The year’s Women Building Success Awards program for 2025 had two “firsts”: No. 1. They had co-winners in the Tradeswomen in Leadership category. According to board member Jenny Winkelaar, this was a “highly-debated category.” Nothing in the recommendations could sway the debate one way or the other so a tie was declared between Insulators Local 34’s Erica Hartse and Colleen Bilbeau of Laborers Local 34.

No. 2. For the first time in its eight year history, a contractor who just happens to be a man was a finalist for the Women’s Advocate of the Year award at the Women Building Success Awards held at Kellerman’s Event Center in White Bear Lake.

Justin Gabrielson, Chief Executive Officer of Ames Construction, collected an honorable mention award for his company’s contribution to helping women in construction. Ames’s contribution to Women Building Success is not new; they were there looking to help from the organization’s inception in 2017. 

“Justin is truly an advocate – and a champion for women in the construction field,” Winkelaar said. “Justin and his team at Ames aren’t waiting to do something. They are very proactive. Ames makes sure women have the same opportunities as men, and they are great at initiating programs from the top down.”

 The evening paid tribute with a video presentation to the women who have been pioneers in the union construction trades field, paving the way for younger women in attendance at the event. Plans are already underway for the 2027 event which will mark the organization’s 10 year anniversary.

Here are winners and honorable mentions awarded in their respective categories:

Apprentice of the Year

Honorable Mentions

Cadra Hebert – IBREW 110

Destiny Rowan – Sheet Metal Local 10

Nataloie Pilrain – Operating Engineers Local 49

Amelia Swartout – IBEW 292

 

Winner – Michaela Oelkers, Iron Workers Local 512

 

Journey Worker of the Year

Honorable Mentions

Morgen Larsen – Carpenters Local 68

Tamar Williams – Elevator Constructors Local 9

 

Winner – Heidi Loesch, Operating Engineers Local 49

 

Women’s Advocate of the Year

Honorable Mentions

Rachel Ramroop – Sheet Metal Local 110

Justin Gabrielson – Ames Construction

 

Winner – Rachel Malmer, IBEW 110

 

Tradeswomen in Leadership

Winners (2) –

Erica Hartse, Heat & frost Insulators local 34

Colleen Bibeau, Laborers