#TBT Stories – Anita M.

Anita M. graduated from CWEE’s program in 1985.

The youngest of 13 children, Anita’s role model was her father. He worked at Gates Rubber Company and two other construction jobs to support his large family. Anita remembers tagging along with him, especially if his work involved trucks, heavy equipment and outdoor duties.

After graduating in 1976 from East High School, Anita’s family convinced her to attend Metropolitan State College. But after one year she quit and took a position as a secretary.

Anita’s life changed after she met a man who physically abused her and stole her hard-earned money.

When she became pregnant, Anita quit her job to care for the baby. Her boyfriend left. But Anita was too proud to seek help from her family, and she had to accept welfare to survive. She and the baby lived in public housing “with no furniture but lots of cockroaches.”

Then she learned about CWEE. One of the CWEE program speakers talked about non-traditional jobs for women and Anita was convinced that was the direction she wanted to go.

After graduating from the three-week program, CWEE set up an interview for Anita with Public Service Company of Colorado, and she immediately was accepted into their apprentice program for journeymen/pipefitters. Anita was the only woman in the four-year training program.

“Physical work pays better than a desk job, and you can always wash off the dirt,” Anita said.