DC 21 Women in Construction Week Spotlight: Brandi Brown

To celebrate #WomenInConstructionWeek, we’re proud to recognize the skilled women who help make our union strong. Today, we’re spotlighting Brandi Brown, a third-year commercial paint apprentice and proud DC 21 member.

Before joining the union, Brandi worked overnight retail management shifts but knew she wanted a career with purpose. After learning about the Women in Nontraditional Careers (WINC) program, she joined the summer cohort. She explored the trades, received support through the apprentice application process, and was accepted into DC 21. 

Brandi has since worked on projects at Villanova and Princeton Universities and loves that every job is different. Joining the union and the trades has given her a strong sense of community and belonging. She’s gained recognition for her ideas and now enjoys a schedule that allows her to balance her certificate program with Rowan University (an opportunity made possible through the university’s collaboration with DC 21) while building a long-term career.

For Brandi, being a woman in construction means helping the next generation see what’s possible. Women belong in the trades and they don’t have to be confined to traditional boxes. She encourages other women to just go for it; if you’re good with your hands, the trades are a place for you, regardless of gender.

Black History Month Spotlight – Tyrone White

Black History Month Spotlight - Tyrone White
Black History Month Spotlight – Tyrone White

In honor of Black History Month, we want to spotlight member Tyrone White from Local 1047. Tyrone was working as a non-union painter when a twist of fate led him to DC 21. After receiving a neck injury in a car accident, Tyrone met a union painter at the chiropractor’s office who connected him to DC 21. After interviewing at the hall, he joined as an apprentice and became a journeyman in 18 months due to his previous experience.

Tyrone worked at Zack Painting for ten years, and then spent 20 years at Braun and Chamberlain before retiring. Tyrone is dedicated to his craft. For him, painting is relaxing; it helps him focus his attention, and he takes pride in doing his job well. As a foreman for a 20,000-square-foot job in Brooklyn, he was able to complete the project 4 weeks ahead of schedule.

The union completely changed his life. He was able to take care of his family with DC 21’s great wages and robust healthcare benefits, and is the first person in his family to retire.

As a journeyman, he was active in the union, serving as Warden, Sergeant of Arms, Vice President, and Delegate for his local, and eventually a Trustee for the District Council. As a retiree, he is active in the retiree committee and still attends Local 1047 meetings. It’s important to him to stay active in the union. The union changed his life, and he wants to pay it forward. He has attended the Coalition of Black Trade Unionists (CBTU) events and taken other members to their conferences. 

Tyrone is excited to see Black members he’s worked with moving into leadership roles, like Lawrence Burgess at the International and Lamont Rouse co-chairing the Black CORE Committee. He hopes it encourages more Black members to get active in the union. “It’s an opportunity to help shape the direction of the District Council,” said Tyrone. “By attending Local meetings and getting involved, you get to have a say instead of choices being made for you.” 

We are incredibly proud of Brother Tyrone’s accomplishments and thank him for his service, leadership, and lasting contributions to our union.

Building Union Power classes – February 2026

We have another round of the Building Union Power classes coming up in Philadelphia, Springfield, Atlantic City, and Drums in February.

This class is based on the past, present, and future of our Union and examines how we can continue to operate as ONE District Council. The course emphasizes the importance of commitment, mutual support, and solidarity in driving meaningful change within our Union.
The classes will be taught by DC21 staff on Thursdays in February – see below for the schedule and to register. 
All classes are from 5:00pm to 7:00pm, and dinner will be provided at each location. Help build power within DC21!

Philadelphia classes will be held on February 12th, 19th & 26th. Register here: https://unite.iupat.org/public/classes/20232.

Springfield, NJ, class will be held on February 12th. Register here: https://unite.iupat.org/public/classes/20793.

Atlantic City, NJ, class will be held on February 19th. Register here: https://unite.iupat.org/public/classes/22866.

Drums, PA, class will be held on February 26th. Register here: https://unite.iupat.org/public/classes/20727.