Tag Archives: Las Vegas







Karisten Blackshere, a first-year apprentice, at the Warren JATC.

Local woman lands in electrician apprenticeship after Las Vegas journey


Growing up on a farm in northern Trumbull County taught Karisten Blackshere about hard work and being hands-on. Now, in her first year in the electrician apprenticeship at the Warren JATC, she understands early mornings, sacrifices and persistence. However, it took thousands of miles and several life experiences to get there. Venture to Las Vegas […]

Tom Lipka stands in office.

No bluffing. NECA’s Tom Lipka out-plays 90% of the WSOP field


Leveraging 20 years of experience as an attorney, Tom Lipka has developed a set of people-reading skills that have proved useful both inside and outside the office. The executive director of the Mahoning Valley NECA chapter practiced law before transitioning to the electrical industry in 2019. “The ability to maintain an emotionless appearance and to […]