Written by Faith Abercrombie
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Tucson, Arizona (Kugun) — A mother-daughter duo are pursuing careers in the construction industry, even though the construction industry is over 90% male.
Students at Pima Community College are building a new future.
“I was homeless not too long ago,” said her mother, Eileen Rivera.
“By December, hopefully we can graduate together. I will also graduate with my GED,” said daughter Angelina Damiano.
The two are making a name for themselves in a male-dominated industry while overcoming adversity.
“The program I am participating in is the Building Construction Technology, PCT program and I am going to get a carpentry license,” Rivera said.
With the help of Pima County’s one-stop program that connects them to resources such as the YWCA, they dream of starting their own business.
“I want to have my own company so I can fix homes for low-income people, eventually get their homes foreclosed on, and help people in need. ‘, said Rivera.
“For example, in Section 8, I know there are a lot of people who have got vouchers but are struggling with not having a vacant house, and that’s what I want to work on within the community,” she said. added.
Damiano and Rivera want to inspire other teenagers and single mothers, and encourage those struggling to find resources.
“It’s possible. There’s a lot of help out there, you just have to look for it and have the determination and drive to do what’s right for your future,” Rivera said.
“I want to inspire them to understand that they can achieve something like this at such a young age,” Damiano said.
Aiming to diversify the construction workforce, the two are scheduled to graduate in December this year.
“When I found out about this, when I finished high school and knew I could do something else, I was really excited,” said Damiano.
“I had no idea,” Rivera said.
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