In honor of Women’s History Month, we wanted to put the spotlight on another Community Partner, Revolution Workshop (RW)! RW is a nonprofit whose goal is to create pathways in the construction industry for Black and Brown Community Members. They run 2 programs aimed at training individuals in different construction or construction management skills with the goal of obtaining a career in the construction industry.
We interviewed RW’s Janea’ Riley, Director of Pre-Apprenticeship Programs, and Shelby Swope, Program Manager: Professional Pathways, to hear about the importance of amplifying Black women’s voices in trades and professions that have historically been male-dominated.
Janea’ stated:
“Amplifying Black women’s voices in the construction industry not only enhances the diversity and inclusivity of the field but also leads to greater innovation, mentorship, and equitable growth within the industry.”
Shelby echoed that sentiment:
“Amplifying Black women's voices in RW’s work isn’t just important - it's necessary. Black women bring valuable perspectives, leadership, and innovation to the construction and project management space, yet their contributions are often overlooked. By intentionally creating space for their voices, we ensure more inclusive decision-making, stronger mentorship pipelines, and a more equitable industry overall. It’s about recognizing expertise, breaking barriers, and making sure the next generation sees representation at every level.”
To learn more about Revolution Workshop’s necessary work, visit revolutionworkshop.org. They are keen to foster new partnerships and relationships with other businesses and nonprofits on the South and West sides of Chicago, as well as recruiting individuals to join their programs.
Happy #WomensHistoryMonth!