Board Members and Staff

At Utah Women in Trades, our staff and board members represent a diverse range of experiences across the construction industry, from contractors to laborers. This mix of perspectives strengthens our ability to advocate for underrepresented groups in the trades.

On the contractor side, we have leaders with expertise in project management and business operations, while our labor representatives bring hands-on experience and insights into the challenges faced by workers. By combining these perspectives, we ensure that both the workforce and the companies that hire them are supported.

This diversity enables us to create meaningful change, advocate for better policies, and provide training and support to individuals seeking to succeed in the construction industry, regardless of background.

Executive Board

President
Concetta Defa
[email protected]

Concetta Defa, President

Concetta Defa started her career as an apprentice electrician with IBEW Local 354 in 1996 to help her mother after her father passed away from cancer. This choice not only supported her family but also provided stability for friends and relatives in need, turning their home into a sanctuary.

Since completing her apprenticeship, Concetta has held various roles in the industry, including journey worker, foreperson, estimator, project manager, union steward, assistant business manager for IBEW Local 354, and trustee for the Utah Electrical Training Alliance. Currently, she serves as the Executive Director of the Utah Building and Construction Trade Council, President of Utah Women in Trades, a consultant for CEWD, and regional program manager for the Stronger Together program, which aims to create a diverse and inclusive energy workforce. Concetta has also participated in several committees, including the IBEW International Women’s Advisory Committee.

As a dedicated IBEW Journey worker, Concetta is passionate about mentoring others, whether they are apprentices or aspiring leaders. Above all, she treasures her role as a wife, parent, and grandparent to three curious grandchildren.

Vice President
Nicci Navarro
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Nicci Navarro, Vice President

Nicole “Nicci” Navarro embarked on her professional journey in 2011, enrolling in trade school to pursue a degree in welding technology. Her passion for the craft led her to begin her apprenticeship at the Utah Career Center with Local 140 in 2013. After successfully graduating from the program, Nicci has been sharing her expertise as a welding instructor since 2018. In 2021, she further enhanced her credentials by obtaining her Certified Welding Inspector (C.W.I.) designation.

Throughout her career in the construction industry, Nicci has proven to be an invaluable asset, taking on roles as an instructor, certified welding inspector, steward, and foreman. Her diverse experiences have equipped her with a comprehensive understanding of the field, making her a respected figure among her peers.

A passionate mentor, Nicci finds great joy in guiding individuals at all stages of their careers—from apprentices and journeymen to those just beginning their journey in welding. Her commitment to fostering the next generation of welders reflects her dedication to the trade and her belief in the importance of nurturing talent within the industry. Through her mentorship, Nicci inspires others to pursue their ambitions and excel in a rewarding and essential profession.

Secretary
Amber Peterson
[email protected]

Amber Peterson, Secretary

Amber launched her career in the trades after graduating from Job Corps, where she honed her skills and developed a passion for hands-on work. She later joined the International Union of Operating Engineers, where she has established herself as a full-time Journeyman Equipment Operator. In addition to her operational role, Amber serves as a part-time instructor with the Operating Engineers Joint Apprenticeship and Training Committee (JATC), specializing in critical safety training areas such as OSHA, MSHA, and Hazwoper.

Beyond her professional duties, Amber is an active member of the Political Action Committee (PAC) in her district, advocating for the interests of her fellow union members and the broader labor community.

Driven by a strong commitment to the values and benefits of union membership, Amber is passionate about sharing her knowledge and experiences with others. She believes in empowering the next generation of workers, helping them understand the advantages of joining a union and the opportunities it provides for career advancement, safety, and community support. Through her work as an instructor and advocate, Amber is dedicated to building a stronger, more informed workforce that can thrive in the ever-evolving trades landscape.

