MOWIT's 6th Annual Gala's Keynote Speaker
Gabriela Ramírez-Arellano

“Picture this: It’s your first day on the job site.
Hard hat on, boots laced tight, ready for this moment you’ve earned.
But as you step on site, you notice something... something that makes your stomach drop. You’re
the only woman there. You feel the glances. Maybe the whispers.
That heavy feeling of being in the wrong place. It’s a feeling that hits deep.
Who here has ever felt like the only one in the room?
I can think of several similar situations, just like that.
And if I’m being honest, I wondered, Do I belong here?
Many of you know what it’s like to stand on a job site and feel like the odds are against you, but
guess what? We’ve been facing those odds and winning.
But tonight is different. We’re taking center stage. We’re no longer just walking onto job sites.
We’re at the center, rebuilding the table to make room for every woman stepping into this
industry.

 

I am Gabriela Ramirez Arellano, and like many of you, I’ve faced moments where I questioned
whether I belonged. But today, I stand before you, not just as someone who has navigated this
path, but as a witness to strength, resilience, and unwavering determination.
I am excited to celebrate with you the incredible individuals—who are pushing boundaries and
building a brighter future in the trades.

 

Tonight, we celebrate trailblazers, women who didn’t just break barriers—they smashed them
down and created new paths for all of us. The awardees tonight are shining examples of what
happens when women (in trades) refuse to back down, refuse to shrink, and insist on being seen.
Let me start by talking about why we’re all here tonight—from backyards to boardrooms, from
those first meetings in homes to becoming a recognized and respected force in this industry.
MO Women in Trades has blazed a trail.
The work you’re doing today is building on a legacy that started with just a handful of women
who saw a need and took action. I want to take a moment to honor that.
Because when you hear a story like that, you realize this isn’t just an organization. It’s a
movement—a movement that’s been fueled by the passion, grit, and determination of
tradeswomen who refuse to accept the status quo.

​

I hope you’ll reflect on that—how this community was built by women who saw what was
possible and were willing to put in the work to make it a reality.
A reality that we get to live in today. We’re here to promote and support women working in the
trades, yes—but it’s deeper than that. We’re here to change an industry.
Tonight isn’t just a celebration—it’s a call to keep pushing.
The future is bright, but we’re not done yet. There’s more work to be done. And every woman in
this room is a part of that work.
Now, let’s talk about the reason we’re here. The journey. For years, women in the trades have
faced more than just technical challenges—you’ve faced cultural challenges.
There’s still that image of the trades being a man’s world. But you’ve been smashing that image
to pieces.

 

As a Latina woman in business, I’ve often found myself as the only one in the room, wondering
if I truly belonged. Many times, I have questioned, Do I really belong?
Sometimes even, I wonder, Why AM I HERE? But something inside me says, “Keep going
You deserve to be here.” And that’s exactly what I do. Because I did, Here I am. Here WE are.
Because you did too.

 

We’ve all heard the whispers, the doubts, the dismissive looks. But we stayed.
We showed up, day after day. And now, we’re the ones leading the charge. Now, here’s the
thing. None of us got here alone. We all had someone—whether it was a mentor, a sister, or a
friend—who helped lift us up. I’m standing here today because, when I arrived in St. Louis in
2016, someone took the time to say, You belong. Now, that alone felt pretty good, right?
But then someone else invited me to push back. And you know what? Maybe they regret that one
a little now! But hey, they knew I had value, that my voice mattered.
When they invited me to push back, I don’t think they realized just how much I’d take them up on
that!" "I kept pushing—and well, here I am! Still pushing back!"

 

And now, it’s OUR turn! Much like the work we do at Cortex through the Square One program,
mentorship isn’t just about technical skills—it’s about building confidence and equipping
entrepreneurs with the tools to raise their voices, communicate their value, and navigate
challenges. At Cortex, I have the privilege of working with small business owners and
supporting them with the strategic thinking and problem-solving skills they need to succeed,
empowering them to create inclusive economic growth in their communities.
It’s not just about teaching the basic business skills—it’s about teaching confidence, self-worth
and belonging. Let me ask you—who are you mentoring?

