It’s been 60 years since the National Association of Women in Construction (NAWIC) Sacramento first began championing the cause of women in the construction industry. With Women in Construction (WIC) Week happening March 6-12, the organization is preparing for a host of events to keep the movement going.

“NAWIC Sacramento celebrates 60 years of advocating for women in construction through education, mentorship, and networking opportunities where women gain industry knowledge and share their experiences with other women,” says Agata Krasniewska, president of NAWIC Sacramento, assistant controller at DOME Construction. “Working with industry professionals made me recognize the value of building your own network and the importance of positive relationships.”

NAWIC Sacramento is an affiliate of the National Association of Women in Construction, an international non-profit association that promotes and supports the advancement and employment of women in the construction industry. Since its founding, NAWIC has grown to a membership of 5,500 women with more than 160 chapters.

Karen Conrod, president elect, NAWIC Sacramento, project executive with Herrero Builders, says over the years she has seen positive changes for women in construction, “however
 even in 2022 we have a lot of work to do not only in creating equity in the build environment but in educating women about the career opportunities available to them in construction.”

Currently, women comprise about 10.9% of labor in the construction industry, and on the front lines of a job site,  there is only about one woman for every 100 employees in the field. Nationwide, there are more than 1.1 million women working in construction, compared to 9.9 million men.

“Statistics show that women who work full time in the construction industry earn more than women in other industries, so why aren't more women joining the construction industry?” Conrod says. “This is part of what we aim to change.”

Krasniewska says with current labor shortages, there is a significant opportunity for women to get better positions and negotiate better pay. “Consequently, for organizations such as NAWIC this is an obligation to educate and mentor women about these opportunities and take advantage of them.”

One of the ways NAWIC Sacramento is broadening its reach is through events such as Women in Construction Week (WIC), which takes place at the beginning of March each year.

“The focus of WIC Week is to highlight women as a visible component of the construction industry,” says Krasniewska. “WIC Week is one of the most important events for the industry as it gives an occasion for women across the entire industry to raise awareness of the opportunities available for women in the construction, emphasize the growing role of women within the industry, and it's also time to give back to our communities through volunteerism or mentorship.”

NAWIC Sacramento has numerous activities scheduled for WIC Week, with industry-leading speakers, informative seminars, job site tours, luncheons, fundraisers, happy hours, and more.

“WIC Week is a terrific opportunity to connect as a larger group,” says Dona Lisa Buschmann, WIC Week committee chair, surety manager at Bender Insurance Solutions. “In casual conversations, those more seasoned can share their experiences and lessons learned. New friendships and perhaps, a future mentor-protege relationship, may ensue.”

Events such as WIC Week, along with mentoring, and recent national discussions on diversity inclusion, are encouraging the construction industry to attract and retain a more diverse workforce, says NAWIC National President Doreen Bartoldus.

“Inclusive workplaces start with making construction careers accessible to all,” says Bartoldus, who has 45 years working in the construction industry.  “This is where NAWIC has supported focus on outreach to K-12 through our programs from NEF (NAWIC Education Foundation). NAWIC and other women’s organizations are also helping raise women’s voices, advocate for their abilities and help break down barriers.”

NAWIC Sacramento is involved in various mentor programs such as the Under Construction Camp led by Girls Scouts Heart of Central California, the AGC Build California program, Sacramento Regional Builders Exchange-SRBX-CREATE program, and other design-build competitions.

Conrod says because there are less women in leadership positions in construction it is difficult for women to find mentors and individuals as role models. “The Women in leadership roles need to go above and beyond to help develop others and mentor women in the industry,” Conrod says.

Krasniewska says this is the reason that NAWIC created an Emerging Professionals Committee whose core purpose is to empower women in the construction industry to maximize their impact on the job. “The main goal of the committee is to help NAWIC chapters attract, retain and bring value to women who are new to the construction industry and new to NAWIC,” she says.

“I joined NAWIC Sacramento to find mentors that I could relate to and who could guide me through my career,” says Krasniewska. “The longer you stay within the organization and are active in leadership the more you gain from the experience. All of our members are very welcoming and willing to share their experiences and advice. To have that support of all those women and knowing they are always there is empowering.”