SOUTHFIELD, Mich. – As part of Local 4’s Trade-Up initiative, which aims to spotlight skilled trade workers, a special event will give middle and high school girls the opportunity to explore careers in engineering and construction.
Three women leaders — Nicole Blocker, partner at Plante Moran Realpoint; Sheri Crawley, co-founder and CEO of Pretty Brown Girl LLC; and Brittany Rhodes of the Engineering Society of Detroit — will share their experiences and advice with students on Friday (July 25).
Blocker, a civil engineer and owner’s representative for K-12 school districts, shared the story of how the program began.
“Last year, we began this program, and these young ladies are phenomenal. Many didn’t know what my career was. So this year, I wanted to bring phenomenal women like these to have real-life conversations with the girls — about career paths, challenges, and how to overcome them.”
Crawley emphasized building confidence and self-esteem.
“We want to engage the girls about positive self-esteem, self-confidence, and knowing there is purpose in the pivot. Sometimes we start on one career path and pivot to another. It’s important to be in tune with who you are and what you’re called to do,” said Crawley.
Rhodes explained the program’s roots: “The Girls in Engineering Academy started in 2017 by Dr. Gerald Tompkins of the Engineering Society of Detroit. Girls join when entering sixth grade and participate in summer and school-year programs at five universities across southeast Michigan. They study pre-algebra, computer science, drone classes, physics, and more.”
The event will host girls from Detroit Public Schools Community District, Plymouth-Canton, Birmingham, and other schools in southeastern Michigan.
Blocker noted the ongoing need for skilled trades workers.
“There is a strong demand for talent in construction and engineering. The industry needs fresh perspectives and diverse voices to keep innovating,” Blocker said.
Crawley added, “Trades careers offer stability, growth, and the chance to make a tangible impact on communities.”
Students interested in getting involved can connect with local chapters of the Engineering Society of Detroit or programs like Pretty Brown Girl, which focus on empowering young women through mentorship and education.
Rhodes encouraged students to take the first step: “Attend events, ask questions, seek mentors. The more you engage, the more doors will open.”
This mentorship event aims to inspire the next generation of women leaders in trades, building a more inclusive and skilled workforce for the future.