by Jenn Gunning
It started with a call on a Friday afternoon from the late Building Trades Employers’ Association (BTEA) executive director, Thomas J. Gunning. “Sandi, I keep meeting all these great women from our member companies. Why don’t you get them together? You’d be the perfect person to do it.”
As the president of Cambridgeport Air Systems, Sandra Meninno has over 33 years of experience in the manufacturing environment. She joined Cambridgeport in 2011 as a controller and was promoted to president in 2013. Meninno actively participates in the Boston Chapter of the Sheet Metal and Air Conditioning National Contractors Association (SMACNA Boston), SMACNA Northeast States Council and multiple SMACNA national councils so it would be safe to say she had enough on her plate when the call came in but she knew this was something she had to run with.
Fast forward three years and the BTEA Women’s Group has evolved into must-attend events, with women from more than 30 BTEA member companies throughout Massachusetts, New Hampshire and Rhode Island participating throughout the year.
While women’s and general association groups are growing rapidly, the BTEA Women’s Group has shied away from traditional or rigid membership models and focused on being an avenue for women to come together, support each other and ask for the career growth support they need. “We want this to feel like women are running this group, without them having to do the prep work,” Meninno said. Everyone is encouraged to share their ideas, ask for speakers they’d like to see, and suggest the best locations and times for events.
Throughout the years, the BTEA Women’s Group has hosted a diverse range of educational speakers and trainings, while having some fun along the way. With full support and strategic guidance from the BTEA board of directors and the Massachusetts Construction Advancement Program (MCAP), examples of speakers and programs include:
- Lynn Donohue, union bricklayer and author of Brick by Brick
- Sue Reynolds, executive leadership coach
- Power of Belief with Joan Ryan, Strategic Brand Intelligence
- Bystander intervention training
- Golf clinics
- A cooking class in Boston’s North End
In addition to trainings, the BTEA Women’s Group has partnered with organizations to build wellness in the union construction industry and empower the next generation of female leadership. Examples of partnerships include:
- Women’s Day during BTEA’s Annual Recovery Week – a day focused on women in the union construction industry to come together in an effort to build wellness, break stigmas and save lives.
- Rustic Marlin and Blue Dot Project – In the wake of a maternal and family tragedy in Duxbury, Mass., the BTEA’s Women’s Group customized Rustic Marlin “Stronger Together” signs. Proceeds from each sign purchased benefited the TheBlueDotProject, a nonprofit committed to raising awareness and providing resources to close the gaps in maternal mental health care and support. The signs sparked inspiration in many BTEA Women’s Group members to host wellness conversations with women on jobsites.
- Boston Union Trade Sisters Annual Gala – a night to celebrate the accomplishments of the smart and talented union trade sisters throughout the Northeast.
Jenn Gunning
When asked what her favorite part of leading the BTEA Women’s Group to date has been, Meninno focused on the women: “One of the most rewarding aspects of leading this women’s group has been witnessing its growth firsthand. As we come together, we’re bringing a diverse range of experiences, perspectives, and talents. Through shared dialogue, collaborative projects, and mutual support, we are all embarking on a journey of empowerment and I’m so incredibly proud of that.”
Jenn Gunning is director of communications at the Building Trades Employers’ Association.
