The Council: The mission of the Associated Builders and Contractors Women’s Council is to promote, support, encourage and provide a voice for women in the construction industry through education, professional development, legislative involvement and philanthropic endeavors.
What she’ll do: “My responsibilities include establishing the agenda and goals for the year, with input from our executive committee, keeping in mind our mission statement. I also implement, oversee and coordinate council activities and committees including monthly meetings, networking events and philanthropic projects. In addition I serve as the liaison with ABC At Large membership.”
How was she selected/elected? “As a member of the Women’s Council I served on several committees and was formally nominated and elected to serve as secretary, treasurer and two years as vice president.” She became president in 2007 and is continuing on as president for 2008.
When are meetings and what happens during them? “Our meetings are held monthly on the third Tuesday except for November and December, when it is moved to the second Tuesday due to the holidays,” she said. “The meetings are made up of educational programs, panel discussions and roundtables, after-hours events, networking opportunities and community outreach. The format includes networking and education.”
Her business: She is general manager of Breaking Ground Contracting Co.
Goals for 2008 as president: “Our goals will build on last year’s successes which include community outreach through the sponsorship of mentor candidates with Kesler Mentoring, our alliance with The Bridge and our scholarship for a female student in the ACE Mentoring program. We will also proceed with plans to assist another organization with the Habijax Women Build Project.
“We are beginning a campaign to expand the Women’s Council structure to other Associated Builders and Contractors chapters around the country. We will implement a program to foster future leaders within our group to continue the work of the Council for the long term. We are developing additional educational opportunities for our members. We will continue our efforts to encourage members to do business with the women in the Council as well as the ABC membership.”
How does the council have an impact on the industry? “We are a resource for women in an industry that has historically been male dominated. Our outreach and education programs will provide information to young women about the careers in, and related to, the construction industry. This will advance the workforce in a time when worker shortages have become critical.
“We are also shaping a new dynamic within the industry to include more community outreach on a local and national level. Our recent award for Women’s Business Association of the Year has validated that the work we are doing has and will continue to make a difference.”
What does the council offer members that is unique? “The opportunity to interact and build relationships with other women in their industry and to participate within their community. Our diverse membership offers a network for women to address challenges they may be encountering on a daily basis. Our members have experienced immediate results in producing leads and business for their companies based on our philosophy to support each other.”