Marlen Miranda, Drywall Finisher

Before joining the union as a drywall finisher, Marlen met a friend who introduced her to the trade. She had no experience but needed a change and wanted something new. After a year of working with a local company, Marlen heard about an opportunity at Centro Laboral de Graton, who worked with the DC16 Apprenticeship School, and after completing a 6-month program in 2017, Marlen joined Local 83 as a 75% apprentice.

Marlen is now a journeyman working full time and is excited to be attending the Tradeswomen Build Nations conference representing Local 83 in Las Vegas this October. What she says about encouraging other women is “Don’t be intimidated by men on the job, it isn’t as hard as it looks. The union offers good work for good pay”.

In her spare time, Marlen spends time with her family and is dedicated to taking care of them.