Marilyn is married and has a blended family of four kids. She describes herself as American Puerto Rican and started with the Carpenters Union in NYC. She left that program because of health issues which prevented her from being able to make the classes. She then worked non-union in NYC for several years before moving to Springfield for family reasons and to find a safer community for her kids. She initially arrived in Springfield on her own and joined the union and she was immediately went to work. Once she was able to save money, she then brought her wife and children to Springfield.
Working as a union carpenter has shown me that financially I CAN support my family and live comfortably. Through the union I have met some amazing people and made some awesome good friends.
3nd year apprentice Carpenter, member since 2016