The trades industry is dominated by men. Women make up less than 3% of the workforce in Illinois, according to Chicago Women In Trades, a nonprofit that helps women enter the field by offering free training programs and access to employment opportunities across the city. 

Zahrah Hill, who’s a plumber, and her mother Renee Wilson-Hill, a turbine generator winder, started their careers through Chicago Women In Trades. As part of our Last Word series, They give us a look into why they entered their industry.