ABOUT US

Building Skills. Breaking Barriers.

Meet the Team

Behind our movement is a powerful community of women leaders in construction — from seasoned tradeswomen to innovators and advocates — united by a mission to elevate girls in the industry.

Meet the people guiding our vision forward:

Together, we’re building a stronger pipeline of women in the trades — one empowered girl at a time.

Meet the Founder

Holly Brookes

Founder & President of GRIT

As the founder of Girls Rising in Trades (GRIT), Holly brings a lifelong connection to the trades. She is the President of a women-owned, third-generation construction company, inspired by a long line of union tradeswomen who paved the way in a traditionally male-dominated industry. As a mother of two daughters and aunt to nieces, she is passionate about creating opportunities for the next generation of girls-so they know it’s not only possible but empowering to pursue careers in the trades. Holly is a member of Bricklayers & Allied Craftsmen Union Local 3 and National Association of Women in Construction (NAWIC).

Meet the Board

Aimee Foley

Aimee started her career through the apprenticeship program of Bricklayers & Allied Craftsmen Union Local 3. She has had a successful career in the field, rising through to becoming a foreman leading large teams on project sites. She then transitioned into a Project Management role working in harmony with the Project Field teams. Aimee has her OSHA 30 certification. Aimee also recently received her 25 year service pin from Local 3.

Today, Aimee is the owner of a 3rd generation, women owned specialty construction business. She strives to foster a positive and inclusive work environment every day at her company. Through participation in various organizations like the National Association of Women in Construction (NAWIC) and Local 3 Womens’ Committee, she is passionate about promoting women the trades.

Mary Vogel

Mary is a leader in the construction industry focused on workforce development issues, serving as a Advisory Committee member of Massachusetts Girls in Trades, member of the Eastern Seaboard Apprenticeship Committee and Steering Committee member of the Policy Group on Tradeswomen’s Issues.

As an attorney dedicated to improving labor standards and practices, she has been engaged in advocacy, training, and collaborative efforts throughout her career to promote union construction and improve health and safety and working conditions in the construction trades. More recently, Mary served as the Executive Director of Building Pathways, Inc., a Boston-based non-profit, dedicated to creating opportunities for Massachusetts residents, particularly historically underrepresented groups, to access and prepare for building trades apprenticeships.

Future Director

GRIT is seeking passionate leaders who believe in expanding access to career pathways in the trades. Our directors help guide strategy, strengthen community partnerships, and support the long-term impact of our mission”