CHICAGO—Nearly 250 union tradeswomen representing 13 trades from 29 states and Canada gathered in southeast Chicago for the Union Sportsmen’s Alliance’s (USA) Tradeswomen’s Fishing Event, held in conjunction with the 15th Annual Tradeswomen Build Nations (TWBN) Conference.
Sponsored this year by the United Association, the USA’s women’s fishing event has quickly become a cherished TWBN tradition with participation quadrupling since it began in 2022. The event offers union sisters the chance to step away from the conference, try something new, and celebrate solidarity in a unique setting.
For Gretchen Keen, a member of SMART Local 20 who began her trade career as an ironworker, the day was about recreation and building relationships.
“I’m an avid angler, so starting off the conference fishing was a highlight,” Keen said. “I even met another ironworker, and when she works in my area, we’re going to hang out. The camaraderie and support are awesome.”
Verleah Jones of Ironworkers Local 86 shared that same spirit of excitement and connection.
“I caught so many fish—and even a turtle—and had the chance to help others too,” she said. “For many, it was their very first catch, which is such a special experience to share with sisters from across the country. This event created lasting connections and lifelong memories.”
With the help of the Illinois Conservation Foundation (ICF) and Illinois Department of Natural Resources (DNR), the event took place at William Powers State Recreation Area on Chicago’s far southeast side, a neighborhood often overlooked for outdoor recreation. The site is home to an ongoing USA Work Boots on the Ground (WBG) conservation project, which includes construction of a fishing dock and kayak launch to expand public access to the outdoors.
Joe Sellers, Jr., general president emeritus of the International Association of Sheet Metal, Air, Rail and Transportation Workers (SMART), attended to show his support and check out the access project.
“The fishing event was great. It was gratifying to see so many women dropping a line in a lake right in the city,” Sellers said. “Seeing their excitement come alive and knowing the USA is bridging the gap by making fishing accessible to everyone was inspiring. The new kayak ramp and fishing pier are great examples of the USA opening the outdoors to more people.”
USA Conservation Coordinator Maggie Sager was impressed by her first USA tradeswomen’s event.
“Watching tradeswomen laugh, learn, fish, and lift each other up was powerful,” Sager said. “From first-time anglers to seasoned outdoorswomen, everyone created lasting memories and supported one another. This event perfectly reflects the USA’s mission: connecting union members through the outdoors and building a stronger, united community.”
The event concluded with a drawing for a kayak package valued at more than $1,500, sponsored by United Healthcare. The lucky winner was Iinthia Harris, a member of Electrical Workers Local 82 from Dayton, Ohio.
“I have two kayaks and was looking to get another one because I have a lot of friends who love to kayak with me,” Harris said. “I was even praying about winning the kayak this morning—and I did. At this event, you can meet nice people, spend time in nature, and get a chance to win.”
“We are thrilled with how the USA’s tradeswomen event continues to grow, bringing together women from more trades and locals every year,” said USA Director of Conservation Sam Phipps. “We are extremely grateful to the United Association, NABTU, United Healthcare, ICF, Illinois DNR, and the volunteers from Sheet Metal Workers Local 73 and Painters District Council 30 for making the event possible.”
The USA’s WBG conservation project at William Powers State Recreation Area is expected to be completed in the coming weeks, with a ribbon-cutting ceremony for the new fishing dock and kayak launch planned for early October.
Union Sportsmen’s Alliance (USA): The USA is a union-dedicated, 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization whose members hunt, fish, shoot and volunteer their skills for conservation. The USA is uniting the union community through conservation to preserve North America’s outdoor heritage. For more information, visit www.unionsportsmen.org or connect on Facebook, X, Instagram and YouTube.
Work Boots on the Ground (WBG): WBG is the USA’s flagship conservation program that brings together union members willing to volunteer their time and expertise to conservation projects that improve and enhance public access to the outdoors, conserve wildlife habitat, restore America’s parks and mentor youth in the outdoors. The USA’s Work Boots on the Ground program works closely with federal, state and local agencies and other conservation groups to provide manpower needed to complete critical projects that may otherwise go undone.
