Stationary Engineer Emily Sargent Named “Woman to Watch” at 2025 WomanUp & Celebrate Southeast Michigan Awards

DETROIT, MI – May 7, 2025 – Operating Engineers 324 Stationary Engineer Emily Sargent was named a Woman to Watch at the 2025 WomanUp & Celebrate Southeast Michigan Awards, hosted by Michigan Women Forward on Wednesday, May 7, at Huntington Place in Detroit. The annual event honors women making extraordinary contributions in their communities and industries across the region.

Sargent, a third-generation union Stationary Engineer, currently serves as part of the facilities operations team at Little Caesars Arena. She and her team operate and maintain the venue’s complex mechanical infrastructure—ranging from ammonia refrigeration and HVAC systems to boilers and pumps—ensuring smooth, safe performance for every game, concert, and event.

“They are a great team to work with,” Sargent said of her coworkers. “They’re eager to share information, problem solve, and every day is something new!”

Emily’s journey to the trades began with a strong family legacy. Her great-grandfather and grandfather were union Stationary Engineers, and her grandfather spent more than 30 years working for Detroit Public Schools (DPS) as a member of Local 547, now Operating Engineers 324.

“We are so proud of Emily,” said her father, Nick Sargent. “My father had been an Operating Engineer for DPS for more than 30 years. He and my mother both encouraged Emily to pursue an Operating Engineer apprenticeship, which I greatly appreciated.”

Sargent followed their guidance, completing her OE324 apprenticeship and serving as a Lead Stationary Engineer at several DPS facilities, including Gardner Elementary School, Martin Luther King Jr. Senior High School, and the DPS Facilities Division on Farnsworth. Later, she stepped away from engineering to complete her college degree and pursue work in clinical research, joining the University of Michigan as a Research Area Specialist and Senior Database Administrator. In that role, she managed data for over 300 oncology clinical trials and provided strategic insights for research and financial planning.

Throughout her time in research, Sargent kept her Stationary Engineer license current—a habit instilled by her grandfather. “You never know when an opportunity might come up, or you’ll want to go back,” he had told her. He maintained his own license until he passed away in 2013.

That opportunity did come. “Working at Joe Louis [Arena] was always a dream job, so when the opportunity to work at Little Caesars Arena came up, I jumped at the chance,” she said.

Now, Sargent brings a rare combination of hands-on mechanical expertise and advanced data analysis skills to her work in the trades. Her passion extends beyond the job itself—she is committed to mentorship and outreach within the union and the skilled trades community.

“I’m glad for the opportunity to show girls and women that they can do this, and to help the apprenticeship and union grow,” she said.

“Emily is a leader and brings enthusiasm and expertise to her role, and she is a shining example of the type of talent and commitment OE324 Stationary Engineers bring to their work every day,” said Matt Closs, Stationary Training and Apprentice Coordinator for Operating Engineers 324. “We’re proud of her recognition as a Woman to Watch, and proud to have her represent the best of what our union stands for.”

Sargent was one of five women recognized as a 2025 Woman to Watch—an honor awarded by Michigan Women Forward to women 45 and under who demonstrate outstanding leadership in their communities and careers. Joining her this year were:

• Jennifer Borowy – President & CEO of Michigan First Credit Union
• Alondra Carter-Alvizo, Associate Director of Community Engagement at Michigan Central
• Justice Kyra Harris Bolden, Michigan Supreme Court Justice
• Kamilia K. Landrum, Executive Director of the Detroit Branch NAACP

The WomanUp & Celebrate Awards reflect Michigan Women Forward’s mission to accelerate progress for women and girls throughout Michigan through leadership development, entrepreneurship, and advocacy. Since its founding in 1986, the organization has worked to create a more equitable future by recognizing and investing in women leaders from all backgrounds and industries.

Sargent’s recognition highlights not only her technical and professional excellence, but also the essential role tradeswomen play in building, maintaining, and inspiring the future of Michigan.