About Us
Our beginning.
Our first large-scale project was building a skate ramp for the Playland Community Skate Park. We collaborated with the park’s founders and local skateboard shops to develop the plans and source the materials we needed. Over the course of two weekend builds, we came together as a community—parents, kids, friends, and families all pitched in to bring the project to life. The build culminated in a Best Trick Skate Contest, celebrating everyone’s contributions and the collective effort that made it possible. This project marked the beginning of Dykes With Drills, embodying the collaborative, inclusive, and empowering spirit that continues to define our work.
Our name.
We proudly call ourselves Dykes With Drills. By reclaiming the word “dyke,” we turn it from a symbol of oppression and exclusion into one of empowerment and pride. Through the use of drills and other tools, we create spaces that foster diversity, inclusion, and connection. Our community is intentionally inclusive, welcoming people of all sexualities and genders, including non-conforming individuals, transgender people, and allies. Together, we build not just structures but also a stronger, more connected community.
“When queer women create space, everyone is included.”
— Julie Peri, FOUNDER
Our mission.
Dykes With Drills is a nonprofit that empowers women with the tools to build. Through hands-on workshops, retreats, volunteer events, and community meet-ups, we create opportunities for individuals to connect, collaborate, and gain confidence using power tools. At the heart of everything we do is a commitment to fostering safe, inclusive, and non-judgmental spaces where learning and teaching thrive.
Our values.
EMPOWERING PEOPLE
Power tools are empowering! We create opportunities for participants of all skill levels to engage with power tools, fostering independence, confidence, and a sense of accomplishment. We’ve witnessed firsthand the transformative impact of learning to use tools—a shift that empowers individuals to take on new challenges and build both skills and self-assurance.
BUILDING COMMUNITY
Through project-based collaboration, volunteering, and meet-ups, we create a vibrant network of women who build. From beginners to skilled tradespeople, and learners to teachers, we connect, share skills, and support one another. Together, we foster a community where everyone contributes to building something meaningful.
LEARNING FROM OUR MISTAKES
We embrace failure as a valuable part of the learning process, turning mistakes into opportunities for growth. By reflecting on and learning from these moments, we create a supportive environment where taking risks is encouraged, allowing us to constantly move forward and innovate.
FINANCIAL ACCESSIBILITY
We are committed to making our workshops inclusive for people of diverse financial situations. By offsetting costs through donations, grants, and sponsorships, we strive to ensure accessibility for all participants, creating spaces where everyone can learn and grow.