Building Futures: Thackray Crane Supports MYWIC Camp 2025
For the second year in a row, Thackray Crane Rental proudly partnered with the Mentoring Young Women in Construction (MYWIC) Camp, an incredible program hosted by the NAWIC Philadelphia Foundation.
The camp is held during the summer months and is a free, week-long camp that introduces girls in 7th–12th grades to the diverse and rewarding careers available in the skilled trades—many of which are often overlooked as career paths for young women.
At Thackray, we believe that education comes in many forms—and MYWIC is a wonderful example of what it looks like when you expand the conversation beyond traditional college degrees. This camp opens eyes and builds confidence, helping girls see that they can pursue fulfilling, well-paying careers in fields that have long been male dominated.
Hands-On Learning in Action
As part of our ongoing commitment to lifting the next generation, Thackray got heavily involved with MYWIC 2025 and have campers the opportunity to get up close and personal with some of our most powerful equipment. Our cranes were on-site to hoist the official MYWIC banner high into the air—an exciting visual that kicked off a day filled with learning, teamwork, and hands-on experience.
Under the guidance of our skilled operators, campers got the chance to climb into crane cabs and learn about the controls, safety procedures, and real-world applications of this essential machinery. Many of the girls had never been that close to a crane before, let alone operated the controls—and seeing their reactions was a powerful reminder of why this program matters.
Inspiring the Next Generation
We were thrilled to have Mark W. Thackray serve once again as the camp’s instructor for crane operations, bringing passion, patience, and a deep knowledge of the industry to every interaction. His leadership and enthusiasm helped create a welcoming environment where the girls felt comfortable asking questions and trying something new.
This year, we were especially honored to welcome a father-daughter team to the event: Juan and Celeste Sanchez. Juan is a seasoned crane operator with Thackray, and his daughter Celeste is a fourth-year apprentice, crane oiler, and operator who is blazing a trail for women in the trades.
Together, they shared their experiences, answered questions, and showed the campers what’s possible when skill meets opportunity and support.
Celeste’s presence was particularly impactful for these young girls. Seeing another young woman confidently operating cranes and making a career in construction showed campers firsthand that they, too, belong in this space.
Her story is a living example of MYWIC’s mission: to break barriers, inspire leadership, and create access to long-term, family-sustaining careers.
A Community Effort
MYWIC wouldn’t be possible without the generous support of local construction firms and community partners. From providing equipment and facilities to offering time, mentorship, and logistical support, companies across the region come together each year to make this camp a reality. We’re proud to be part of that network, and especially proud of the Thackray team—including our staff and volunteers—who went above and beyond to make the day meaningful for every camper.
We’re also grateful to the team at the NAWIC Philadelphia Foundation for organizing such a thoughtful, empowering program and continuing to provide young women with new perspectives and opportunities.
Lifting the Future, Together
As the cranes soared and the campers smiled, one thing became clear: the future of construction is in good hands.
These young women are curious, capable, and eager to explore what’s possible. With the right exposure and encouragement, they can—and will—become the project managers, operators, engineers, and leaders of tomorrow.
At Thackray, we’re more than a crane company. We’re builders of opportunity. And we’ll continue to support programs like MYWIC that make space for every young person to rise.
