Our Story

At Trades for Tomorrow (TFT), our story began not in a classroom, but on a construction site. It started with one person seeing an urgent need and deciding to act. Our Founder and Executive Director, Lacy Wargel, spent eight years as a Lean Engineer in the construction industry. Time and again, she heard the same thing from superintendents: "We need good craftsmen."

Lacy realized this wasn't just a business problem—it was a community one. She became passionate about educating everyone on the benefits and necessity of the skilled trades. She saw countless young people leaving school without knowing all their career options, while the trades were desperate for talent.

Trades for Tomorrow was born from this desire to bridge that gap and inspire the next generation of builders.

Our Board Members

  • Lacy Wargel

    FOUNDER & EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR

    Lacy is a Lean Engineer with 10 years in the construction industry. After hearing so many superintendents talk about the need for good craftsmen, she wanted to help. Lacy is passionate about educating the community on the need for skilled trades and the benefits of being a craftsman.

  • Katie Benton

    BOARD PRESIDENT

    Katie is a retired principal with a background in math education. Katie loves to show children how math is used in every career. She is also passionate about showing students all their options before making a career choice.

  • Donna Folz

    SECRETARY

    Donna is the science teacher at St. Philip School. She knows that all kids learn differently and is passionate about teaching STEM through many different outlets. Donna is passionate that while college is a great choice for many students, some students will be happier in a hands-on career like the building trades.

  • Marvin Byrer

    TREASURER

    Marvin is a retired carpenter and loves helping out in the community any way he can. He has been involved in many programs with the Carpenters to recruit new talent and is a perfect fit for Trades for Tomorrow.

  • Megan Wright

    BOARD MEMBER

    Megan is the principal at St. Benedict Cathedral School. Her background is in science education, and she spent the last several years as the 6th-grade science teacher at Helfrich Park STEM Academy. Megan is passionate about making science fun through many different hands-on activities. She worked with many organizations to arrange STEM-related field trips for her students and was a natural fit for Trades for Tomorrow.

  • Caitlin Haskins

    BOARD MEMBER

    Caitlin is the Office Manager for UA Local 136 Training Facility. She is essential to the apprenticeship by helping new applicants navigate their way through the process and serves as a resource throughout their apprenticeship. She is passionate about helping young adults find the right career path for them and staying abreast of the high school graduation pathways and requirements.