Phyllis Gillmore established “Sisters in the Trades” to promote solidarity, increase awareness and facilitate the growth and empowerment of Black women in the trades. She worked as a Carpenter becoming a Journeyperson in 2000 and took great pride in being a member of Local 27 and the United Brotherhood of Carpenters and Joiners of America. Phyllis believed in the benefits of working in the union, and strived to educate her union brothers and sisters about the strength of solidarity and the benefits of organizing. 

She took even more pride in being a sister in the construction trades and she worked tirelessly to achieve equity in the union. Her accomplishments were many and her path opened doors for other women who followed her into the trades. We lost Phyllis in May 9th, 2008 but her trailblazing efforts will be felt by countless others for many years to come.