KEEN Utility makes $1 million Women in the Trades pledge

May 10, 2022
By Adam Freill

May 10, 2022

By Adam Freill

Presented by:
On-Site Magazine

British Columbia Institute of Technology’s Trades Discovery for Women program is one of several skilled trades programs to receive She Builds grant support from KEEN Utility. The work boot division of KEEN Inc. launched the She Builds Grant Program to champion the next generation of tradeswomen with a $1 million pledge for much needed product and financial support.

The grants, which will be spread over the next five years, will help support trailblazing organizations in Canada and the United States that are dedicated to the empowerment and education of women seeking a career in the skilled trades.

The 2022 She Builds grants, as selected by KEEN Utility and its fans, will help support the aforementioned BCIT Trades Discovery for Women, along with Black Women Build-Baltimore, Girl’s Garage, Vermont Works for Women, and Oregon Tradeswomen. The funds will help provide hundreds of thousands of hours in trade-skills education, expansion of workplace inclusivity training, as well as women’s specific safety footwear.

“Women are essential to the future of the skilled trades,” said Robin Skillings, vice-president and general manager at KEEN Utility. “Supporting organizations that are deeply dedicated to the empowerment and advancement of women in the trades is critical. Through the She Builds Grant Program, we are solidifying our commitment to their future, and the growth of the trades, one step at a time.”