United Way of Long Island proudly launched Girls Who Build, a hands-on career exploration initiative designed to introduce young women to opportunities in construction, clean energy, engineering, and skilled trades supported by Haugland Group. The program took place on August 13 & 14 at United Way’s E3SmartBuild Training Center in Deer Park. It was made possible through the support of The Haugland Group and partner organizations, including Girl Scouts of Nassau and Suffolk County, Girls Inc. of Long Island, and National Grid Ventures.
Over the two days, 22 girls ages 15–17 participated in interactive workshops, site tours, and learning stations led by industry leaders and role models from organizations such as PSEG Long Island, North Atlantic States Carpenters Council, Opportunities Long Island, WDI, Orsted, Morrison Mentors, Interplay VR with Danielle, and the National Society of Black Engineers.
Participants engaged in building science demonstrations, virtual reality career simulations that immersed them in different occupations and helped them envision new career paths, and a conservation-focused tour of the Jones Beach Energy & Nature Center, which included a drone construction workshop. Day one also featured a tool giveaway, allowing the girls to take home practical resources for continued exploration.
A highlight of the event was a keynote speech by Sally Librera, President of National Grid New York State, who shared insights on “the art of the pivot”, inspiring participants to embrace adaptability and resilience in their future careers.
Through Girls Who Build, United Way of Long Island is creating meaningful opportunities for young women to explore fields where they are traditionally underrepresented, connect with mentors, and gain confidence in imagining future careers in energy, engineering, and construction.
“By investing in programs like Girls Who Build, we are introducing girls to new career paths with the potential for upward mobility, while also aligning them with strong women role models who are excelling in high-growth, high-demand sectors where there is plenty of room for greater female representation. Together, we are creating an on-ramp to ensure the next generation of innovators in energy, engineering, and construction is strong, diverse, and empowered,” said Theresa Regnante, President and CEO of United Way of Long Island.
For more information about United Way of Long Island’s workforce development and youth programs, visit www.unitedwayli.org
About United Way of Long Island
United Way of Long Island advances the common good, creating opportunities for a better life for all by focusing on three key building blocks: health, education, and financial stability. United Way invests in community partnerships to help our most vulnerable and at-risk residents through organizations and programs that grant access to resources and services across the region. For more information about United Way of Long Island, please visit www.unitedwayli.org, call 2.1.1, or follow us on Facebook, LinkedIn, and Instagram.
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