ROCKY HILL, CT – March 2025 – March is Women’s History Month, and across Connecticut, women are making remarkable strides, especially in industries where they have traditionally been underrepresented. Two women, Cheslie Sanon and Becky Lacey, are breaking barriers and shattering the glass ceiling in the male-dominated world of construction.

Cheslie Sanon, an electrician with Medford Wellington, and Becky Lacey, an HVAC technician, are proving that women can thrive in technical fields that have long been dominated by men. Both women are part of a growing number of women in Connecticut who are excelling in construction trades and challenging the stereotypes that once kept them out of the industry.

Lacey, reflecting on the challenges of working in a traditionally male-dominated field, shared her thoughts: “That stereotype that only men can do this job... That you don’t have the physical strength to do it or whatever, it’s… there are times when we have to think smarter, not harder to do this job, but we still get the job done sometimes better than our male counterparts… sometimes not better, but it’s just that scared feeling that you’re going into a male-dominated field that you just get uncomfortable. But it’s finding a good company like we have that’s going to help with that.”

Medford Wellington, based in Massachusetts with an office in Rocky Hill, CT, serves a large portion of New England. The company specializes in providing essential services such as heating, air conditioning, and electrical work—services that are crucial to every household and business. Lacey explained, “You need heat and you need air conditioning, and you need somebody to fix it, and you have to have power… somebody has to be able to work on that.”

Sanon and Lacey are the ones responsible for ensuring that homes and businesses have reliable heat, hot water, air conditioning, and electricity. Despite facing occasional doubts about their abilities, they are passionate about their work and eager to break down the barriers for future generations.

“We are stronger than most people think,” said Sanon, as she emphasized the importance of persistence and confidence in overcoming the obstacles women often face in technical fields.

Both Sanon and Lacey hope to inspire other women to consider careers in the trades, a sector that has historically been male-dominated but is increasingly seeing a shift toward greater diversity. They believe that women have just as much to offer as their male counterparts, and they encourage others to follow their example.

Lacey also shared her thoughts on the importance of support: “It’s all about finding the right company and team. When you’re supported and treated with respect, you can truly excel and contribute just like anyone else. We’re breaking down the old perceptions and showing that women can be just as skilled, strong, and capable in these fields as men.”

Both women continue to pave the way for others, showing that there is no limit to what women can achieve when they have the determination and support to pursue their dreams. They are happy in their roles, proud of the work they do, and excited about encouraging others to follow in their footsteps.
Sanon and Lacey’s stories are part of a larger movement to change the narrative around women in trades and construction. As more women enter fields traditionally dominated by men, there is a growing sense of community and empowerment among those who are helping to reshape the industry.

They are part of a broader trend where women are taking on high-demand, skilled trade roles and excelling in them. With the construction industry facing a skilled labor shortage, there is increasing recognition that women bring unique perspectives and skills to the table, helping to fill the gap in the workforce.

Organizations such as Medford Wellington are leading the charge by fostering an inclusive and supportive environment that encourages women to pursue careers in fields like electrical work, HVAC, plumbing, and other essential trades. These companies recognize the value of diversity and are making efforts to ensure women have equal opportunities to succeed.

Sanon and Lacey’s stories serve as inspiration for the next generation of young women considering careers in the trades. Their message is clear: Women are not just capable of succeeding in these roles—they are thriving, breaking stereotypes, and proving that with determination, any challenge can be overcome.

By sharing their experiences, Sanon and Lacey are helping to change the face of the construction industry and encouraging women across Connecticut and beyond to explore these rewarding career paths. With a steady increase in women entering the trades, the future of the construction industry looks more inclusive and dynamic than ever before.

Originally reported by Caitlin Francis in WFSB.