Local 55’s Cannon honored by NAMC

Greater Cleveland Council of Tradeswomen Executive Board members attended the NAMC gala to honor GCCT President Doreen Cannon.

One of Cleveland’s own was honored at a national conference for her dedication and leadership in the construction industry.

Doreen Cannon, President of the Greater Cleveland Council of Tradeswomen and former President of Plumbers Local 55, was honored during the National Association of Minority Contractors’ 56th annual National Conference. 

Held in Cleveland from June 17-19 at the Cleveland Marriott Downtown at Key Tower, the conference focuses on fostering growth, innovation and equity in the construction industry.

The three-day conference brought together minority contractors, industry leaders, government officials and construction professionals from across the nation to discuss emerging trends, share best practices and explore new business opportunities.

On the final night of the conference, NAMC Ohio presented Cannon with the Fannie Lewis Construction Advocate Award during the 
gala dinner.

Cannon was honored to receive the award and thanked the men and women who have helped her throughout her career.

“I am accepting this award on behalf of all the Cleveland area tradeswomen. This award is not just about me,” she said. “I thank Dave Wondolowski, who helped start the Tradeswomen Council. We needed the CBCTC’s support to gain the support of all its affiliated Local unions, and they have been wonderful in supporting us and helping us spread the word.”

From the time she started as an apprentice with Local 55, the nationwide percentage of women in the construction industry has risen from 1.9 percent to 4 percent, and Cannon is proud to play a role in the growth of women in the trades. 

She recalled how she was the only female on the jobsite during her first couple of years in the trades, and by her fourth year, she finally had the opportunity to work with another female plumber. 

By the time she topped out as a journeyman, she had worked with three female plumbers on 
one project. 

Today, she acknowledged the growing prevalence of women in the building trades. 

Throughout Cannon’s career, she has served as a role model for other tradeswomen. 

“I met two tradeswomen at the conference who heard me speak at national conferences and told me I was their role model,” Cannon said. “They recalled how I challenged them to do more.”

Not only has she been a role model, but Cannon has been a staunch advocate of bringing more women and minorities into the building trades. 

“If we don’t tell the story about the opportunities available in the trades, how will they know? This is a great time to be in construction,” she said. “We have to grow our numbers because work is so good, and we need to replace those who 
are retiring.” 

Cannon noted that nationwide, women make up half the workforce, which she believes makes it easier to recruit them into the building trades compared to when she first started her career. 

“Today, people realize the value of getting into the trades,” she added. 

Now retired from the tools, Cannon remains active by heading the CBCTC Tradeswomen Council.

She also credited her Executive Board, which she called a diverse group, for accepting the challenge of advocating for and promoting career opportunities for women and minorities in the trades.