The image of Rosie the Riveter flexing her bicep and urging women to take up work in factories and shipyards while America’s men were fighting overseas has become a cultural icon since her debut during World War II. But despite Rosie’s encouragement over the years, women represent a tiny minority of trade workers, less than 3% of the workforce in Illinois, according to Chicago Women in Trades, which offers free training programs for women interested in learning a skilled trade.

As part of our Last Word series, ironworker Jennifer Ortiz wants women to know they can do it. Here, she gives la ultima palabra on the how the spark that ignited her career in the trades can work for other women.