A gala will be held in late October to benefit a trades training program in Marin City. The event will bring together construction industry leaders, contractors, apprentices, community organizations and anyone who wishes to support pathways into skilled construction careers for women and underserved groups.
The fundraiser will help finance the nonprofit Tradeswomen Inc., which organizes workforce training and pre-apprenticeship programs, including efforts to prepare Marin City residents for work on the massive renovation of the Golden Gate Village public housing development.
The renovation will happen in two phases and span about five years, providing several opportunities for people who live in the village to acquire the training they need for a financially stable career.
The first class of 21 students graduated from a three-month pre-apprenticeship program in January. Participants learned to use power tools, install drywall, perform plumbing work, and understand electrical systems while also earning CPR training and a 10-hour safety certification from the federal Occupational Safety and Health Administration.
Beyond technical skills, the program emphasized financial literacy, physical and mental fitness, drug testing and job readiness.
Students also gained direct experience by renovating two Golden Gate Village units, stripping them to their structural elements and completing plumbing, electrical and carpentry work.
Program director Juanita Douglas said one graduate has been hired by Nibbi Brothers General Contractors, the project's general contractor, while others are being interviewed by representatives from the project's 40 subcontractors.
The organization hopes to raise $300,000 for a second training class. The money will mostly go to pay for the program's instructors, as well as some union fees for hires at the Golden Gate Village site.
The event will take place Oct. 23 from 5-9 p.m. at the Embassy Suites by Hilton hotel in San Rafael. Tickets can be purchased on Eventbrite at tinyurl.com/398ckxhx.
By Ruth Dusseault
Copyright © 2026 Bay City News, Inc.
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