Boston, MA IBEW Local 103 business agent Kenell Broomstein has been honored as a recipient of the 2019 New England Women’s Leadership Award (NEWLA) by the Boys and Girls Club of Dorchester (BGCD). The award is given to recognize significant achievements by New England women, who are honored for excellence in their chosen fields, distinguished service in their communities, and perseverance in overcoming adversity.
This year marks the 26th anniversary of the inception of NEWLA, which the Boys and Girls Club of Dorchester created to celebrate inspiring women who are strong role models for the young BGCD members.
Broomstein was named business agent for IBEW Local 103 last year. This is a leadership position within the electrical union, which involves advocating for workers on the job, organizing members for various community and advocacy efforts, and lobbying local and state government for legislation that benefits working people. Broomstein is the first woman of color to hold the title of Business Agent within any of the Boston construction unions.
“It means so much to me to receive this award. It comes from an organization that is absolutely critical to the community where I live and work, and IBEW Local 103 is so fortunate to have a strong partnership with BGCD,” Broomstein said. “I found a unique path to success, and I’m so happy to get to share my journey with the young people of my community.”
“Our organization has one purpose, and that’s to serve the families of our community by creating a safe, nurturing environment for our youth,” said Bob Scannell, president and CEO of the BGCD. “Many of our young female members have challenging home lives, and all can benefit from positive role models like Kenell Broomstein, who has accomplished so much. She is a perfect fit for this award. Like us, she fights for young women each day. We can’t thank her enough for being a positive force for the youth in our community.”
Broomstein is passionate about expanding opportunity for women and people of color in the trades and has taken on a number of leadership roles in the community. She is a member of the Greater Boston Labor Council Future Committee, where she is working to organize communities of color to join the labor movement and seize the many opportunities it has to offer. She also serves on the Lynn Technical Vocational High School Advisory Board, creating more opportunity for young people.
Broomstein also participates in many outreach programs including Massachusetts Girls in Trades, which works to introduce young girls to meaningful, family-sustaining careers in the building trades, as well as Tradeswomen Tuesdays and the Build a Life campaign geared more towards adult women.
“Becoming a union electrician has been life-changing for me and my two sons,” Broomstein said. “I want other women to know - you can do this! The job is interesting, it’s challenging, and more women should consider this career path. It also offers great pay and benefits.”
“Kenell has been an absolute rock star since her first day at IBEW Local 103,” said IBEW Local 103 business manager/financial secretary Lou Antonellis. “She’s such a light in our organization, and a true leader both inside our hall and out in the community. She’s an excellent role model for these young people and we’re just so proud of everything she has accomplished.”
Broomstein was given her award at a ceremony on May 9 at the Seaport Hotel, joined by elected officials, Boys and Girls Club of Dorchester youth and staff, fellow award recipients Yvonne Garcia and Noelle Lambert, and friends, family and supporters.
