Valencia McDaniel and Erica Jean-Baptiste are on a mission to solve the issue of the skills trade gap in construction through the company that they co-founded; Women Gone Global Partners. Both women come from different backgrounds, but they have the same dream, and their partnership is giving the construction industry a female face. In this episode, you’ll hear about some of the reasons behind the skills trade gap that exists, and the work that Women Gone Global Partners is doing to fill it. Their philosophy is based on their ultimate goal of developing and enhancing communities; they believe that the best way to do this is by equipping women with skills, and we couldn’t agree more! If you want to get involved in one of Women Gone Global Partners’ exciting upcoming (virtual) projects, stay tuned till the end!
Sn. 2, #20 Valencia McDaniel and Erica Jean-Baptiste: Equipping, Growing, and Building
Emily Soloby
Emily received her BA in Women’s Studies and JD from Temple University. Early on, she worked as a legal advocate for women in domestic violence cases. After practicing law, Emily began working on the business side of things. She is the co-owner of AAA School of Trucking, a truck and heavy equipment safety training firm, which she has spent the last 10 years growing into a thriving national business through government and military contracting and corporate partnerships.
As an executive in the transportation industry, darting from client meeting to trucking range required safety boots that met her style standards, and when she couldn’t find them anywhere, she created Juno Jones Shoes. Emily trained in shoemaking in Cuernavaca, Mexico and at the Brooklyn Shoe Space, and assembled a powerhouse team of designers, consultants, and industry experts to bring Juno Jones to life. Through Juno Jones Shoes, Emily is fulfilling her dream of not only providing women with safe, stylish footwear options for their jobs but of helping to normalize and empower women in traditionally male-dominated fields.
For more information go to junojonesshoes.com.
Valencia McDaniel and Erica Jean-Baptiste
“We believe with continuing investments into the well-being of women you not only build the women, but you also build her family, which builds her community and creates a win-win.” -Erica Jean-Baptiste
Through pre-apprenticeship and apprenticeship training, and job placement opportunities in the skilled trades, we focus on removing the barriers to several career opportunities and retention in the industry. We also focus on total health and financial wellness needed for self-sufficiency and retention while creating a positive socio-economic impact in our communities.
“Having our own business gives us the ability to apply creative solutions to existing and future problems facing disadvantaged women in our communities. Our knowledge and experience in the construction industry allow us to generate opportunities for several viable careers and business opportunities in the industry.” -Valencia McDaniel
