Adrienne Bennett is the first female master plumber in the United States. She faced bullying, harassment, and racism on the job from her male peers. But she fought back and she persisted.

Adrienne Bennett graduated from Detroit’s Mumford High School. In 1976, she met a recruiter for the Mechanical Contractors Association who was looking for minorities to enter their apprenticeship program. Adrienne completed the 5-year apprenticeship program with Plumbers Local Union 98 and received her journeyman plumber’s license in 1985. She was the first female graduate, ever. In 1987 she received her master’s license, the only woman to ever accomplish this.

This pioneer in the plumbing and construction industries in North America’s first and only female licensed master plumber and plumbing contractor. She is America’s first African-American female plumbing inspector and certified medical gas inspector and installer. Over the course of her career, she has held positions as a Chief Project Manager, Chief Space Analyst, Master Plumber, Plumbing Estimator, and Drain Layer Contractor. 

Now, 30 years after breaking the glass ceiling in the plumbing trade, she has started her own company. She’s a CEO, community leader, and advocate for safer working conditions for women. Today we honor this trailblazing woman for her bravery, tenacity and black girl excellence!