Trenika Sandidge
Local Union 1237 – Floor Coverer

Trenika Sandidge is a dedicated Floor Covering Apprentice at DC16 Local Union 1237 with one year of experience in the trade. She was inspired to pursue a career in the trades by her strong work ethic and the desire for a rewarding, recognized career that would provide a solid living wage to support her family.

Her favorite project to date has been working on Aggie Square in Sacramento, where she gained valuable hands-on experience with carpet, vinyl sheet goods, and wall base. This project taught her essential skills like working collaboratively with other trades, understanding the importance of work schedules and deadlines, and deepening her expertise in flooring.

Throughout her apprenticeship, Trenika has learned that success in the trade requires key skills such as punctuality, being teachable, and a willingness to step out of her comfort zone. Having previously managed teams, she is now embracing the learning process of being managed, which she finds rewarding as she navigates the challenges of a new field.

For young women considering a career in construction, Trenika’s advice is clear: “Jump in and go for it. There is nothing as a woman in the trades that you can’t do or achieve. Don’t be afraid of what others may think, don’t be afraid to fail, and if you want it, go get it.”

Trenika finds that flooring is not just a trade but an art form. From the first step of installation to the final product, each project is a blank canvas that transforms into a beautiful, functional masterpiece. She enjoys being part of a Union that supports her growth and development in this rewarding craft.

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Malina Whitten
Local Union 767 – Glazier

Malina Whitten is a second-year apprentice and a dedicated mother of six, with her family at the center of everything she does, supported by her husband. She entered the construction trades through the MC3 program, People Working Together, and has found her path in the industry. Alongside her professional journey, Malina has a deep passion for cooking, traveling, and spending quality time with her family.

In addition to her work, Malina has been actively involved in numerous Union events, including strike support, VAC’s, the Women’s Committee, and food drives. In 2024, she attended the Women’s Construction Conference in New Orleans, an experience that inspired her to bring back valuable tools and insights to empower women in the construction industry.

Malina joined the Union for the benefits and fair pay it provides to its members, which have significantly improved her life. With a strong passion for the Union, she’s the type of member who doesn’t just “talk the talk” but also “walks the walk.”

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Dilia Gil-Velasco
Local Union 487 – Drywall Finisher

Dilia Gil-Velasco is a skilled Drywall Finisher with 3 years of experience in the construction industry. Starting her journey as a carpenter pre-apprentice, Dilia was offered the opportunity to assist drywall finishers, and she has since embraced the trade wholeheartedly.

Her most notable project to date is the River Islands High School Project in Lathrop, where she has been involved from the beginning. Dilia enjoyed watching the building take shape, while her crew treated her with respect and provided her with the opportunity to work with all the tools of the trade, expanding her expertise along the way.

Dilia believes that understanding the steps of the job and paying attention to detail are key to success in the drywall trade. She emphasizes the importance of following the proper steps to ensure a high-quality finished product, as any mistakes are often noticeable in the final outcome.

For young women considering a career in construction, Dilia advises learning the trade thoroughly and doing it right. By mastering the skills and avoiding mistakes, she believes success is guaranteed in this field.

What Dilia enjoys most about her trade is the great pay and benefits, as well as the satisfaction of seeing a project come together, from the initial framework to the finished structure. Being a part of the union has further strengthened her experience, ensuring her a secure and rewarding career.

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Nancy Lorena Alvarado Calderon
Local Union 272 – Painter

Nancy is a 35-year-old mother of a 12-year-old girl and a 2-year-old boy who made a life-changing decision. She chose to pursue her dream of becoming a painter, driven by the desire to show her children the value of hard work in achieving their goals.

The inspiration to learn a trade and see that she could be part of a team with the same opportunities motivated her to look for a union apprenticeship program.

Her current project at Salinas Memorial Hospital, which involves using booms and lifts, is a testament to her growing comfort and skills. Being the only female on the project, she proves that gender is not a barrier to do the job effectively.

Nancy learned crucial lessons about safety, mastering the use of various tools, and believing in one’s ability to perform the job. She gained proficiency in using machines, sprayers, ladders, power tools, hand tools and adapting her painting style to suit different projects. Despite the challenges, her determination and the unwavering support of her union brothers helped her overcome them.

“I would encourage every woman interested in a trade to set her goals, work towards them daily, and believe in her ability to achieve them. I’ve learned that no matter what the job demands, I can do it with time and the unwavering support of my union brothers, who are always ready to help without hesitation.    

Seeing the finished product and knowing I played a significant role in that job, whether spraying walls or rolling them, fills me with a sense of accomplishment. I also cherish the fact that I have the same opportunities and equality as everyone else. With it’s protective benefits, the union is a big part of why I love what I do.

Being a female union member is the best decision I have made. I am immensely proud of the work I do and the opportunities I have. I am looking forward to being a journey painter and the foreman of the job, and I am proud to be part of a union that supports and empowers women in the trades.”

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