Her Story
About Jessie
Jessie Patterson is a Leadership Program Facilitator with the Department of Education and Training for the United Brotherhood of Carpenters & Joiners of America, where she delivers leadership education that supports the professional growth of union members across North America. Based at the organization's International Training Center in Las Vegas, she facilitates adult learning programs for thousands of participants each year, supports training content and collaborates across teams to advance leadership initiatives and organizational goals. Her work emphasizes engaging learning experiences, member development, and stronger team collaboration through effective leadership practices. Before transitioning into leadership development, Jessie built an extensive career in the skilled trades, with a collective 15+ years of experience in the military, mechanical, and construction industries. In 2016, she entered the Millwright Local Union 1263 apprenticeship program in Georgia through Helmets to Hardhats, working on industrial projects that included power plants, automotive manufacturing facilities, and other large-scale operations. She later served as a coordinator-instructor for the millwright apprenticeship in Savannah, Georgia, where she helped prepare the next generation of skilled trades professionals. Throughout her career, she has navigated the challenges of working in a traditionally male-dominated industry, using those experiences to mentor others and advocate for greater inclusion, lifelong learning, and professional excellence. Jessie is committed to developing leaders who demonstrate accountability, adaptability, and service. In addition to facilitating courses on communication, emotional intelligence, world-class service, transformational leadership, and membership engagement, she helps mentor new facilitators and supports conference workshop planning and curriculum development. She is pursuing a bachelor's degree in Operations Management with a concentration in Project Management at Southern New Hampshire University and has earned certifications as a Gallup-Certified Strengths Coach, an Everything DiSC Practitioner, a Myers-Briggs Type Indicator Practitioner, a LEGO® Serious Play® Facilitator, and through Disney Institute's Quality Service Program. Guided by values of honesty, transparency, accountability, respect, and personal responsibility, Jessie is passionate about empowering future leaders and strengthening the skilled trades through education and mentorship.
Her Interview
Ten minutes with Jessie
01What do you attribute your success to?
I attribute my success to my experiences in the Army, where I developed resilience, discipline, personal accountability, and a commitment to continuous learning. Working in male-dominated environments strengthened my confidence and helped me find my purpose and direction. At every stage of my journey, I have learned the importance of showing up prepared, taking responsibility for my performance, and continuing to move forward even when the path was difficult. I also credit the mentors, leaders, and others who challenged me, supported my growth, and gave me opportunities to recognize what I was capable of achieving.
02What’s the best career advice you’ve ever received?
The best career advice I’ve received is to know the difference between being interested and being committed. When you are interested, you do what is convenient; when you are committed, you do what it takes. I’ve also learned to focus my energy on what I can control rather than worrying about what I can’t. That mindset has helped me remain focused, learn from challenges, and consistently show up prepared and committed to reaching my goals.
03What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
Learn your craft, ask questions, and never let discomfort or being underestimated make you doubt that you belong. Confidence grows through preparation, persistence, and a willingness to keep learning. Find mentors, build strong relationships, accept coaching and feedback, use your voice, and do not be afraid to advocate for yourself. Most importantly, take ownership of your future and support other people as you move forward.
04What are the biggest challenges or opportunities in your field right now?
One of the biggest challenges in my field is preparing the next generation of skilled workers and leaders while keeping experienced members engaged and involved. At the same time, it is also one of our greatest opportunities to attract more diverse talent, especially women and underrepresented individuals. We have the chance to showcase the industry as more than just a job by highlighting the strong wages, benefits, training, career growth, leadership opportunities, and lasting impact our work has on families and communities.
05What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
Honesty, transparency, accountability, respect, and personal responsibility guide both my work and personal life. I believe leadership is defined by your actions and behavior, not by your title or position. It is demonstrated through how you treat people, whether you keep your word, and your willingness to take ownership of your decisions. I also believe everyone deserves a fair opportunity to be heard, treated with dignity, and supported in reaching their full potential.
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