SMART Local 16 is proud and excited to highlight just a few of our amazing sisters during Women in Construction Week.

Linda Wells | SMART Local 16 Member

Linda Wells has worked in the sheet metal trade for nearly 20 years, gaining experience in almost every aspect of the craft — and squeezing into more tight spaces than she can count. What began as a spark of curiosity has grown into a fulfilling career that continues to challenge and inspire her. Linda takes great pride in her work and remains grateful for the opportunities the trade has provided, as well as the constant learning and growth it brings.

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Carly Rush | SMART Local 16 Member

Carly Rush is a journeyman with Local 16 and has been part of the union for 11 years. She currently works for Total Mechanical. Her path into construction began when a former boss doubted her ability to handle a maintenance job as an apartment manager — a challenge that sparked her determination to prove what she could do. In 2014, Carly completed Oregon Tradeswomen’s pre-apprenticeship Trades and Apprenticeship Career Class and began her sheet metal apprenticeship the following year. Since then, she’s thrived in a variety of roles and continues to enjoy working in the field. Surrounded by a great crew, Carly says the camaraderie and hands-on work make every day rewarding.

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Devon Johnstone | SMART Local 16 Member

Devon Johnstone discovered her passion for the sheet metal trade through the Oregon Tradeswomen pre-apprenticeship training course. During the program, she explored several trades, but none felt quite as natural as sheet metal. The moment she visited the Local 16 union hall and training center, she knew she had found her path. Three years later, Devon has no regrets — even when work slows down, she finds joy in learning new skills and the balance of using both her mind and body to create meaningful work. Outside the job, she stays active through bouldering, qi gong, and tai chi, and enjoys time with her 19-year-old cockatiel or exploring the outdoors and appreciating the beauty of nature.

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Diana Loveall | SMART Local 16 Member

Diana Loveall grew up in the Pacific Northwest and, like many, spent time exploring different career paths after finishing school. After graduating high school in 2007 and college in 2013, she wasn’t sure which direction to take — until she enrolled in the Oregon Tradeswomen pre-apprenticeship program. A visit to the Sheet Metal Institute sparked her interest and set her course for the trade. Following five years of apprenticeship and nine years as a proud Local 16 member, Diana remains passionate about her work in sheet metal and proud to be part of the union that helped her build a fulfilling career.

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Hannah Neff | SMART Local 16 Member

Before joining the trades, Hannah Neff worked for an industrial company that built airplane engine parts. As the first woman to work in the heavy shop, she quickly realized she was looking for something more. Three years ago, she took a leap of faith and entered the trades — not knowing exactly what to expect. Through long days and hard work, she earned her certification as a welder.

With sparks flying and steel taking shape, Hannah has built a reputation for efficiency, reliability, and a strong work ethic. She shows up each day ready to work, to improve, and to learn something new. For Hannah, the trade is about more than fabricating metal — it’s about shaping her future with strength, precision, and determination. She looks forward to growing into a leadership role and continuing to refine her craft.

Always driven to improve, Hannah takes pride in every project she touches. To her, each weld represents resilience, growth, and the unstoppable spirit of a tradeswoman who’s just getting started.

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Beatriz Martinez | SMART Local 16 Member

Beatriz Martinez, 34, is a proud second-generation union member, inspired by her mother’s 30-plus years of union involvement to follow a similar path. Now a member of SMART Local 16, Beatriz has spent nearly a decade in the trades and currently works as a premium-level welder and fitter at Thompson Metal Fab, where she’s been for about three years.

Beatriz takes immense pride in her craft, finding happiness, accomplishment, and purpose in the work she does every day. Surrounded by a supportive team that respects and encourages her growth, she continues to push herself to be the best welder she can be. Grateful for the opportunities and community she’s found in the trades, Beatriz says her career has given her both confidence and fulfillment.

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Madyson Ebert | SMART Local 16 Member

Madyson Ebert’s path into the trades wasn’t a straight line. While working at a job that lacked a clear future, a chance conversation with a customer changed everything. After sharing her love for physical, hands-on work, the customer introduced her to Oregon Tradeswomen — sparking Madyson’s curiosity about the possibilities in the trades.

During Oregon Tradeswomen’s program, a visit to the Sheet Metal Institute sealed her decision to pursue sheet metal as a career. Nearly ten years later, Madyson has contributed to projects across a wide range of industries — from schools and research facilities to data centers and high-tech buildings. She’s currently working in Boise on a project involving Fiberglass Reinforced Pipe, a challenge she embraces as part of her continued growth.

Madyson feels fortunate for the unique blend of jobs and connections she’s made over the years, and she continues to take pride in building both structures and lasting relationships within the trade.

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Caroline Smith | SMART Local 16 Member

Caroline Smith found the Sheet Metal trade after completing Oregon Tradeswomen’s TACC pre-apprenticeship program and hit the ground running. She moved to Central Oregon for a job and fell in love with mountain life, hiking, and camping year-round.

Caroline is so proud to be a Sheet Metal Journeyman with Local 16. She has volunteered for outreach events, attended conferences, and met amazing people along the way. It has been a life-changing experience, and she continues to learn and grow through each new season.