On March 18, 2025, three female students from the Eastern Center for Arts and Technology’s (EASTERN) Welding Technology program, one female student from Electrical Technology, and one male Welding Technology student, accompanied by EASTERN’s Welding Technology instructor, Meghan Cicchino, presented to the Science, Technology, Engineering, Art, and Math (STEAM) Club at Hatboro-Horsham’s Keith Valley Middle School. They highlighted the importance of pursuing one’s passions and challenging stereotypes in order to shape their futures.

Meghan Cicchino, EASTERN’s Welding Technology Instructor, began by sharing her journey into the welding field. Initially driven by a passion for art, her interest in welding was sparked while working for a company that had a welding department. Her path was not always smooth, as she often found herself the only woman in the workplace. She recalled one position where there was just one other female employee, who did not speak to her.

Recognizing the importance of connection and support for young women in predominantly male programs, Ms. Cicchino founded EASTERN’s Tradeswoman Club. The group meets several times throughout the school year, providing a space for students to discuss challenges and share experiences as one of the only—or the only—female in their program.

After Mrs. Cicchino’s introduction, the EASTERN students took turns introducing themselves, sharing why they chose their programs, and offering words of encouragement to the eighth-grade students in attendance. They also spoke about how the Tradeswomen Club helped them connect and build strong friendships with other female students across programs throughout the building.

This year, an especially supportive male Welding Technology student, Zachary Jackson, was invited to attend and share his perspective on having female classmates. Mrs. Cicchino asked him to participate to demonstrate to the eighth-grade students how a secure and open-minded male student can positively support and collaborate with female peers in the program.

EASTERN extends its gratitude to the following class leaders for volunteering their time to inspire the next generation of skilled tradespeople:

• Juliana Stigliano – Welding Technology, Upper Moreland High School
• Grace Elliott – Welding Technology, Abington Senior High School
• Gretchen Linn – Welding Technology, Springfield Township High School
• Molly Smith – Electrical Technology, Upper Dublin High School
• Zachary Jackson – Welding Technology, Abington Senior High School