About

OUR MISSION

We stand as a formidable nonprofit, driven by a diverse leadership that includes not only Latinas and Latinos but a rich tapestry of talent. Our mission, initially centered on welding, has evolved since the incorporation of Project Azul. We now offer not just welding opportunities but have expanded to provide diverse manufacturing classes. Our commitment extends beyond empowering women to support all adults, youth, and marginalized communities, transcending language barriers to transform lives and bring about lasting change. Together, we forge a powerful legacy, breaking boundaries and offering a spectrum of educational opportunities for our community.

OUR INCEPTION

Consuelo Poland Lockhart’s journey from her early days in Guatemala to becoming an advocate for marginalized communities is rooted in her upbringing in Traverse City, Michigan, where she often felt isolated due to the lack of diversity. Despite a strong education, the feeling of not fitting in planted seeds for her future mission. A pivotal moment came in 2006 when, at 17, she reunited with her biological family—an experience that profoundly influenced her vision and determination.

Armed with a BFA in Functional Art and a welding certification, Consuelo’s commitment to driving social and economic change grew from her personal story of perseverance. When she moved to Indianapolis in 2016, she led Ruckus Makerspace and soon after, in 2017, founded the Latinas Welding Guild Inc., a direct response to the discrimination and barriers she faced in male-dominated fields. This venture created the nurturing and empowering space she wished had existed for her, providing equal access and support for low to moderate-income adults and youth pursuing skilled trades and industry certifications.

By 2023, as Executive Director of Project Azul, which merged with the Guild, Consuelo spearheaded an expansion that allowed the organization to broaden its scope to include a wider range of trades. This growth amplified the Guild’s impact, enriching the community and fostering opportunities that extend beyond welding alone.

Consuelo’s story is a testament to resilience and the power of turning personal challenges into collective empowerment. Through the Latinas Welding Guild, she continues to build an inclusive environment where others find the belonging and opportunities she once sought, helping underserved communities break barriers and thrive in fields traditionally dominated by others. Her work embodies ambition, hope, and the drive to make a lasting, positive impact.

SYMBOLISM BEHIND THE DESIGN

The Latinas Welding Guild (LWG) logo was designed by Consuelo, LWG’s founder, as a reflection of the mission, identity, and values of the organization. After researching other welding business logos, she noticed that many felt cold, simple, and impersonal—none truly captured the spirit of community, resilience, and cultural significance that LWG represents.

The Welding Helmet & Flowers

Flowers were chosen because they are universal, unifying, and deeply rooted in Latin American traditions. Used in ceremonies, celebrations, and remembrance, flowers symbolize growth, transformation, and connection. Surrounding the welding helmet with flowers gave the logo a cultural identity while ensuring it remained gender-neutral, balancing strength and artistry so that the industry takes the work seriously.

Flowers Representing Our First Students

Each flower in the design was intentionally chosen to represent the first group of students who helped pilot the program. As a tribute to their diverse backgrounds and shared experiences, the logo includes flowers from each of their home countries, as well as Guatemala, Consuelo’s home country.

Flowers in the Logo & Their Countries:

• Dahlia pinnata – Mexico
• Flor de Maga – Puerto Rico
• Cantuta – Peru
• Chilca – Ecuador
• Flor de Izote – El Salvador
• Lycaste skinneri alba – Guatemala

The Outer Circle & Rivets

The ring around the design was inspired by metal pipes and rivets, commonly seen in welding and fabrication. It also resembles a ship’s porthole, representing vision, direction, and the journey ahead. The rivets symbolize strength, durability, and the bonds created within the welding industry and the LWG community.

The Name: Latinas Welding Guild

The name Latinas Welding Guild was chosen with intention and power.

• Latinas: A statement of ownership and leadership in an industry where Latinas are often underrepresented.
• Welding: A craft that not only builds structures but also builds futures.
• Guild: A word that represents a collective of people coming together for a shared purpose. While LWG is not a union, the guild embodies a supportive, community-driven approach to welding—one that disrupts the industry, creates positive change, and builds an inclusive space in a traditionally male-dominated field.

Bringing the Vision to Life

What began as a hand-drawn sketch evolved into a powerful emblem of inclusion, empowerment, and skilled trades. To bring this vision to life digitally, Coza Muerte, a talented digital artist, transformed the design into the bold and meaningful emblem LWG uses today.

Coza Muerte is a Colorado-based digital artist whose work focuses on dark fantasy and horror. As a Queer, nonbinary, and atheist creator, they bring a unique and powerful artistic perspective to their designs. Their skill and creativity helped refine and elevate the LWG logo while preserving its cultural significance and intent.

We are incredibly grateful for Coza’s artistry and dedication in turning this vision into reality. You can explore more of their work at [Insert Website or Social Media].

The Latinas Welding Guild logo is more than just an image—it is a symbol of transformation, strength, and the artistry of welding.

Image: A mock-up that Coza did.