Encore Electric Team Attends Transportation & Construction GIRL Event for Another Year
October 7, 2025 – Lakewood, CO — On Thursday, September 25, more than 2,000 young women attended the HOYA Foundation Transportation & Construction GIRL Day, an event dedicated to expanding young women’s perspectives on career opportunities in the trades through hands-on activities. Among the 68 exhibitors, Encore Electric had an interactive booth where participants had the opportunity to test their electrical skills by wiring outlets, a light, a fan, and a three-way switch in the Encore Learning and Mobile Escape Room (ELMER).
“Transportation & Construction GIRL Day is a phenomenal event. When you witness girls approach one of our activities with a bit of trepidation, then transform with pride and confidence upon completing it, it’s incredibly rewarding,” said Emily English, Encore Electric service coordinator. “So many of the adults in attendance voiced how they wished they could have attended this kind of event as a young person. That underlines the importance of this event, which may be the only time girls are exposed to these career opportunities.”
Young women who stopped by the Encore Electric booth also had the opportunity to bend conduit, play cornhole, and explore the different career paths on the company-branded Plinko board.
“It was amazing to connect with teachers, parents, and the hundreds of girls who visited our booth. I had the opportunity to run our career adventure Plinko game and share the many exciting roles and job titles we have at Encore Electric,” said Purchasing Manager Erin Buker. “It was so fun to see the girls light up when they landed on roles like Superintendent or Project Manager—and there were even squeals of excitement when someone landed on ‘Encore’s President!’ Watching their curiosity and confidence grow about the field was truly the highlight of the day.”
In attendance at Transportation & Construction GIRL Day were Encore Electric teammates Emily McFadden and Ajanae Morris, both second year apprentices currently enrolled in the company’s apprenticeship program. Participants had the opportunity to learn about the program, ask questions, and gain firsthand insight into the experiences of women working in the trades.
“Emily and Ajanae were phenomenal examples for these girls, not only telling them about their experience in our apprenticeship program but demonstrating the knowledge and strength they themselves have gained through it,” English said. “I am always inspired by the Encore Electric staff that put so much of themselves into the day.”
Transportation & Construction GIRL® is impacting the next generation of women and has influenced many to begin a career in the trades, including McFadden who attended the Career Week for GIRLS™ in June 2023. Through the Career Week for GIRLS™ program, McFadden spent a day at Encore Electric and was so inspired by her experience that she chose to pursue a career in the electrical industry by beginning the apprenticeship program at Encore Electric. Since then, McFadden has been an advocate for women joining the trades.
“Transportation & Construction GIRL Day shows girls what is possible,” said Keller Hayes, director of Transportation & Construction GIRL®.
Other Encore Electric teammates in attendance included Chief of Staff Christine Romero, Recruiter Mary Oren, Account Manager Emily McCurley, and Project Engineer Jade Foster.
“This was my first year attending the Transportation & Construction GIRL® event. The event exceeded what I thought it would be, showcasing so much excitement and many options for future women in the industry,” Foster said. “There was so much to see and so much encouragement from the women representing the trades. There are many career paths out there and the Transportation & Construction GIRL® event highlighted many of those options that I hope young women feel empowered to consider a career in the trades.”
Every year, the event and number of attendees grow. In 2024, 1,700 young women attended while an estimated 2,100 participated in 2025.
Transportation and Construction GIRL Day is free and welcomes young women from all backgrounds to consider careers in the trades. To learn more about how Encore Electric supports Transportation & Construction GIRL® read Encore Electric Hosts Career Week for GIRLS™.