 

Because the future of women in trades depends on what we do next. It depends on us lifting up
the next generation, showing them what’s possible, and helping them walk into their power.
We’re not just talking about breaking barriers and mentoring others—we’re talking about
economic empowerment.
Let’s be real. One of the greatest strengths of the trades is that they offer financial
independence.

 

Women in the trades earn wages that support their families, buy homes, and create a stable
future—without the burden of student loan debt. The trades are empowering women financially
in many ways that change lives. It’s not just about having a job. It’s about building a future.
This is why we need to ensure more women are aware of the opportunities the trades provide.
But let’s not sugarcoat it—there are still challenges. We all know that the trades can be tough.
There’s still discrimination. There’s still the struggle to balance family and work.

There are still people who don’t think we belong. But that’s where resilience comes in.

I think of Cindy Frank, who became the first female president of Carpenters Local 945
Cindy didn’t just break through barriers—she shattered them. She’s leading the way, and her
journey reminds us all that resilience isn’t about never facing obstacles—it’s about overcoming
them, again and again and again. So when you’re out there, facing the tough days, the long
hours, and the doubters, I want you to remember something: you’re not alone.
You’re part of a sisterhood of women who have your back. And together, we’re not just surviving
—we’re thriving.

 

MOWIT didn’t just grow by accident. It’s because of each and every one of you—whether
you’ve offered advice, helped recruit a new sister, or even just shown up to support a fellow
tradeswoman at a meet-up. You’ve all contributed to this incredible organization.
And that’s the power of community, isn’t it? When we show up for each other, amazing things
happen.

 

As Dawn said, this all started in a backyard. And now, we’re standing on the foundation they
built—and I, for one, am ready to keep building. Tonight, we honor the women who’ve gone
above and beyond not just for themselves, but for all of us.
They’ve made it clear that the future of the trades is not only female—but bright.

 

To every awardee tonight, know this:
You are leading the way. You are setting the standard for excellence, for progress, and for the
future of women in the trades. You’re the ones showing us all what’s possible. Your
achievements are more than personal victories. They’re symbols of progress. They show us what
can happen when women step into their power...when they refuse to be silent...and when they
claim the space they deserve. And because of you, we are not only inspired, but we are reminded
of what’s possible when women are given the chance to lead, thrive, and shine.
This idea of empowering voices and claiming space resonates deeply with me, and it’s central to
a project I’ve been honored to be part of—an anthology called Calladitas Rising that just
launched on September 26. Calladitas in Spanish means "quiet ones."
Growing up, I was told, 'Calladita te ves más bonita'—'You are prettier when you are quiet.'
But we know that’s not true. Our voices are our strength and for too long, the stories and voices
of Latinas have been silenced or overshadowed.
But with Calladitas Rising, my co-founder Esmeralda Aharon and I wanted to change that
narrative.

 

The anthology isn’t just about sharing stories—it’s about empowering Latina women to reclaim
their voices, to take up space in places where they’ve been overlooked, and to be
unapologetically loud about their experiences, their struggles, and their triumphs.
Through the process of working on Calladitas Rising, I’ve seen firsthand the transformative
power of storytelling. Writing, sharing, and curating this anthology has allowed us to bring our
collective stories to life, to amplify the voices that have historically been quieted, and to show
the world that we belong in every conversation—whether it’s in business, politics, art, or
leadership.

 

This project, much like the work we celebrate here tonight, is about more than personal
victories. It’s about creating a ripple effect. It’s about showing what’s possible when women—
especially women of color—are given the opportunity to lead, thrive, and shine. And just like the
trailblazers of MOWIT, the women in Calladitas Rising are shaping the future, one voice at a
time.

