March 3, 2026
Women at Work: Tools and Tiaras
Celebrating Women’s History Month & Women in the Trades
Tools and Tiaras is a nonprofit skilled trades mentorship program founded by master plumber Judaline Cassidy in 2017. Based in New York, the organization works to eliminate gender barriers in plumbing, construction, painting, carpentry, and sheet metal work through workshops, summer camps, and classes for girls ages 6 to 14. We visited Judaline and some of her crew with gear from the new Women at Work series to learn more about the team and how they're inspiring girls to believe in themselves and learn skills that they can carry with them throughout their lives.
Meet Judaline
The trades taught me that I could teach my daughter she could accomplish anything.
Judaline
Judaline Cassidy is a master plumber, motivational speaker, and founder of Tools and Tiaras. Born in Trinidad, she was one of the first three women to study plumbing at the John Davidson Technical Institute and later became the first woman inducted into Plumbers Local 371 in Staten Island. She also founded the first Women's Committee at Plumbers Local No. 1 in New York City.
And those are just a few of Judaline's pioneering accomplishments in the trades. She founded Tools and Tiaras in 2017 to share her passion and inspire others to forge their own paths. "Any woman who's looking at me, and you want to get into this, I want you to say yes. I want you to believe in yourself and believe that you can do this."
Meet Carey
When they see us, and a lot of women in the trades, it’s like "Oh, wow! This is possible for me to do.
Carey
Carey is Judaline’s daughter and the inspiration behind the Tools and Tiaras logo. She’s also an accomplished tradeswoman in her own right with eight years of experience as a sheet metal worker as part of Local 28 in NYC where she graduated from an apprenticeship program and also serves as the Vice President of the Women’s Committee.
Meet Amanda
I hope that the work that I'm doing...is going to help women come into the industry and stay.
Amanda
Amanda is a second-generation sheet metal worker from a family steeped in the trades, including her uncle, brother, cousin, and fiancé. She’s a journey woman for the Local 28 Sheet Metal Union where she serves as the President of the Women’s Committee and focuses on supporting women as they build long-term careers in the skilled trades. “I like to tell people who are hesitant to stay in the industry, especially sheet metal, that...no one is going to have the same path. There are so many ways...you can find your success.”
Meet Chanel
Do what you put your mind to. Don't let nobody tell you “ you can or cannot,” because only you know your limits.
Chanel
Chanel grew up learning to paint from her dad. Now she’s been in the painting trade for 13 years and loves sharing her insights as a mentor with Tools and Tiaras. “I never expected to be an instructor. I just wanted to work and go home. But it makes me happy that everybody saw my worth and gave me a chance. So that was everything for me.”
Meet Michelle
This job is inspiring. But at the same time, you’re going to get a paycheck every single week. You’re going to be working. You’re going to be able to save and buy a home. For me, I put two kids in college because of this trade.
Michelle
Michelle has been a union painter for 21 years and currently works for the New York City Housing Authority. She also serves as a Council Delegate for her local union chapter. Through her work with Tools and Tiaras, she encourages mentees to pursue their goals in the skilled trades, “Don’t give up. Don’t let anything or anyone stop you from your goal.”
Meet Estelle
You get a lot of gratification out of what you’re doing and it provides a service. It’s always helpful to someone.
Estelle
Estelle got into the trades as a way to earn a steady income as a single mother. After completing an apprenticeship in carpentry over 25 years ago, she fell in love with the work and has been in the industry ever since. Estelle appreciates. “You get a lot of gratification out of what you’re doing and it provides a service. It’s always helpful to someone.”
Meet the mentees
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We get to use machines that not all girls get to use. And it’s an opportunity for us. And I feel really lucky because I want other people to know I can do anything.
Elizabeth
While we were visiting the mentors at Tools and Tiaras we had the opportunity to see a painting workshop firsthand where mentees learned tools and techniques that they can apply in real-world situations. Beyond painting, some of the mentees attend classes where they learn to use power tools, weld, and so much more.
Tools and Tiaras at a Glance
What is Tools and Tiaras?
Tools and Tiaras is a nonprofit trades education and youth mentorship program founded in 2017 to introduce girls ages 6–14 to careers in the skilled trades.
Who founded Tools and Tiaras?
The organization was founded by master plumber and trades advocate Judaline Cassidy.
What trades does Tools and Tiaras focus on?
The program introduces girls to plumbing, painting, carpentry, sheet metal work, and other construction-related trades.
Where does Tools and Tiaras operate?
The organization is based in New York City and works with local unions and trade professionals.
How does Tools and Tiaras support women in the trades?
Through mentorship, hands-on workshops, and career exposure, the program helps young girls see viable, rewarding futures in skilled trade careers.
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