USW - United Steelworkers
11/22/2024 | News release | Distributed by Public on 11/23/2024 17:25
Veronica Bragassa Celebrates 28 Years of Knowledge and Power at Local 650L
Nov 22, 2024
Veronica Bragassa Celebrates 28 Years of Knowledge and Power at Local 650L
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The following article is part of the Women of Steel "Sister Stories" series.
Veronica Bragassa will soon be celebrating her 28th year as a member of USW Local 650L at Arrowhead Products in Los Alamitos, Calif.
As a resistance seam welder specialist, her job is physical and demanding. It's an environment where many women may not feel comfortable, as it is a male-dominated field, but Bragassa said that because of her collective bargaining agreement, her rights and dignity as a woman at work are protected.
"Seniority and having a willingness to learn and a good work ethic will get a woman any job here that a man can have," she said.
Bragassa currently serves as a steward and as co-chair for the local's Women of Steel (WOS) committee. She is also a WOS facilitator, leading workshops and trainings on issues impacting women on the job, including health and safety concerns.
She said she has discovered so much about herself and others by participating in Women of Steel, including the importance of networking and being open to learning new things.
"Knowledge is power," Bragassa said, "and like iron sharpens iron, to be amongst strong women is encouraging and helps me to be more confident in stepping forward."
The Women of Steel program, she said, is an incredible opportunity for women to simply connect and find hope.
"Knowing you're not alone is huge," said Bragassa. "It's amazing to know that support is just a phone call away."
If Bragassa could tell her younger self one thing, it would simply be to enjoy the moment.
"There was something to enjoy at every stage of life," she said. "What's important is to keep a positive perspective and a good attitude."