The first District 13 Women of Steel (WOS) Leadership Development Course was conducted in Dallas, Texas from August 30 to September 2.  Thirteen locals and 30 women participated in the event. 

The course included small group activities, group discussions and presentations from guest speakers. A few of the topics included: How the union works, Building leadership skills, Rapid Response, On the job injuries, and Obstacles facing women.

Guest speakers included District Director Mickey Breaux, Director of Women of Steel Ann Flener, District Rapid Response Coordinator Ben Lilienfeld, and President of Texas State AFL-CIO Becky Moeller.  Facilitators were Tanya Booker, Local 711T; Mary Keeton, Local 752L; Jackie Boyce, Local 1148 and District Coordinator Julie Lidstone.

The extended hours of training may have been tiring but the advantages of making some new friends, a hand-full of laughs and shared knowledge their experiences made it all worth while. All the participants received a Certificate of Achievement, a WOS pin, and a district pin at graduation. 

Director Breaux, the District 13 staff and the event planners wish to thank to all locals and their members for sending these wonderful women to our first Leadership Development Course!

The next District 13 Women of Steel Leadership Development Course will be held during the first quarter of 2010.  Stay tuned to the District 13 Web site for more details.