USW Cares: New York Women of Steel, Next Gen Members Help with Breast Cancer Awareness

Submitted by Brigitte Womer

Two sisters, Kim Kephart and Deanna Drake, from United Steelworkers (USW) Local 1000 approached the local’s Women of Steel (WOS) Chair-Erika Smith and co-Chair Brigitte Womer asking if they could design shirts for breast cancer awareness during the month of October. The WOS committee agreed that this was an excellent idea!

After production, the shirt sales began in the local and with help advertising on social media, sales began to attract attention from other locals in the U.S. and Canada. What was intended as a local fundraiser became a international effort and sales reached over $14,000 with participation from 13 Steelworker locals.


Deanna and Kim were selected for their efforts to attend the "Get the Breast Cancer Out of Work" training offered through USW.

Another great community project from a United Steelworker local that cares.

This project is just one of so many USW's amazing members do every day to give back to our communities. If you or your local are doing good things in your community, we want to hear about them. Let us know and share video and photos at www.usw.org/uswcares and use the #USWCares hashtag when you post your stories on social media. Don't forget to shout out @Steelworkers!

Press Inquiries

Media Contacts

Communications Director:
Jess Kamm at 412-562-6961

USW@WORK (USW magazine)
Editor R.J. Hufnagel

For industry specific inquiries,
Call USW Communications at 412-562-2442

Mailing Address

United Steelworkers
Communications Department
60 Blvd. of the Allies
Pittsburgh, PA 15222