Advisory Board

Carlyn Chester
Sr. Safety Manager
Okland Construction

Carlyn Chester, Advisory Board Member

Carlyn is a Senior Risk and Safety Manager at Okland Construction, with over 20 years of experience in the industry. In her current role, she provides safety and risk management expertise to Okland personnel and subcontractors. Her responsibilities include developing and monitoring Okland’s “Contractor Site Safety Program,” creating individual project safety plans, conducting safety orientations, and coordinating training seminars.

Carlyn has been recognized for her leadership, particularly in Okland’s “Women Moving the Mark Group,” which advocates for women in construction. Her dedication to promoting gender diversity in the industry led to Okland Construction being honored by the Governor’s Office of Economic Opportunity as one of the 100 Utah Companies Championing Women.

A passionate advocate for women in the construction industry, Carlyn is an active member of the National Association of Women in Construction (NAWIC) and serves on its Board of Directors and regional safety committee. She has contributed to the local NAWIC chapter by mentoring others, planning events, project tours, and educational speaker engagements.

Outside of her professional life, Carlyn enjoys golfing, skiing, gardening, and spending quality time with her daughter.

Jason Madsen
Senior Business Agent
OE Local 3

Jason Madsen, Advisory Board Member

Jason is a Senior Business Agent for the Operating Engineers Local Union 3, bringing extensive experience in the construction industry. He began his career in 2006 with Granite Construction as a heavy equipment operator and General Foreman, contributing to various significant projects, including the first phase of the Mt. View Corridor, the I-15 Now project, and the Naval Base Guam and Anderson Air Force Base projects in Guam.

In 2016, Jason transitioned to the Operating Engineers Local Union #3, where he was hired as a dispatcher and later promoted to Senior Business Agent. In this role, he negotiates and enforces contracts between signatory contractors and union members, while also taking on a wide range of other responsibilities. Jason serves as a Trustee for the Operating Engineers Utah Active Health and Welfare Trust Fund and was recently elected as a Trustee for the Central Utah Federation of Labor.

Jason is deeply involved with the Utah Construction & Building Trades Council and as a member of the Advisory Board for Utah Women in Trades, Jason is committed to supporting initiatives that empower individuals to enter and succeed in the construction trades, fostering a more diverse workforce.

Cody Weaver
Organizer
U.A. Local 140

Lisa Lee
Principal Labor Relations Specialist
Rocky Mountain Power

Staff

Sabrina Hill
Executive Director
[email protected]

Sabrina Hill, Executive Director

Sabrina began her career in 2008 at the Utah Career Center, where she quickly became an integral part of the administrative team. Her journey continued at IBEW Local Union 354, where she supported union members while pursuing her bachelor’s degree in business administration.

After earning her degree, Sabrina joined Utah Women in Trades, where her passion for organized labor and empowering women in the construction trades became central to her leadership. As Executive Director, Sabrina has been an advocate for women in the building and construction fields, working to ensure equal opportunities and inclusivity in the workforce.

A proud member of IBEW Local 354, and a devoted wife and mother of two children, Sabrina brings a sense of community and family values to her work. Her leadership continues to inspire the next generation of female leaders in the construction industry, and she remains deeply committed to advancing initiatives that create lasting change for women in the trades.

Anna Vermouth
Administrative Assistant
[email protected]

Anna Vermouth, Administrative Assistant

Anna Vermouth joined Utah Women In Trades in 2024 as an Administrative Assistant, where she supports the organization’s mission to help people enter and succeed in the construction trades. With a background in school administration that began in 2008, Anna’s career began with a role in student services at a graduate school that evolved into a position focused on the organization’s bookkeeping and financial reporting.

A proud member of IBEW Local 354, Anna’s family is deeply connected to organized labor, including her grandfather, husband, brother, son, and step mother, all of whom are union members. While she primarily works behind the scenes, Anna is passionate about making a positive impact in the lives of students, helping them advance their careers and achieve their goals.

Outside of her professional work, Anna enjoys spending time with her four children, exploring thrift stores, and going on outings with friends. She is committed to supporting her family, community, and the advancement of women in the construction industry.