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Who She Was
Judaline Cassidy grew up in Trinidad and Tobago in a family that faced poverty. As a child, she struggled with dyslexia and was told by those around her that she wasn't smart enough to succeed. After moving to the United States, she discovered the plumbing trade and found something she was not only skilled at but also passionate about. She became the first woman to join Plumbers Local 371 in Staten Island, New York, and later became the first woman elected to the Examining Board of Plumbers Local No. 1 in New York City. She has now been working as a union plumber for over 25 years.
Why She Matters
Judaline demonstrated that being a plumber involves much more than just fixing pipes. In 2017, she founded Tools & Tiaras, a nonprofit that teaches girls aged 6 to 14 practical skills in plumbing, carpentry, electrical work, and welding through workshops and summer camps. Her motto is clear and straightforward: "Jobs Don't Have Genders." She was named a CNN Champion for Change in 2020 and a L'Oreal Woman of Worth in 2023. Her journey from a child told she could not succeed to a trailblazer breaking barriers in the trades proves that persistence, hard work, and a willingness to challenge expectations can open doors that were previously closed.
