2019 Women in Construction: Kate Sonia, 4th Year Electrical Apprentice, IBEW Local 103

Which project, deal or transaction was the “game changer” in the advancement of your career during the last 10 years? Joining the union. The opportunity to be a part of Local 103 has changed my life and my children’s’ lives for the better. I didn’t start out with much in life, and after being a stay at home mom for so long I wasn’t sure I would be able to do it. But my JATC apprenticeship has taught me so much and the people I work with in the field have been incredible! I love what I do and look forward to having a long career with 103!

What were your biggest fears when you started out in your profession? I started the journey of my career on a pretty big job in the Seaport District. I was greener than green, and I worried about how I was going to handle school, work, and raising my 5 children. I was also afraid I wouldn’t be as fast or strong as the men. In reality, I have found so much support through my brothers and sister in the trades and even the higher-ups at my hall. I learned to keep an open mind and do my best to learn every day. I learned about safety on the job, about the brotherhood of my local, and how to be helpful with what little experience I had. Everybody has an important role. I quickly learned that even though speed and strength are important, they’re not everything. Now, I know how to get the job at hand done efficiently, safely, and correctly. That’s the most important.