Introducing Project Rolodex, a Twin Cities based collective of women-identifying and LGBTQIA+ tradespeople dedicated to revolutionizing the construction industry by amplifying the voices and advancing the careers of underrepresented groups. Through a commitment to community building, mentorship, and tailored business resources, we aim to dismantle barriers and catalyze equitable growth. Our mission extends beyond mere inclusion, we strive to reshape market dynamics, elevating the earning potential of minority communities and fostering a landscape where every individual can thrive.
Emily Carlson is a Twin Cities Interior Painter, Designer, and owner of Righteous Digs with a decade under her belt in the painting industry. After receiving her bachelor’s degree in Interior Design in 2010, she has worked as a volunteer coordinator at a local non-profit and art instructor with Saint Paul Public Schools before founding her company. Throughout her career, Carlson has painted many rooms, tackled numerous design challenges, and learned a lot about what it means to be a woman on a job site.
Emily is now putting her unique experience to use to build a collective of women and LGBTQIA+ tradespeople called Project Rolodex. This collective will act as a voice to the minority genders in the trades, offer business support, and increase representation industry wide. Project Rolodex has become a bridge between her passion for her craft and activist spirit. When she’s not on a ladder or organizing the next collective event, Emily enthusiastically seeks out opportunities to experience art and socialize with her community.
How It Started
Emily was working on a crew with another woman, Denisea Elsola (The Art Goddess). She has been in the paint industry for 25 years, trained by her father who went to trade school to be a professional painter and wallpaper hanger in the 1960’s. We experienced a few not-so-funny jokes about female painters, and found ourselves having to defend our way of doing things while we were onsite together. As we shared our experience, we reflected back on the many instances we were not taken seriously as professional painters, the constant unsolicited advice from male counterparts, and lack of representation in the industry. This ignited a spark – someone needs to do something about this!
How It’s Going
A few weeks later, I attended the annual Sherwin Williams Colorcast event. There, I had the chance to speak with a sales representative I was familiar with. I casually mentioned that female representation in the field is a problem. He immediately suggested we set up a meeting to discuss my ideas. From that meeting (and consultation with others in the industry) I created an outline for an initiative to create community, provide resources, and grow revenue.
Industry Engagement:
- Currently working with paint industry vendors to create more diverse marketing materials with inclusive representation.
- Hosting special events to connect women and LGBTQIA+ tradespeople together.
- Brand representation and influencer collaborations.
Gender Advocacy in the Construction industry
If you would like to know more or collaborate with Project Rolodex, please connect with us!
MEDIA CONTACT:
Emily Carlson
emily@righteousdigs.com
righteousdigs.com, and 651-447-9730.
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