So when we talk about stepping into our power and refusing to be silent, this is what I think of.

​

This movement MOWIT has started. To break barriers, celebrate progress, and make sure that
the next generation knows: We have stories to tell, and we deserve to be heard.
Now, to our allies in the room, I want to take a moment to first say thank you.
Thank you for standing with us, for being the ones who’ve opened doors, made space at the
table, and spoken up when it mattered most. You have been essential in pushing this movement
forward, and your presence here tonight proves that you’re committed to the vision we share—
one of equality, diversity, and opportunity for all. And here's the thing—we need you more than
ever.

 

At Cortex, I’ve seen firsthand the power of allies in action. In our Square One program, we work
with community leaders, educators, and successful business owners who know that inclusive
economic growth benefits everyone. Just as we advocate for equality in the trades, we also
advocate for equity in entrepreneurship. We are building environments where not just women,
but people of all backgrounds can access the skills and mentorship they need to succeed.
Allies, let me ask you: are you providing the environment where the voices of women and
minority entrepreneurs can rise and be heard?
Are you helping create spaces where they can not only enter but thrive?
The progress we make today in both the trades and business will have ripple effects for
generations.
If you’re an employer, thank you for hiring women, for seeing the value we bring to your
projects. But I challenge you—don’t stop there. Keep pushing. Ask yourself, are we providing an
environment where women can truly thrive? Are we giving them the same opportunities for
advancement?

 

If you’re a union leader, thank you for advocating for diversity in your ranks.
You’re ensuring that women’s voices are part of the conversation.
But I ask you—how can you do more? If you’re an ally, don’t just hire women—mentor them.
Make room for them to advance. Create policies that don’t just open doors but keep those doors
wide open for future generations. And, if you’re thinking you’ve done enough, ask yourself: Is
there really ever ‘enough’ when it comes to creating equal opportunities?
And to our colleagues and peers—thank you for standing beside us.
For supporting us, collaborating with us, and showing up on job sites that can sometimes be
tough. You’ve been our allies in the field, and for that, we are grateful.
But now, let’s take it a step further. You have the power to help create change, and we need you
to use it. Because, let’s be honest, change doesn’t happen in isolation.
It happens when all of us—women and men—work together.

 

When we all push for progress and refuse to settle for the status quo.
And with your support, we can build an industry that not only invites women in but keeps them.
That lifts them up, mentors them, and makes them leaders.
Ladies...you are powerful. You are skilled, resilient, and capable of so much more than the
world has ever given us credit for. We have to know our worth. Every one of us in this room has
a role to play. Whether you’ve been in the trades for 20 years, just stepped into your first
apprenticeship, or are an ally to this movement, you have power. And with that power comes
responsibility. The journey we’ve been on is not just about building structures—it’s about
building a legacy. A legacy where women no longer have to wonder if they belong.
We do belong. And not just at the fringes—we belong at the center, leading, mentoring, and
thriving. I’ve shared stories of resilience, of breaking barriers, and of rising to the challenge.
But now, I ask you to think about your story.

​

Think about where you’ve been, what you’ve overcome, and most importantly, where you’re
going. What will your story be from this day forward?
To the women in the trades, I want to say this:
You are powerful beyond measure. You’ve already proven that you can face challenges head-on
and come out stronger. But don’t stop here. There are more walls to tear down, more tables to
rebuild, and more voices to uplift. And remember, whether you’re a woman in the trades, an
entrepreneur, or an ally, the future is inclusive. It’s about creating environments where everyone
—whether in construction or business—has the tools and support to succeed and thrive.
Because the future of the trades. It’s female. It’s diverse, it’s inclusive. As you leave here
tonight, I want you to remember: This is just the beginning. The work continues. The pushback
continues.
And the progress? It’s unstoppable.
Now, go out there, break some barriers, build something amazing, and remember—you
belong, and your voice matters.”