The First Black Woman to Become a Licensed Master Plumber Adrienne Bennett Inducted as Honorary Member of Sigma Gamma Rho

Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority, Inc. has inducted Adrienne Bennett, the first Black woman to become a licensed master plumber in the United States, as an Honorary Member. The sorority announced the induction today, Friday, July 24, 2026, during its 61st Biennial Boule in Tampa, Florida.

Bennett broke that barrier over a career now spanning four decades in the skilled trades. She is the CEO of Benkari LLC and has been honored for her leadership in workforce diversity and environmental sustainability.

Bennett’s path into the trade began in an unexpected place. She was recruited at a 1976 Jimmy Carter rally by a representative of the Mechanical Contractors Association of Detroit and entered a five-year apprenticeship with Plumbers’ Union Local 98. She rose from journeyman to master plumber, later serving as a plumbing inspector and code enforcement officer for the city of Detroit for a decade. She is also recognized as the first Black female plumbing inspector and a certified medical gas inspector and installer.

In 2008, Bennett launched Benkari LLC, a commercial plumbing and mechanical contracting firm she runs with her son, A.K. Bennett. The company has contributed to major civic projects in Detroit, including work tied to Little Caesars Arena and the Anthony Wayne Housing Development.

Bennett was inducted as part of Sigma Gamma Rho’s Honorary Membership Class of 2026, a group of women recognized during the 2026 Boule Honorary Membership Ceremony for achievements spanning sports, entertainment, education, public service, advocacy, entrepreneurship, and global humanitarian work.

The ceremony took place as Sigma Gamma Rho gathered in Tampa, Florida, for its 61st Biennial Boule under International President Marica T. Harris. In announcing the class, Harris said the 2026 honorees “embody the spirit of service, the power of purpose,” carrying forward the sorority’s mission of Greater Service, Greater Progress.

We at Watch The Yard would like to congratulate Adrienne Bennett on her induction as an Honorary Member of Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority, Inc.

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