History | Timeline
1979
HHW was founded by three tradeswomen with a primary focus on informal support. Our Mission: To empower women to achieve economic independence by creating workplace diversity in trade and technical careers.
1983
HHW becomes a 501(C)(3) non-profit organization.
1990
HHW hires its first staff person.
1991
The first Career Fair for Women is held sponsored by the Women's Bureau, Department of Labor.
1992
The Pre-Apprenticeship Training program begins. HHW is contracted (1992-1994) by the Gateway Development Corporation to provide Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) Compliance Monitoring at the Gateway Ballpark and Arena.
1994
HHW works with Habitat for Humanity to build a house for a low income, single mother. Sexual Harassment Prevention Training program is created.
1995
The Roadways to Economic Independence (REI) project begins with a goal to increase the number of women employed in road construction. HHW is on a committee which monitors EEO Compliance during the construction of the Great Lakes Science Center.
1996
The REI project wins the Working Women Count Award from the Women's Bureau, Department of Labor.
1997
The Educational Resources Development Project begins in Cleveland primary schools.
1998
HHW wins the "Making a Difference" Award from the Ohio Women's Policy and Research Commission. Three HHW members are featured on the nationally syndicated news show, "60 Minutes" in a segment entitled, Hard Hats.
1999
HHW wins the Competitive TANF Grant and celebrates its 20th Anniversary. HHW is awarded a federal contract to provide affirmative action consulting at the Federal Courthouse construction site.
2000
HHW is awarded a WANTO (Women in Apprenticeships and Nontraditional Occupations) grant from the U.S. Department of Labor to provide technical assistance to unions and employers for the recruitment and retention of women workers.
2001
HHW is awarded an Economic Development Award for Excellence in Community Service from the Zeta Phi Beta Sorority.
2002
HHW is awarded a second WANTO grant to provide technical assistance to unions and employers.
2003
HHW awarded a contract with the Cleveland Municipal School District to provide affirmative action monitoring services at 60 schools receiving renovation and reconstruction. HHW moved to new, expanded offices.
2004
HHW celebrates its 25th anniversary! The George Gund Foundation 2003 Annual Report features HHW. HHW receives national coverage in the media on the NBC Today Show.
2005
HHW celebrated the grand opening of its completely renovated Meeting and Training Facility. HHW launched Rosie’s Girls, a summer camp for middle school girls to foster self-esteem and team building. HHW partnered with Greater Cleveland Community Shares, Adoption Network Cleveland and the ACLU of Ohio to create a special volunteer program targeted to the interests of baby boomers and retirees.