Erin Sazegar and Daniel Milone Rock the Murray Company Booth at McCarthy’s “Exploring STEM Through Construction” Event in Newport

On Saturday, May 18^th, Fabrication Hanger Lead Manager Erin Sazegar and Journeyman Daniel Milone were called upon by VP Virginia Brown to represent Murray Company at McCarthy’s Partnership for Women “Exploring STEM Through Construction” event at their Newport Beach office. Essentially, this is:

“….a fun day of exploring STEM with a free interactive workshop that creates opportunities for students to learn about construction firsthand. The event is open to high school students ages 14 – 18, with a special emphasis on introducing girls to the trades and possibilities that exist within the construction industry. The event is centered around fostering a safety-first mentality and boosting self confidence – skills that apply to everyday life. Students will learn to work as a team and effectively communicate with their peers and mentors to achieve successful completion of their projects.”

Murray Company was one of 7 trade partners to arrive at 7 AM to set-up shop. The MC table included lots of fun and giveaways from highlighters, screwdriver tools, flashlights and MC hair bands while an assortment of flyers, mints and stickers was generously provided by our union partners at UA Local 78 (of which Erin and Daniel are members). The day opened up with welcomes by the McCarthy crew, breakfast and a Flex & Stretch. Pods of 8-10 high school girls rotated throughout these stations spending around 45 minutes at each.

At the MC booth, students were presented with two different methods of joining PEX Pipe. Daniel was on the Viega PureFlow Press Connections. His joining method was using a crimp style jaw that crimps the fittings onto the pipe. Erin was on the Uponor Pro PEX Expansion Tool, and her joining method involved expanding the pipe to slip over the fittings and then, by memory, the pipe shrinks back onto the fitting. Uponor pipe is more malleable and doesn’t always need a fitting to make turns in the direction of flow. These interactive activities engaged our audience, showing them the opportunities that exist for women in construction.

Daniel and Erin attend the welcome breakfast at McCarthy’s Newport Beach office. All participants and hosts warm up with a Stretch and Flex led by McCarthy’s Safety Team.

Erin Sazegar reflects on the event and her involvement,

“Thank you everyone for the opportunity at the McCarthy event! I should be proud to persuade and lead by example. If these youngsters are anything like me growing up, then telling them they “can’t” just because they’re a girl… well, I hope their response is like mine, which is more than a few choice words. You’d better believe I might not prove you wrong right away or even at all, but I guarantee you I’m not going to call it quits without giving a little resistance.

I couldn’t have picked a better partner to help me out. Daniel & I started together in 2018 as pre-apprentices. We did all 5 years of schooling together and journeyed out together. He absolutely killed it on training the girls and making sure they understood the procedures, hazards, and safety. He made them feel comfortable by letting them know that they could ask him anything because he was there for them and that they don’t have to feel embarrassed about asking for help. And as always, he assured me that he had my back on Saturday and not stress out! So, I must give him a huge shout out for putting my erratic little mind at ease and helping me out.”

Daniel and Erin host groups of 8-10 girls at the MC station, engaging in hands-on activities.

Our point of contact at McCarthy’s office, Executive Assistance/Office Manger Krista Reel shares,

“Thank you so much for collaborating and partnering with McCarthy to create such a unique and special offering! I am so glad to hear that you and your team enjoyed the event. Your participation was such a special element of the program, and everyone’s support at Murray is so very appreciated. So many of the young girls can take away the skills and empowerment gained through your station’s training and put it to use in their lives right away. I am personally beyond thrilled to learn you would be interested in participating again! We will absolutely be in touch for the next round 😊 and I look forward to hopefully many future opportunities to collaborate and grow our special partnership.”

Daniel helps students use a crimp style jaw that crimps fittings onto pipe. Bottom: McCarthy’s Assistant PM Justino Franco visits each booths with his niece and her friends.

McCandless Tile hosts the tiling station, a hands-on grouting exercise. Assistant PM Justino Franco demonstrates how to pour concrete into a mold. The molds were of the McCarthy “dude” featured on their logo (this is in fact his actual name). Castle’s activity involved scooping up a basketballs atop cones and transporting them into wastebaskets from behind the controls of a digger.