Carmen Richardson
Carpenters Local 322
ABOUT carmen:
In 2009, Carmen Richardson was a security guard living paycheck to paycheck and knew she needed a change. She came across an ad that read ‘Women Wear Hard Hats’ and was immediately drawn to it. Carmen’s father was a roofer for many years and her brothers got to tag along to his jobs but she never had the chance because ‘she was a girl’. When Carmen saw that Women Wear Hard Hats ad, she decided to act and enrolled at Summit Academy. Just five months later, she was receiving job offers and preparing to graduate from the program.
The early days of her career were challenging both physically and mentally. She often had to prove herself, with some people doubting her abilities simply because she was a woman. But despite the challenges, Carmen was fortunate to have a couple of women on the job who supported her and helped her grow. She credits them with playing a key role in her success and says she would not be where she is today without their guidance. Now, with 15 years of experience in the industry, Carmen is heavily involved in the Sisters in the Brotherhood (SIB) committee in the Twin Cities, attending networking events, volunteering, and participating in group activities hosted by the organization.
Carmen's dedication, hard work, and skill have set her apart in the industry. As a finalist for the 2025 Finance and Commerce Women in Construction Awards as an outstanding tradesperson, Carmen continues to lead both on and off the job site, inspiring others. She has taken on the role of a mentor, encouraging the next generation of women in construction. Currently, she is working with JE Dunn on the Minnesota Capitol State Office Building renovations and is a great member of the Carpenters Union.