MOWIT adds 14 new executive board members to expand programs, spread workload

Missouri Women in Trades (MOWIT) has increased its executive board from three members to 17 in an effort to expand programs and spread the workload.

Founded in 2008, the non-profit organization helps women enter and succeed in careers in the building trades by providing mentoring, support group meetings, job information and referrals.

“We’re hoping to expand our programs, spread the workload, get a more diverse prospective and get more of the building trades involved in our organization by adding board members,” said MOWIT President Beth Barton.

Barton, who founded the group, will continue serving as president. Viola Pancratz, principal of Project Controls Group, Inc., and Sheena Jones, of Sheet Metal Workers Local 36, will continue their work as board members.

New board members were sworn in at the April board meeting and will serve terms ranging from one to three years. They include:

• Aly Martinez, an IBEW Local 1 journeywoman.
• Ann Dalton, an attorney at Hammond and Shinners.
• Cassandra Williams, deputy executive director of the City of St. Louis’ SLATE program.
• Cindy Frank, a retired carpenter.
• Dave Baker, business and community liaison at Management and Training Corporation.
• Dawn Fleming, a carpenter journeywoman.
• Elizabeth “Eli” Knight, project manager at Green Street Building Group.
• Megan Evergreen, a Plumbers & Pipefitters Local 562 pre-apprentice.
• Norma West, secretary/treasurer for IATSE (Stagehands) Local 6.
• Rochelle Bonty, owner of RMB Mechanical.
• Roslyn Croft, Tarlton diversity manager.
• Shawn Jordan, McCarthy field operations manager.
• Theodis “Tony” White, St. Louis Public Schools director of career and technical education.
• Windy Chafin, an Operating Engineers Local 513 journeywoman.

MOWIT support group meetings are held the second Wednesday of the month at the organization’s office at 3245 Hampton Ave. in St. Louis. For more information, call (636) 926-6948 or visit mowit.org.