Yvonne Harry
Yvonne Harry is a seasoned ironworker and construction foreman based in the Greater Seattle area, with over 20 years of experience in the trades and a decade of leadership as a union foreman. Known for her hands-on leadership style, she begins her days before dawn, reviewing blueprints, coordinating pre-task plans, and leading crews of six to ten workers on complex structural and ornamental projects. Her work has contributed to shaping the region’s infrastructure, reflecting her pride in “building America” through skilled craftsmanship and teamwork.
Yvonne’s journey into the trades is both unconventional and inspiring. Recruited into the Ironworkers Union in her early 20s while incarcerated, she was given a second chance—and started working the very day she was released. She went on to complete her apprenticeship from 2007 to 2011 and steadily rose through the ranks. Today, she serves as the first elected woman Recording Secretary and Executive Board member of her union, while also founding and co-chairing one of the first Ironworkers Women’s Committees. Through this work, she has helped expand opportunities for women in the trades across the U.S. and Canada, turning her personal journey into a platform for broader impact.
In addition to her union leadership, Yvonne is an entrepreneur with a passion for fabrication, running a side business creating custom ornamental iron railings and wrought iron fences for homeowners. Deeply committed to mentorship and community, she actively supports apprenticeship pathways and advocates for second chances within the workforce. Yvonne credits the Ironworkers Union for transforming her life, and she continues to give back by creating opportunities for others to succeed—proving that resilience, hard work, and support systems can build not just structures, but lives.
• Ironworkers Union Apprenticeship (2007-2011)
• Ironworkers Union Apprenticeship (2007-2011)
• School of hard knocks
• Washington Women in Trades 2025 Tradeswoman of the Year
• 2025 Ironworkers International Meritorious Service Award
• Ironworkers Union
• Build Up organization (buildupapprentices.org)
• Ironworkers Women's Committee (founder and co-chair)
• Ironworkers Women's Committee work with Make-A-Wish
• Habitat for Humanity
• Transitional housing programs for women in Washington State
• Building playgrounds and she-sheds
• Alcoholics Anonymous sponsorship
What do you attribute your success to?
I was recruited to the Ironworkers Union in my early 20s from incarceration in the women's prison in Washington State. They gave me direct entry into the union, and I was working the day that I was released. I completed my apprenticeship from 2007 to 2011 through the Ironworkers Union. Honestly, the Ironworkers Union has really given me the platform to build my life and be successful, and I wouldn't be anywhere without them. They've continued to educate me, and now I'm even a business owner through them. It's definitely been the school of hard knocks, but with the support and opportunities the union provided, I've been able to build a meaningful career and life.
What’s the best career advice you’ve ever received?
You can be successful and have the best future with alot of hard work and dedication you can achieve anything
What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
You can have a career you love and give you purpose as the Ironworkers Union works with habitat for humanity and also she supports Alcoholics Anonymous in her spare time as she always wants to have a strong voice to help other women overcome any and all obstacles that life can throw your way
What are the biggest challenges or opportunities in your field right now?
Being a new business owner and having a successful career and positions of on the executive board and having time to do it all
What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
Being able to work hard and make a difference your past never should define your future and her recent awards include Washington's Woman in Trades 2025 of the Year, and 2025 Ironworkers International Meritorious Service Award and her business Athenaironworks.com
Locations
Superior Steel & Ironworkers Inc
21229 84th Avenue South Kent, Kent, WA 98032