Construction trade groups have expressed concerns about a nationwide shortage of qualified workers for development projects, and Marisa Richards is looking to change that with her new book “Girls Who Build."
Richard, who lives in the Chicago area and works for a union construction organization representing finishing tradespeople such as painting and drywall tapers, wrote the book with the goal of encouraging girls to explore building-related careers.
"Girls Who Build" introduces readers to the world of construction and the jobs its workers do. The story, she said, was inspired by her own interactions with real women who do that work every day.
“Each page features a specific construction job and a strong female character who isn’t afraid of a little hard work,” Richards, pictured, said in a LinkedIn post. “In sharing this story, I hope to inspire a new generation of little girls, so that they not only become aware of the trades, but they see it as a place where they can succeed in a career.”
In her own day job, Richards serves as outreach and engagement program manager for Painters District Council No. 30 in Aurora, Illinois.