Labor leader Mandy Jo Ganieany recognized for trades advocacy

Mandy Jo Ganieany, Director of Organizing for Painters District Council #30 and chair of IUPAT’s International Women’s Committee, is being recognized for her work advancing women’s leadership, workforce development and equity in construction. Her career highlights include a women’s leadership curriculum with Michigan State University, mentorship for female labor leaders and honors from NABTU and Influential Women. Why it matters: - Mandy Jo Ganieany is helping shape who gets access to careers and leadership in the construction trades. - Her work targets a labor market that needs more skilled workers, stronger leadership pipelines and greater representation of women and underrepresented workers. - Her approach links recruitment with retention, advancement and mentorship, which can affect union strength, contractor talent pools and long-term workforce stability. What happened: - Ganieany serves as Director of Organizing for Painters District Council #30 and chair of the International Women’s Committee for the International Union of Painters and Allied Trades. - She has spent more than 26 years in the union, starting as an apprentice and advancing through fieldworker, foreman, organizer and director roles. - She was recognized with the Tradeswoman/Tradesperson Hero Award by NABTU. - Influential Women selected Ganieany for its 2026 Illinois honorees. - More information is available through Mandy Jo Ganieany’s Influential Women profile . The details: - Ganieany leads labor leaders who develop organizing strategies and campaigns aimed at strengthening union membership and protecting workers’ rights. - Her leadership focuses on equitable opportunities across the construction industry. - She co-created a women’s leadership curriculum with Michigan State University. - The program has guided more than 80 female labor leaders through mentorship, professional development and leadership training. - Ganieany uses a STAND leadership framework that defines leadership by influence, accountability and impact rather than title. - She serves on multiple boards focused on at-risk youth, education access and career pathways. - Her guiding values are integrity, service, growth and faithfulness. Between the lines: - Ganieany’s career path shows how union experience can translate into broader leadership on workforce development and inclusion. - Her emphasis on visibility, trust and stretch suggests a practical model for advancing women in a field where advancement often depends on informal networks and on-the-job credibility. - The focus on public storytelling around trades careers reflects a broader effort to reframe construction work as a purpose-driven career path, not just a job. What’s next: - Ganieany is focused on expanding pathways for women, young people and underrepresented workers into sustainable careers and leadership roles. - She sees continued need for stronger mentorship, training and workplace support to keep workers in the industry and prepare future leaders. - Her ongoing work through union organizing, women’s advocacy and community service will likely continue to center equity and workforce development in the trades.