The SMART and SMACNA RISE (Respect, Integrity, Support, Empowerment) Committees were formed in late 2023. The two committees collaborate on resources to improve recruitment and retainment in the sheet metal industry.
The committee is a people of color-centered collective dedicated to creating a welcoming space for Black, Latino/Hispanic, Asian, Indigenous, people of color, LGBTQ+, other historically marginalized groups, and allies.
Mission Statement:
“Our mission is to create a diverse and welcoming SMART/SMACNA community through the recruitment and retention of underrepresented groups (Black, Latino/Hispanic, Asian, Indigenous, people of color, LGBTQ+, other historically marginalized groups, and allies.); education programs that celebrate diverse histories and cultures; networking and fellowship opportunities and; coaching and mentorship.”
Vision Statement:
“We envision a SMART/SMACNA community that embraces diverse cultures; lifts up underrepresented voices; values different perspectives; and empowers all members to reach their highest potential.”
- Committee Chair: Dale Clark, Local 24/ITI, OSHA Specialist/Field Representative, ITI
- John Harris, Local 399, Journeyperson
- Amanda Filpo, Local 28, Local 28 Trustee, Local Women’s Committee Chair
- Sheena Jones, Local 36, Apprentice
- Latauna Bigelow, Local 100, Marketing Organizer/Local 100 Warden
- Donson Ha, Local 85, Organizer
- Peter Witruk, Local 30, Business Representative
- Adrian Mobley, Local 17, Journeyperson
- Manuel Zapata, Local 104, Communications Coordinator/Political & Public Relations Representative
- Andre Mayes, SMART IA/Local 71, International Education Department Instructor
RISE Spaces: A Place to Connect is a new quarterly event hosted by the SMART RISE Committee. It is designed to bring members together across all roles and backgrounds to have real conversations, build community and share experiences.
Each 90-minute session will focus on a different topic that affects SMART members on and off the job. We will start with a short presentation from a subject matter expert, followed by small group breakout discussions led by trained facilitators. These breakout spaces will explore 3 to 5 thoughtful questions meant to spark honest dialogue.
Each breakout space will be created for members with similar lived experiences or backgrounds. Examples include Latino, African American, Asian, veteran, neurodivergent and other underrepresented groups. The facilitator of each space will also come from that same background, helping create a space where members can speak openly and feel understood.
After the breakout sessions, we will come back together as a full group to reflect on what we learned. These conversations help us better understand how different life experiences shape the way we each show up at work. They also remind us that everyone’s story matters.
RISE Spaces is about connection, growth and solidarity, because when we listen to one another, we strengthen our union.
Watch the RISE Committee webinar: Beyond the Blueprint.
The first-ever RISE Committee webinar: Beyond the Blueprint is now available to view. Held in August, this webinar introduced SMART and SMACNA members to the skills, values and qualifications necessary for advancing into leadership roles within the sheet metal industry. Panel members shared insights on barriers to advancement, strategies for overcoming these barriers, and the skills and qualities they look for in leaders.