The Connection
February 27, 2024
 
Association News
SAVE THE DATE for NAWIC’s 69th Annual Conference: Keys to the Future. Four days of inspiration, education, networking, and more with the movers and shakers of the construction industry.
You don’t want to miss it. Early registration opens April 1. Will we see you in Houston?
 
Payton began working at NAWIC National in October of 2023. In her day to day as the communications coordinator she works closely with her Communications Manager, Makayla Lopez, to schedule social media posts, edit and update The Connection, create graphics, write blogs, and send out email blasts. Her favorite part about working at NAWIC is expanding her knowledge about the construction industry and the amazing women who have shaped it today. 
 
Nominate yourself or another NAWIC member for one of our 2024 Membership Awards!
Future Leader – Recognize outstanding efforts of a new NAWIC member who has been actively involved throughout their 1st two NAWIC years.
Lifetime Achievement – Recognize outstanding efforts of a NAWIC member who has been actively involved throughout their NAWIC membership.
Member of the Year – Recognize outstanding efforts of a NAWIC member who has been actively involved October 2022 through September 2023.
Click the link below to find more information and to fill out an application! 
 
The deadline to apply is March 1, 2024. Click the link below to apply now! 
 
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Applications are now open for the NAWIC Project Excellence Awards. These awards celebrate the best construction projects from the past year. Companies from all over the country submit their work to be considered for the honor. The application window closes on April 15.
Click the link below to find out more.
 
NAWIC's online directory is now live. To find the directory, log in to your account at nawic.org, hover over 'Resources,' and click 'Member Search.'
 
Are you ready for WIC Week 2024? If you’re not sure where to start, here’s a list of some of our virtual events. Register here at wicweek.org. 
 
This week we are introducing Nichelle Smith. Nichelle Smith, P.E., is a native of Anchorage, Alaska, and a distinguished professional in the field of civil engineering and construction management. She earned her B.S. in Civil Engineering from UAA and holds a Master's in Construction Management from Auburn University. To learn more about Nichelle, click the link below! 
 
Education / Training
There is no shortage of ink spilled over staffing concerns in construction. We need field staff, we need administrative staff, we need management staff, and we struggle to build a reliable and sustainable pipeline. Our public works projects will stretch on for decades.
 
Don't miss out on these offers! For more information on NEF certifications, click the link below. 
 
A reminder that applications are due this month. Click the link below to apply. For any questions regarding the application or dues, please contact nfsf@nawic.org.
 
Lisa M. Ryba is a Controller for a construction company in Central Oregon. She also has a background in property management, project management, resort condo refurbishing, and owns Central Cascades Marketing, an agency specifically servicing the construction industry. She has worked with many contractors over the years, and understands the needs and challenges of this industry. In the spring of 2023, she became more and more interested in the current landscape for women in construction. After much research, she decided to gather this information and create a book to provide a current resource for young women considering the industry and those already in their construction careers.  In her book "Building Equality: Empowering Women in Construction for a Sustainable Future", she discusses the challenges, resources and opportunities for women in this male-dominated field. In her last chapter, she offers many sustainable strategies for women in construction by highlighting several sustainable practices, materials and technologies. “I love being connected to the construction industry, and I am passionate about supporting women in construction as much as I can”.
Click the link below to get your own copy today!
 
Click the link to learn more safety tips.
 
NEF is solely supported by sponsorships and donations and its Ladder Club of Success offers individuals the opportunity to support NEF with one-time or reoccurring automatic donations. Your financial support educates others through various programs and construction industry education courses. Fundraising is also done by NEF Fundraising Liaisons at a Regional and Chapter level.
 
Join the OSHA Alliance on February 29, for a highly informative webinar that includes an OSHA update on enforcement and outreach topics as well as several Directorate of Construction projects with highlights directly affecting WIC, hosted by Ms. Laverne R. Ogieste, SMS. Scan the QR code above or click the link below to register!
 
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Commerce Bank
NAWIC Benefits Spotlight
Investing in the right HR technology solutions can automate the most time-consuming tasks. Because tasks are automated, there is little to no room for human error, the work is not only faster but more accurate.  
 
Industry Update
The future of construction engineering would benefit from more women – especially minority women – being inspired to join the field and share their perspectives, according to Remy Haire, a student at Missouri S&T.
(From Missouri University of Science and Technology)
Safety pros and industry leaders offer input for overcoming challenges
(From Satefy and Health Magazine)
Women have made tremendous strides in making the construction industry more diverse. Despite progress, women are still severely underrepresented in leadership and project supervisory roles. Both have traditionally been the domain of men, and we must bring more women into these roles because it will help solve many significant challenges our industry faces.
(From Autodesk.com)