Sharon Szymanski s a professor of political economy and labor economics at the State University of New York (SUNY) Empire State College, the Harry Van Arsdale Jr. School of Labor Studies, New York City. She is a proud member of her union, United University Professions (UUP).

While teaching an apprenticeship class for the IBEW (International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers), Sharon heard one of the 7 women in the class ask, “Why aren’ there more women electricians?”

Sharon replied that one reason is, most girls and young women don’t know that this and other apprenticeship programs in the building trades are open to them.

“Well then,” said the student, “let’s write a children’s book and tell them this program is GREAT!”

So Sharon worked with the 7 apprentices and a talented illustrator to create WIREWOMEN: Lighting It Up, the stories of women union electricians.