About

About

We’re a nonprofit of Latinas who come together with the common interest in welding for creative or career opportunities. With the intentions of becoming mentors, community leaders, educators, empower the latino community and all women in Central Indiana. This group will focus on cultural awareness exhibitions and fundraisers that will show the art of welding and build cultural competence in our community.

Our History

The Latinas Welding Guild was established as a 501(c)3 organization in October of 2017 by  Consuelo Poland, a Guatemalan-born functional artist and welder with the goal to empower women personally, creatively and economically through welding. Having seen first hand the struggles of the Latino Community, she formed the Guild to create a space of equal access and education for women, particularly minority women, in what is a heavily male-occupied field. Currently, 96% of certified welders are male and the income discrepancy between male and female welders is around 28%. The Latinas Welding Guild exists to help low to moderate income Latinas and non-Latina women gain access to welding skills and certification preparation.

Our Board of Directors

Alexis Gonzalez** | President
Indiana Commission on Hispanic/Latino Affairs | Director

Jessica Hernandez**
Latinas Welding Guild | Deputy Director

Consuelo Lockhart**
Latinas Welding Guild | Founder & Executive Director

Julissa Sandoval-Squier** 
Sonablate Corp | Director, People Operations

Tiffany Noel Orff**
Welding Women Syndicate | Founder

Leslie Salazar**
Colores Creative | Founder

Eric Strickland | Treasurer
Landmark Companies | Asset Supervisor

Anna Tragesser* | Secretary
Bloomerang | Account Executive

* identifies as woman

** identifies as Latina