LeDaya Epps hit a few roadblocks in life and couldn't find reliable work and the income she needed to take care of herself and her three children.

Then she completed a union apprenticeship in construction through Metro's Project Labor Agreement and Career Construction Project programs — one of only two women to do so — and now she's part of the crew building the Crenshaw/LAX light rail line as a member of Laborers Local 300. And now she's invited to be a special guest of the First Lady at the State of the Union address!

LA Metro is the first US transit agency to implement a project labor agreement and construction career policy, which help people who live in economically disadvantaged areas find jobs and training opportunities on Metro construction projects. To date, approximately 140 apprentices in various trades have been used on the Crenshaw/LAX project. “I am proud that our groundbreaking programs are being recognized by the White House,” said Metro CEO Arthur Leahy. “LeDaya Epps and others just like her represent the promise that Measure R tax dollars can be used not only to build projects, but also to build sustainable careers for Los Angeles County residents." 

Photo by Luis Inzunza/Metro: Metro CEO Art Leahy, Metro Board Member Jackie Dupont-Walker, LeDaya Epps, U.S. Labor Secretary Thomas Perez and James Martinez at the Crenshaw/Expo Yard earlier this year.)