It's Our 10-Year Anniversary Celebrating a Decade of Massachusetts Girls in Trades!

Student Leadership Council

Our Non-Traditional CTE Students Strengthen their Leadership Skills

The Massachusetts Girls in Trades Student Leadership Council will engage young women (including transgender and non-binary individuals) currently enrolled in construction-related career and technical education programs, in discussions and activities to further promote leadership skills, fairness, and equity for learners in pathways that are non-traditional for their gender. Our specific focus is on women pursuing careers in the union construction trades, but all are welcome as broad-minded allies.

Student Leadership Mission
The Equity in the Trades Student Leadership Council will engage student learners in discussions and activities to further promote fairness and equity for non-traditional learners.

Our specific focus is on pathways for women pursuing careers in union construction trades but ALL are welcome as broad-minded allies.

Jaylene dos Santos

Student Leadership Council Chair

Jaylene dos Santos is an Engineering Technology teacher at Nashoba Valley Tech with over 11 years of teaching experience. Prior to entering education, she spent 8 years working in civil engineering consulting. Jaylene is an active member of the SkillsUSA Massachusetts Management Team, where she has overseen Technology Events for the past decade. She holds a Bachelor of Science in Civil Engineering from Wentworth Institute of Technology and a Master’s in Occupational Education from Fitchburg State University. Passionate about bridging industry and education, Jaylene is dedicated to preparing the next generation of skilled professionals.

Student Leadership Council Project

Promotional Bulletin Board:
Students will create a bulletin board promoting girls in trade within their schools and community. The board should promote the career pathways after graduation. Showcase the work being done by the girls in your school building. Bulletin Boards can be affixed to the wall or a trifold board that can be displayed.

Boards should include:

  • Projects created by students
  • Work within the community
  • Co-op placements
  • Pay ranges for different careers within the trade community.

Other ideas

  • Union application deadlines and how to apply to trade unions.
  • Local Job Opportunities
  • Mentoring opportunities for other students.
  • Publications to share within your school buildings.

Meet the Officers

Each officer plays a vital role in the Student Leadership Council, working together to organize events, advocate for student needs, and foster a positive school culture. While their specific roles are still being defined, all officers are dedicated to leadership and making sure students' voices are heard. As the core leaders of the SLC, they lead workshops, serve as ambassadors for the council, and represent the student body at various events.

While each officer may take on additional duties based on their strengths and interests, all members of the Student Leadership Council are expected to:
Collaborate: Work together to plan events and address student concerns.
Advocate: Represent the interests and needs of the student body.
Engage: Participate actively in school activities, foster inclusivity, and encourage student involvement

Lara Neves

Lara Neves

Engineering

Lara is a student at Blackstone Valley Tech, Class of 2027, currently enrolled in the Engineering program. Passionate about leadership and personal growth, Lara is committed to learning from diverse perspectives and experiences. She is especially dedicated to supporting and empowering young women pursuing careers in the trades, helping to pave the way for the next generation of skilled professionals.

Phoebe Burke

Phoebe Burke

Engineering & Robotics

Phoebe is a senior at Blackstone Valley Tech, enrolled in the Engineering and Robotics program. As a passionate advocate for girls in the trades, Phoebe is dedicated to creating a supportive and empowering environment where young women can build confidence and community. Her goal as a leader is to help others feel safe, valued, and inspired—carrying the lessons of MGIT into their futures, whether in the workforce, higher education, or beyond.

Aileen Fiestas

Aileen Fiestas

Electrical

Aileen is a sophomore at Medford Vocational Technical High School, enrolled in the Electrical program. Inspired by her grandfather’s success in the trade and her love for hands-on work from a young age, Aileen is passionate about pursuing a career as a residential or commercial electrician. As a MAGIT state officer, she is committed to creating a space where women in the trades are respected, supported, and seen as equals. Motivated by the challenges she has witnessed in her own shop, Aileen is determined to be a voice for change and help empower girls to take pride in their place within the trades.

Jillian Deady

Jillian Deady

Advanced Manufacturing

Jillian is a student at Franklin County Technical School, enrolled in the Advanced Manufacturing program. With several industry-recognized certifications already under her belt, Jillian is passionate about precision machining and has developed strong technical skills through hands-on training. Born on an Air Force base in Mississippi and raised in a military family, Jillian learned independence and resilience from a young age. As a MAGIT state officer, she is dedicated to helping young women become confident self-advocates and building a supportive community where girls in the trades can share experiences, overcome challenges, and grow together. Jillian plans to pursue a degree in mechanical engineering and hopes to one day start her own business in the manufacturing industry.

Isabella McLaughlin

Isabella McLaughlin

Advanced Manufacturing & Fabrication

Isabella is a senior at Blackstone Valley Tech, enrolled in the Advanced Manufacturing and Fabrication program. With a strong passion for supporting women in the trades, Isabella is eager to share her experience, knowledge, and encouragement with other young women entering male-dominated fields. As a MAGIT state officer, she is committed to raising awareness about the organization’s impact and helping build a supportive network for girls pursuing technical careers. Isabella looks forward to working alongside her fellow officers to make this year one of MAGIT’s most impactful yet.

Student Leadership Council Summit, Spring 2024

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