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Breaking Barriers: Evelyn Pacheco (ARMY VET) on Becoming Nevada’s First Black Female Union Plumber

Evelyn Pacheco, U.S. Army Veteran, Nevada's first Black female union plumber, tells their story to Vegas Veteran Voices, a Veteran-led nonprofit in Las Vegas.

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In this story
Evelyn Pacheco, U.S. Army Veteran, Nevada's first Black female union plumber
Service branch
U.S. Army
Organization
Nevada Women in Trades (NVWIT)
Resources
Nevada Women in Trades: listed in our resource directory
Published
Running time
47 minutes (47:44)
Production
Filmed by Vegas Veteran Voices, a Veteran-led nonprofit in Las Vegas

“Very humbled, very proud of what I’m doing and who I’m helping.”

Evelyn PachecoHear it at 25:34

About this story

She was told she couldn’t do it. She proved them wrong.

Evelyn Pacheco went from being an Army wheel mechanic to becoming Nevada’s first Black female union plumber, and now she’s building a movement. As the founder of Nevada Women in Trades (NVWIT), Evelyn is creating pathways for women and Veterans to break into high-paying, life-changing trade careers.

In this episode of Vegas Veteran Voices, Evelyn exposes the barriers women face in construction and skilled trades, from harassment to systemic gatekeeping, and how she’s tearing them down. She talks about raising three kids as a single mom, grinding through five years of apprenticeship, and launching NVWIT to help women earn six-figure salaries with benefits and pensions.

This isn’t just a podcast. It’s a wake-up call. Skilled trades can change lives, and Evelyn is living proof.

Learn more about Nevada Women in Trades:
Website: https://nevadawit.org
Email: info@nevadawit.org
Support NVWIT: https://nevadawit.org/donate

Connect with Evelyn:
Email: Evelyn@nevadawit.org
Phone: 702-801-6591

Follow Vegas Veteran Voices:
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@VegasVeteranVoices
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/vegasveteranvoices
Website: https://www.vegasveteranvoices.com

If you’re a Veteran, woman, or anyone who’s been told “you can’t,” this story will show you why you MUST.

In their words

“I do again go back to the military. I believe that was the really big driving force for me to know not to give up, to keep forging.”

Evelyn PachecoHear it at 3:59

“I can be there for them and mentor them and talk with them and be on the same level as them, because I’ve been through it.”

Evelyn PachecoHear it at 26:27

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