Monday, February 28, 2011

Improve, Innovate, and Inspire: The Power of Two


Despite decades of progress, the construction industry remains largely male-dominated. In particular, the construction trades remain disproportionately occupied by men rather than women. A conspicuous exception is the architecture profession, where parity is nearing as more and more women are assuming prominent design and managerial roles.

The Eugene chapter of the National Association of Women in Construction (NAWIC) provides a forum for women who are involved locally in all aspects of construction. I came to know members of this active group during my tenure on the board of the Construction Specifications Institute’s (CSI) Willamette Valley Chapter back in the ‘90s. NAWIC and CSI have long enjoyed a collegial and mutually supportive relationship.

NAWIC members are engaged in contract administration, project and operations management, engineering, as well as hands-on trades. The organization has also been extraordinarily active, belying its relatively small numbers. A case in point is its Block Kids event, NAWIC’s annual competition that introduces children to the construction industry.

Another NAWIC program is its upcoming Mentoring Mixer. The goal of the mixer is to match up-and-coming women in construction with good mentors, ones they can trust, respect, and relate to. Mentoring is a voluntary, reciprocal, self-directed learning relationship between two individuals who share responsibility and accountability for helping a mentee work toward achievement of clear and defined goals.

If you are a) female, and b) involved in the construction industry or a college student in a construction major, NAWIC invites you to attend the Mentoring Mixer. NAWIC veterans will help find you a “match” and provide guidelines on a formal mentoring relationship. Join NAWIC for a fun evening that could have a lasting impact on your professional and personal development.

Interested? Contact Amanda Wilson at wicpartnership@gmail.com. Please RSVP by March 7, 2011.

What:  NAWIC’s Mentoring Mixer

When:  March 9, 2011 – Social 5:30pm – Mixer 6:00-8:00

Where:  Boulevard Grill, 2123 Franklin Boulevard, Eugene

Cost:  Free for non-members. $18 for NAWIC members.

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