Congresswoman Sara Jacobs (CA-53) delivered a speech this past weekend about the importance of women’s representation and leadership at the United Brotherhood of Carpenters’ International Sisters in the Brotherhood Conference. Congresswoman Jacobs shared how she’s been dismissed and underestimated because of her age and gender, and how sexism and a lack of representation inspired her to run for Congress and fight for issues that are crucial to women and families, including reproductive health care, child care, a strong social safety net, and workers’ rights. At 33, Congresswoman Jacobs speaks frequently about her experiences as a young woman – and as one of the few Members of reproductive age – and how that informs her work in Congress. 

Watch Congresswoman Sara Jacobs’ Speech Here

“The Sisters in the Brotherhood are breaking down barriers every day – proving that women can and do belong in what’s otherwise been a man’s world,” said Congresswoman Sara Jacobs. “I am honored to be doing this work alongside them – to fight for more female representation and leadership from construction sites to Congress, which will create more equitable policies, better jobs, and a stronger economy for all of us.”

Congresswoman Sara Jacobs also toured the Carpenters International Training Center (ITC), which was built to develop and improve the skills of UBC members, spoke one-on-one with members from California and Nevada, and met with the union’s leadership team to discuss their top legislative priorities. 

Congresswoman Sara Jacobs is a third-generation San Diegan and proudly represents California’s 53rd Congressional District. Congresswoman Jacobs serves as the Founding Chair of San Diego for Every Child: The Coalition to End Child Poverty and previously served as a Scholar in Residence at the Joan B. Kroc School of Peace Studies at the University of San Diego and in policy positions at the U.S. State Department, UNICEF, the United Nations, and on Secretary Hillary Clinton’s 2016 presidential campaign. She also served as the founding CEO of Project Connect, an education non-profit dedicated to closing the opportunity gap for students around the world. At 33, Congresswoman Jacobs is the youngest member of California’s delegation and the third youngest member in the 117th Congress. She serves as the Freshman Representative to the House Democratic Steering and Policy Committee, and sits on the House Committee on Foreign Affairs, the House Armed Services Committee, and the House Select Committee on Economic Disparity and Fairness in Growth.

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