It’s Women in Construction Week and we are well-represented by employee-owners who champion the cause.
Senior Benefits Administrator Melanie Healey is President of the National Association of Women in Construction (NAWIC) Phoenix Chapter. Two of our San Antonio employees, Office Manager Terri Pasley and Project Administrator Traci Cadena, are part of that city’s chapter. Terri was San Antonio Chapter President in 2005 and 2006 and served on the Board of Directors and numerous committees. She has been part of NAWIC since 1996.
“I heard about NAWIC through a coworker while working as an Administrative Assistant for a local general contractor,” Terri said. “After my first meeting, I knew I wanted to be a part of the organization and be involved with the amazing group of professional women and all they stood for. I realized right away the networking opportunity not only with NAWIC members but its affiliates as well.”
NAWIC began as Women in Construction of Fort Worth, Texas in 1953, founded by 16 women. Knowing that women represented only a small fraction of the industry, the founders organized NAWIC to create a support network. Women in Construction of Fort Worth gained its national charter in 1955 and became NAWIC.
The organization provides its members with opportunities for professional development, education, networking, leadership training, public service and more. Its focus is to enhance the success of women in construction and assist in the development of industry leaders.
Melanie has found the organization beneficial to her professional development. She has been a NAWIC member for almost five years.
“I have gained a number of things,” Melanie said. “First and foremost, an understanding of our industry and the women within it – our history, our struggles and our achievements. I’ve also gained leadership skills along the way as I joined committees and the board. Serving as the President of this chapter for the second year has taught me more about leading by example, understanding those around me and working closely with a team of diverse individuals.”
The Phoenix Chapter is offering two networking events and a blueprint reading course this week. The chapter kicked off the week with its annual “9 & Wine,” an event that helps women learn networking strategies on the golf course.
Traci recently joined the construction world and values the assistance she receives from her female coworkers and NAWIC members.
“Being new to the construction industry, I have been blessed to have two amazing women here at Sundt, Terri Pasley and Sara Allen, encourage, teach and support me as I have grown with Sundt,” Traci said. “I can only hope that with the networking opportunities and community events in NAWIC, I can continue to grow and learn and pass it on.”
NAWIC created Women in Construction Week to highlight women as an important part of the industry. We employ more than 230 women combined in administrative and craft roles.
“Women in Construction Week provides an occasion for NAWIC’s thousands of members across the country to raise awareness of the opportunities available to women in the construction industry and to emphasize the growing role of women in the industry,” Terri said. “It is all about us!”
This article is part of a series celebrating Women in Construction Week, which is organized and supported by NAWIC.