Kansas Asadoorian
Current Company and Position: UA Local 21 plumbers and steamfitters; position: welder.
Family: husband; Peter Asadoorian; step children; Julia and Matthew Asadoorian; my children: Jase Karwaski, Aspen, Hudson, Wyatt Asadoorian.
First Job: Babysitting.
What it taught me: Baby sitting taught me a lot about responsibility, time management and communication. Taking care of children requires me to be attentive, patient, and adaptable-skills that continue to help me in both a personal and professional setting. It also helped me in my ability to make decisions under pressure.
Best advice you could give someone starting out: My advice to someone starting their professional career is to embrace every opportunity to learn and grow while staying true to your work ethic and values. Approach each task with dedication, seek mentorship from seasoned colleagues, and don’t shy away from asking questions to deepen your skills and understanding. Building strong relationships with your team and maintaining a commitment to safety and quality will set a solid foundation for long-term success. Stay resilient through challenges, take pride in your craft, and always strive for continuous improvement. Above all, show up every day with a willingness to learn something new.
Who is your hero and why? My hero is my son, Jase. Becoming a single mom wasn’t easy—especially when I wasn’t making enough to give us the life I dreamed of. I wanted more than just to get by. I wanted to give him a safe, comfortable home, vacations to make memories, and a future he could be proud of. He gave me the drive to change our lives, and more importantly, the strength to push myself outside of my comfort zone.
That’s when I decided to apply to Local 21 Plumbers and Steamfitters. I had some background knowledge from what my dad did when he worked there, and I always knew I was capable of being handy. Still, I went into the job not really knowing what to expect. But I was determined. It wasn’t just about a career change—it was about showing my son what resilience looks like. Every step I’ve taken since has been fueled by the love and motivation he gives me every single day. Jase lit the fire in me to chase something better, and because of that first push, I’ve been able to build a better life not just for him but for all my kids.
Biography: Kansas Asadoorian is a resilient tradeswoman and licensed cosmetologist whose journey reflects determination, growth, and deep commitment to both her career and her family. A 2009 high school graduate, she went on to attend Paul Mitchell Hair School, earning her cosmetology license while also working day shifts at The Cheesecake Factory in White Plains, New York. After graduating, she began working at Benefit Cosmetics in New Canaan, Connecticut, while raising her son, Jase. With her days starting at 6:30 a.m. and ending well after 7:30 p.m. due to long commutes and evening responsibilities, she relied on the support of her parents, who played a crucial role in helping babysit while she worked and attended school. Their support allowed her to push through long, demanding days and stay focused on her goals.
Despite her hard work, she realized she still wasn’t earning enough to build the future she envisioned. In 2017, she made the life-changing decision to apply to Local 21 Plumbers and Steamfitters, where her father had once served as a business agent. She was accepted into the apprenticeship program and spent the next five years honing her craft. She stayed after hours on Tuesdays to practice welding, ultimately earning certifications from the United Association for Stick Welding, and Orbital Welding.
That same year, she met her now-husband, Peter Asadoorian, who was already a devoted father to Julia and Matthew. They married in September 2022 and have since welcomed three children together: Aspen, Hudson, and Wyatt.
Today, Kansas continues to build a life she’s proud of—balancing the demands of a skilled trade with the joys and responsibilities of a growing family. Her story is one of perseverance, passion, and the power of community and family support.
