would have a result to be proud of at the end of the day. She decided to stay in the electrical trade because it’s both mentally and physically challenging, pushing her to do her best every day. Being one of a few women in a male-dominated trade has been empowering for Bianca. She knew she could be just as good as the guys who doubted her ability to succeed because of her gender, and she’s proven them wrong.

Faith Young

Faith Young

Metal Fabrication and Welding

Faith is a Junior at Old Colony Regional Vocational High School and chose her career path because she enjoys working with her hands and loves being creative. She believes that wherever she ends up, her career must involve creativity and critical thinking. Faith takes pride in her ability to take an idea and bring it to life in a tangible way, especially through the artistic aspects of her shop. Another driving force behind her career choice is her determination to prove others wrong when it comes to underestimating girls' skills and capabilities. For Faith, dedication and quality work are key, and she encourages other girls to pursue their ideas. She believes that nothing is truly impossible if you’re willing to put in the work. Faith is passionate about showing that girls are fully capable of taking care of themselves and succeeding in any career or venture they choose.

Student Leadership Council Summit, Spring 2024

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