King County receives recognition at annual Women in Trades event

The Washington Women in Trades Job Fair held recently at the Seattle Center brought together a diverse array of talented individuals in the trades industry. The event served as a platform for showcasing the exciting career opportunities available at King County, while highlighting the county’s support for diversity and innovation.

Left to right: Erika Ruff, Rail Facilities Electrician (and her daughter, seated); Trish Parker, Rail Transit Admin Support Specialist; Whitney Abrams, King County Chief People Officer; Maria Roberts, Chief of Rail Electrical Workers

The job fair was a vibrant gathering, where attendees had the chance to connect with skilled professionals and explore various career pathways. From carpentry to electrical work, participants engaged with representatives from different trades, gaining insights into the industry’s latest trends and developments.

“It was inspiring to see so many skilled and passionate individuals who are driving innovation in the trades industry,” remarked one of the Light Rail attendees. “The job fair provided a valuable opportunity to network and learn about the diverse career options available.”

King County’s support for Women in Trades was also recognized at the event. Chief People Officer Whitney Abrams accepted an award marking May 3 as King County Day. Over the years, the County has been committed to promoting diversity and inclusion in the trades, and this commitment was evident in its active participation and support for the job fair.

Several King County departments and divisions were represented at the event, include Department of Executive Services, the Department of Human Resources, Department of Natural Resources and Parks, Department of Local Services, and King County Metro.

The Washington Women in Trades Job Fair at the Seattle Center was a testament to King County’s dedication to fostering a diverse and inclusive workforce. By providing a platform for networking and showcasing career opportunities, the event not only highlighted the county’s support for Women in Trades but also celebrated the talents and contributions of individuals in the trades industry.

Standing, left to right: Maria Roberts, Chief of Rail Electrical Workers; Erica Minshull, Human Resource Analyst; Whitney Abrams, Chief People Officer; Nasir Khudaiberdiev, Metro Rail Division PPM III; Grace Pastores, Human Resource Associate
Seated, left to right: Trish Parker, Rail Transit Admin Support Specialist; Sarah Farahani, Rail Internal Communications Specialist; Jacky Lu, Human Resource Analyst; Natalia Strom, Human Resource Associate;
Emily Clark, Sr. Human Resource Analyst