Our
Story

How did Our Group Start?

It all started when two friends from high school wanted to connect with other women in the trades.

Zoey Gruber and Karlie Hahn decided one day to make a group chat on the popular social media app: Snapchat. The group chat had started with just a few members, quickly growing into over 200 women. Eager to continue to build more connections, the decision to create a Discord was made. After it was made, Nushrat Ahmed and Hannah Casas joined Karlie and Zoey to help organize the group and turn it into a community. Four girls, with the same ambition, was all it took to create a Sisterhood.

Meet The Founders

Co-Founder, Chief executive officer

Manufacturing, Podcast Host

Nushrat Ahmed

With a background in manufacturing and training in automotive technology, Nushrat, more often known as Nush, dedicated any and all of her free time to empowering women and young people to pursue the skilled trades. Powered by her LinkedIn network, she's created her own podcast - NextGenMFG - to interview other young leaders in the skilled trades and STEM industries. As Chief Creative Officer of SOT she plays a pivotal role in the planning and operation of our organization, as well as the strategic partnerships that come about.

Co-Founder, Chief Operations Officer

Pipefitter Apprentice Local 392

Karlie Hahn

One of the original creators of the "Blue Collar Babes" Snapchat group! Karlie is also our local union knowledge base. By trade she is an apprentice pipefitter, and when she's not building structures, she's moderating the Discord and engaging with unions. She's also the president of the UA local 392 Women's Committee based out of Ohio!

Co-Founder, Chief of Design and financial

Welder/Fabricator and Mom :)

Hannah Casas

Hannah began her trade during her senior year of high school in 2017. This formative period marked the start of her dedication to mastering the skills and knowledge required in her field. Since earlier days, Hannah has remained committed to advancing in her trade. Despite the changes and challenges she has encountered, including becoming a mother, she has continued to pursue her professional growth and maintain her engagement with her chosen path. She has been seeking more female companionship since she started in the trades and is thrilled to be a part of this team.

Co-Founder

Heavy and Construction Equipment Technician

Zoey Gruber

Zoey is one of the original creators of the "Blue Collar Babes" Snapchat group. Thanks to her and Karlie's early efforts, we have reached over 4,000 people! Zoey started out in the trades as a heavy equipment technician for Ohio CAT, and although her journey is taking her through different paths right now, her ultimate goal is to go back to working on heavy machinery.