It’s with great pride that I can say that I am now officially a director on the board of an amazing group – the Los Angeles Chapter of the National Association of Women in Construction (NAWIC). As a sixty-four-year old national organization, its vision is and has been to enhance the success of women in the construction industry.
This is a much-needed and admirable goal, given that despite industry labor shortages, women comprise just 9% of the construction labor force. Increasing that percentage to what it could or should be — 50% — could arguably solve the problem on its own.
But on a deeper level, it’s important for women to recognize and reach their full potential, and to not allow themselves to be held back from potentially lucrative careers, just because they’re not perceived as traditional or socially-acceptable roles. Part of our mission in this group is to encourage young girls and young women to pursue construction career paths.
Last night was the 56th installation of the new board of directors for the group, and the kick-off to a year’s worth of activities that we will organize. These events will include inspirational speakers, useful career advice, education about the construction industry, networking opportunities and the introduction of successful and interesting potential role models to young women.
Last night succeeded on every one of the above factors. In an inspirational key note speech, Sarah Carr, vice president for McCarthy Building Group, explained how she spent her small-town high-school years as the sole female engineering student, and continued forever after then saying “yes” to any challenge presented to her. Three highly-deserving high-school students were awarded scholarships and membership to NAWIC LA, to continue to motivate and encourage them in their path to this industry.
The new board of directors was figuratively and literally given the keys to proceed with helping to achieve the group’s goals. The new board will serve for one year, will continue to be led by president, Priscilla Chavez, of PCL Construction Services, Inc., with the help of fellow board officers, vice president, Shilo Losino, of Contractor’s Best Insurance Services, and treasurer, Lakeisha Vaden, of Merriwether and Williams Insurance Services. The new board members are Melissa Wyatt, of MW Enterprises; and Nancy Lira, of Herzog, and me. (More details about the Los Angeles Chapter’s leadership can be read here.)
I was touched and honored that so many people from Giroux Glass attended the event, in addition to the company also being a sponsor. Our beloved chairman of the board, and previous chief executive officer, Anne-Merelie Murrell, and her husband of sixty years, George, joined us, along with our current leader, chief executive officer and president, Nataline Lomedico. Also there were Amanda Torigiani, Ilse Baeck, Jacqueline Arbid, Lydia Arevalo, Marisela Miranda, Michelle Fainberg and Monica Molinaro. It was so heart-warming for me to look out and see each of them involved in the evening’s activities.
Networking took place throughout the well-attended event, and I think I can speak for everyone in saying that all present had a wonderful time. I very much look forward to what the year will bring, and also to what I personally can bring to this already successful and amazing group of women, to help them – us! – meet our goals.