Meg Mathes’ Post

Friendship and allyship through BE4ALL! In a world filled with diversity and acceptance, me, a transgender woman, found friendship and allyship through the initiative called BE4ALL, which stands for Belonging and Excellence for All. This initiative was a collaboration between SMACNA , SMART Union, and International Training Institute (ITI) aimed at fostering inclusivity and challenging biases in the skilled trades. Through BE4ALL, I found a group of like-minded individuals from across North America who were committed to creating a more inclusive world. We come from different backgrounds, experiences, and identities, but we share a common goal - to challenge biases and foster belonging for all. Within this group, I am discovering true friendship and allyship. We support each other through our personal journeys, offering a listening ear, a shoulder to lean on, a word of encouragement, a micro-affirmation. We celebrate each other's victories and stand together in the face of adversity. Together, we are engaging with those who are open to learning and growing. We share our stories, educating others about the importance of diversity, equity, and inclusion. We challenge biases and encourage others to examine their own preconceived notions. As a group, we organize Bias and Belonging training, Learning Journeys, a Calendar of Inclusivity Dates, a Rapid Response Kit, Period Kits and countless other initiatives that promote diversity and challenge biases in the Skilled Trades industry. We collaborate with union locals, training providers, contractors, and amazing skilled tradespeople, spreading the message of belonging and excellence for all. #BE4ALL #skilledtrades #sheetmetal #transgender 🏳️⚧️ #microaffirmation