5Qs With Author Leslie Jasper of Construction Tales

As I close out this month and my celebratory posts in honor of Women's History, I wanted to share with you an author and bodacious babe who is breaking down barriers and shedding light on the endless power of women. Meet Leslie Jasper and learn more about her inspirational background here. Please make her feel welcome by leaving a comment or question.

Q. CAN YOU TELL MY READERS A LITTLE ABOUT WHO YOU ARE AND YOUR PROFESSIONAL BACKGROUND?

My name is Leslie M. Jasper and I am a journeywoman electrician by trade.  I first got my start in the U.S. Navy Seabees when I joined at 17-years old.  I joined the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers fresh out of the military giving me a total of 29-years-worth of trade experience.  I switched to the office a few years ago to first work in the engineering department and learn how to create drawings using AutoCAD.   I then worked to become an electrical project manager.  I took some safety courses to become a NYC DOB Site Safety Manager.  I also taught OSHA for a labor studies college part time for a few years.

Q. WHAT INSPIRED YOU TO CREATE CONSTRUCTION TALES?

I endured a few big blocks of no available work during the 2008 Recession.  It was during that time when I both went back to college to earn my master’s degree in business and ponder about writing a book.  I know that my experience is rather unique since there are few women in the trades.  I thought about it and then just started writing about my experiences during my down time during the recession.  Construction Tales: Volume I: A Woman’s Journey To Become An Electrician, or known by the hashtag #ConstructionTales, cover’s the encounters that I had during my 5-1/2 year apprenticeship.  I also have written (11) Kindle Vella short stories under the name Construction Tales: Told By A Woman as well.

Q. WHAT DO YOU HOPE READERS WILL TAKE AWAY FROM YOUR SITE AND YOUR BOOK?

I would like for readers to review my perspective in order to gain an understanding of what it is like to work as a woman in construction.  I happen to be a really strong woman with a sharp tongue for retorts so I didn’t experience nowhere near the pushback that other women faced.  However, it didn’t make me 100% immune to harsh treatment.  I believe when I joined the construction work force, there were approximately 6% women on the jobsite.  According to Osha.gov, women representing are now at 9%.  Hopefully, I can serve as a mentor and guide to women who want to pick up a trade.  The times are much easier than when I became an apprentice back in the 1990’s.  Additionally, I’m providing data and experience to a reader who wants to know what it is like for a woman in construction.

Q. WHAT ONE PIECE OF ADVICE WOULD YOU GIVE TO WOMEN ABOUT ACHIEVING THEIR DREAMS AND BEING EMPOWERED IN 2022?

I would say, within the construction industry, to have or acquire a great sense of humor.  Humor and sharp retorts have served me quite well.  Humor fends off negative comments and shuts down anyone trying to kill your good vibe.  If you can make fun of yourself, then you kill the bad of what someone else has to say.

Q. WHO OR WHAT HAS SERVED AS A MAJOR INSPIRATION IN YOUR CAREER?

 My desire to have a good life for my sons has served as a major inspiration.  The fact that I had little eyes staring at me and depending on my success was enough inspiration in order to keep me going even when I wanted to quit.  I have crossed paths with some amazing fellow journeymen and journeywomen who were like brothers and sisters to me.

About The Author:

Author Leslie M. Jasper is a 29-year journeywoman electrician who started her career in the U.S. Navy Seabees.  Leslie then joined the union in New York and worked with the tools for 19-years.  She then shifted from the tools to the office to become a project manager.  Leslie now works as a safety manager in New York City.  Leslie’s first children’s book is entitled, “Not All Girls Play With Dolls”.  Leslie’s goal with this book is to inspire boys and girls to pursue their dreams and go after that career path even if it is not traditionally acceptable within society.  No matter the obstacles faced, keep your chin up, use humor and your smarts, and learn your craft as much as you can.  This book is intended to serve as a prequel to Leslie’s first book entitled, “Construction Tales: Volume I: A Woman’s Journey to Become an Electrician.  There is also an edited teen version entitled, “Construction Tales: A Young Person’s Guide to Accomplish Anything in Life”.  This first book, within the Construction Tales series, shares what it was like for Leslie to become an apprentice electrician in New York.  Leslie now serves as a mentor to guide young women who come into the construction industry as apprentices.  She went back to college, during the 2008 Recession, and earned her M.B.A. at Iona College in 2013.  She has two sons, named Tom and Johnny; the two, family dogs are Jack Russels known affectionately as Otis and Daisy.  Tom has followed in his mother’s footsteps to become an apprentice electrician.  Leslie dedicates her spare time to adventures with friends and family, painting, creating #VerballyDisastrous podcast episodes, and writing Kindle Vella short stories.

Learn more about Leslie or purchase a copy of her book @ these sites:

www.ConstructionTales.com

Amazon Author Central Link 

https://www.amazon.com/Leslie-M.-Jasper/e/B00LSRKAKO?ref_=dbs_p_ebk_r00_abau_000000

Image Credits: Pixabay.com