1,600+ Women to Gather for Second “Mass Registration” of Workers for Clean Economy Jobs in U.S. History
WHAT’S HAPPENING
NEW ORLEANS, LA — On September 27, local community organizations, union tradeswomen, and clean economy partners will host a historic, sold-out event at the Saenger Theatre in New Orleans. This event marks the second mass registration of workers for clean jobs in U.S. history, focusing on empowering women to enter high-paying careers in the growing clean economy. The event has garnered significant attention since its announcement on August 27, with over 1,600 individuals—82% of whom are women—registering to attend.
Big Freedia, known for her influential role in the bounce music scene, will headline the free concert, with a special guest performance by Ani DiFranco. Attendees who sign up will learn about local training and job opportunities in clean energy, green construction, advanced manufacturing, cultural preservation, and more.
FREE tickets are available at tradesforce.org/events/neworleans.
KEY VISUALS & MOMENTS
Big Freedia Live Performance: An energetic concert celebrating women’s entry into skilled trades careers in Louisiana’s clean economy.
Mass Action with Attendees: A powerful display of solidarity as tradeswomen and community members unite to explore training and jobs.
Speakers and Interviews: Insightful commentary from participants and local leaders on the role of women in Louisiana’s clean economy workforce.
STATS & IMPACT
Data collected from sign-ups:
Over 1,600 Registrants: Demonstrating overwhelming interest, with a strong focus on women.
Audience Demographics:
82% Women
12% Gen Z, 39% Millennials, 39% Gen X
70% Local to Louisiana, 30% Out-of-State
Engagement with Trades:
33% are already working in the trades.
33% are interested in training.
46% know someone interested in training.
Top Trades of Interest:
Carpentry (16%)
Painters (12%)
Electrical Work and Operating Engineers (11% each)
Barriers to Job Readiness: Approximately 30% face challenges like lack of reliable transportation.
ANGLES FOR COVERAGE
Economic and Cultural Impact on Louisiana: The event's focus on connecting women with clean economy jobs presents significant implications for Louisiana's economic growth and cultural preservation. Explore how empowering women in high-paying careers contributes to sustainable development and reflects New Orleans' rich heritage while looking toward the future.
Historic Milestone Empowering Women in Trades: Over 1,600 women have registered to gather for the second-ever mass registration for clean economy jobs in U.S. history. This event marks a significant step in breaking gender barriers in traditionally male-dominated skilled trades, offering a rich narrative on women's empowerment and workforce diversity. This follows the first mass registration of youth for clean economy jobs in Detroit on September 17.
Big Freedia's Homecoming for Social Impact: New Orleans icon Big Freedia is headlining the event, using her influence to support community development and women's entry into the clean economy. This angle combines entertainment with social purpose, highlighting how celebrities leverage their platforms for positive change.
Innovative Data-Driven Recruitment Strategy: Organizers are utilizing cutting-edge data modeling from Johns Hopkins University to identify and engage previously unengaged audiences by featuring top-trending artists. This innovative approach to outreach offers a compelling story on how data and culture intersect to drive social initiatives.
KEY PARTNERS & INTERVIEWS
The Descendants Project is convening the community and local partners and will take the stage to share a powerful new vision for a clean economy in Louisiana. "Our mission is to protect the health, land, and lives of the Black descendant community in the Louisiana River Parishes. Organizing this event aligns with our commitment to create sustainable opportunities that honor our heritage and empower our community," said Joy Banner, Co-Founder of The Descendants Project.
North America's Building Trades Unions (NABTU) will be on-site with their TradesFutures pre-apprenticeship program to connect women with top-tier training opportunities. "We are witnessing a pivotal moment where women are leading the charge into the clean economy sector. Our TradesFutures program is designed to provide accessible pathways into these high-paying careers," said TradesFutures board member Melissa Wells.
#iVoted Concerts is producing the event as part of the Music Votes Coalition, aiming to amplify youth and women's voices around critical issues ahead of the 2024 election. Utilizing data modeling from Johns Hopkins University, #iVoted Concerts identifies top-trending artists in each city who have the ability to attract previously unengaged audiences. "Empowering women and non-binary workers in the clean economy is essential for sustainable growth. By combining data-driven strategies with the universal language of music, we're proud to support this movement in New Orleans," said Emily White, Founder of #iVoted Concerts and Visiting Fellow at the SNF Agora Institute at Johns Hopkins University.
Additional Partners: Other organizations will be tabling on-site to provide resources and information on opportunities for careers and training in Louisiana’s clean economy.
MEDIA ACCESS & CREDENTIALS
Television crews, photojournalists, and media representatives are invited to cover the event. For credentials and interview arrangements, please contact press@grounded.org.
WHO: Big Freedia with Ani DiFranco, Leyla McCalla, and 1,600+ attendees
WHEN: September 27 at 7-11pm
WHERE: Saenger Theatre, 1111 Canal Street, New Orleans, LA, 70112
ABOUT THE ORGANIZERS
The Descendants Project is a nonprofit organization committed to the intergenerational healing and advancement of the Black descendant community in the Louisiana River Parishes. Founded by sisters Jo and Joy Banner, the organization works to preserve the health, land, and culture of their community, advocating against environmental injustice and promoting sustainable economic opportunities that honor their heritage. Visit thedescendantsproject.org for more information.
TradesForce is a national collaborative campaign uniting community organizations, unions, industry, training providers, philanthropy, and culture to connect new workers with high-paying, impactful careers in America's burgeoning clean economy. Learn more at tradesforce.org.
#iVoted Concerts is a nonprofit organization that leverages the power of live music to increase civic engagement among young people and underrepresented groups. By producing concerts featuring top-trending artists identified through data modeling from Johns Hopkins University, #iVoted Concerts attracts audiences who might not otherwise participate in civic actions, such as voting or community initiatives. Learn more at ivotedconcerts.org.
