Grace Rucka

University of Tennessee

Major: Marketing

Daughter of Ben Rucka, Malarkey Roofing Products

John “Jack” Rucka

University of Mississippi

Son of Ben Rucka, Malarkey Roofing Products

My career choice has been heavily influenced by my family’s history in roofing. Starting with my grandfather to my dad, uncles, and now cousins, roofing has been a life source. Thus, it was only natural that I join Local 220 at 19. My major, in many ways, prepared me to navigate this new territory as a woman. I intend to grow in the roofing industry and learn from mentors. These current work experiences will further my career by giving me insight in construction when pursuing a degree with an emphasis in construction law.

What inspired you to choose this career path?

I began my career in education early in my undergraduate studies when I worked for the Gaining Early Awareness and Readiness Program (GEAR UP), an educational organization that provides structural interventions to Title I schools by assisting a cohort of students in their pursuit of higher education. Through GEAR UP, I gained valuable practice by working as a tutor, mentor, parent liaison, and college advisor in three low socioeconomic middle schools and six underprivileged high schools in the Anaheim Unified School District. When I began working in this organization six years ago, my original goal was to pursue a career as a social studies teacher. I knew I wanted to give back to my community in the field that I am passionate about, which is education. However, as I developed relationships with students, I realized my strongest abilities were active listening and being amicable with strangers, which better aligned with the counseling profession.