Irene Soloway
#lgbtqpridemonthProfiles
Irene Soloway was a carpenter who advocated for women in the trades, both to eliminate discrimination and to increase their representation. As a lesbian in New York City’s carpentry industry starting in the 1970s, she made it a priority to educate other members of the Carpenters Union about gender and race issues. She also was a founding member of United Tradeswomen, an organization that provided support to women and encouraged their participation in apprenticeships.