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

Mady Ebert | SMART Local 16 Member

“First time I remember meeting Mady Ebert, was out at KCRB, circa ’17. Vertically challenged, Mady was asked to hook up “for the sake of this story”, a 60 in. stainless steel elbow in a 68 in. wide bio-med lab room.

To this day, I still don’t know what kind of sheet metal witchcraft she used to make that connection, but here we are, 8 years later, and she’s still casting spells. Part of her “magic” is in her ability to approach her work, purely undaunted, by whatever the size of the task or request. Need her to layout 500 wall penetrations on a hospital floor?! Consider it done. How about while trying to line out crews on 4 other floors!? For Mady, no sweat. How about coordinating clashes with framers and electricians and sprinkler fitters and plumbers while doing all that!?!? Oh, and let’s throw in logistics (getting materials up to the floors) as well as hunting down dimensions, coordinating models and running the Trimble layout and hanger insertion for the entire job?

Seems pretty invaluable to me. And that’s exactly what her hard work and friendship over the years has been. None so much as on this current job. I have relied on Mady every single day at the OHSU/IPA project. I believe she has earned the respect of the crew because they see what I have seen. She would hate the fact that she is being called out for these things, because she does it as an extension of her work ethic, not for any kind of recognition. But it gives me such joy to do so, because of how it embarrasses her. Yet another admirable trait….I haven’t even got into her incredible artwork, her comical hatred of all things stairs, and our shared love of films and food.

In short, maybe Mady aka ” Dr. Dog/Mad Dog” Ebert isn’t the Spell Caster, as much as she is the actual Spell Book. And like a Spell Book, I am incredibly thankful for the knowledge, power, help and the support she has been for me. So there!”

By Derek Kalberg

Jinnie Freeman | SMART Local 16 Member

“Jinnie Freeman exemplifies the values of hard work, integrity, and resilience that have made the OHEP IPA project so rewarding. Beyond her hard work and expertise, Jinnie has been recognized many times outside of our company for her steadfast morals, unwavering ethics, and her willingness to help anyone on and off the job site. In an industry where decisions carry responsibility, she has been and is a shining example of what “doing the right thing” means. At the OHEP IPA Project, we are proud to have Jinnie Freeman as part of the team.”

By Tyler Black

Hannah Neff | SMART Local 16 Member

“Over the past several months, we have had the pleasure of working with Hannah and getting to know her. Hannah is a valuable member of our team at Southland and shows up every morning with a great attitude. She is eager to learn and grow in the trade and picks things up quickly. Hannah brings great ideas and input to our team and is always thinking ahead and showing initiative. We have really enjoyed mentoring and working with Hannah and look forward to seeing her grow and progress over the next several years of her career.”

By Stephano Einfeldt

Kim Peterson | SMART Local 16 Member

“Off and on the job site, Kim is always encouraging, kind, and cares about everyone. She started the apprenticeship in 2016 and has continued to learn and grow every day. Kim is one of the most positive people I have encountered in the trade, never letting things get to her, and pours her passion into everything she touches.”

BY Korri Bus

Charissa Schubert | SMART Local 16 Member

“Charissa came into the trade and quickly moved to a foreman position after completion of the apprenticeship. She loves sharing her knowledge and skill so much that she has recently accepted a position as a full-time instructor with the Sheet Metal Institute. I’m so lucky to have her as a sheet metal sister.”

By Korri Bus