2025 GWIC Conference Agenda

1:00 PM – 4:00 PM

Exhibitor Set-Up

4:00 PM – 9:00 PM

Registration: Pre-Conference Check-in

Registration kiosks will be open starting at 4pm. Pick up your badge Sunday evening, and have a welcome drink on us!

6:00 AM – 7:30 AM

Early Registration Check-in

7:30 AM – 8:30 AM

Breakfast & Exhibits

8:30 AM – 8:45 AM

Opening Remarks

8:45 AM – 9:15 AM

Opening Keynote

Supercharging & Recruiting Construction's Trade Base with Technology & Rosie Spirit

In a construction marketplace of more complex, fast-moving and technology-focused projects, craft workers need to use math, science, technology and engineering (STEM) daily to do their work. But current next-gen workers and prospects lack the needed foundation to tackle new work complexities in such areas as welding, plumbing, electrical & HVAC. Join homebuilding veteran and WBE entrepreneur Demi Clark to learn how new skill can add the spark to move the equity needle for women in construction.

9:15 AM – 9:55 AM

Plenary Session

Life in the C-Suite: Women Rise to New Challenges

It’s probably never been a tougher time to be a C-suite leader in the construction industry, amid new complexities in project and people management and bigger impacts of fast-changing financial trends and fast-shifting politics. Two veteran women AEC executives share candid insights on leadership challenges—from workplace shortages and supply chain upheavals to decision-making, culture building and navigating success in a new business environment.

9:55 AM – 10:30 AM

Session

Riding the Waves: Navigating the Uncertain Waters of Diversity Initiatives

In the Summer of 2023, the U.S. Supreme Court held that race cannot be considered a factor in admissions at colleges that accept federal funds. Since these decisions, there has been a wave of lawsuits against companies and agencies challenging DE&I initiatives, hiring and promotion practices, and minority/women-owned/disadvantaged business enterprise programs. This panel will discuss the aftermath of the Supreme Court’s decisions, the arguments being made for and against these diversity initiatives and the uncertain future of DE&I and MWDBE initiatives in the construction industry.

10:30 AM – 11:00 AM

Morning Break: Refreshments, Networking, Exhibits

11:00 AM – 11:30 AM

Breakout Track A

11:30 AM – 12:15 PM

Breakout Track B

11:30 AM – 12:15 PM

Breakout Track A

Rebreaking the Glass Ceilings in the Data Center Market

Panelists Katie Freed
Preconstruction Manager, Meta
Taylor Gilmore
Operating Group Integrated Construction Director, Mortenson
Cotton McNutt
Data Center Business Unit Leader, Fortis Construction Inc.

11:30 AM – 12:15 PM

Breakout Track B

GC & Sub Couples’ Therapy: Let’s Talk About Finances

The billing process in construction is notoriously painful, straining relationships between GCs and subs. It’s time to address those issues head-on and find common ground! During this session, billing expert Claire Wilson will facilitate open dialogue between subs and GCs, exploring the billing and payment dynamic. With equal doses of humor and real-talk, Claire will create a safe space for attendees to share frustrations and successes, tackling everything from contracts and change orders to payments and closeouts. The goal? To uncover practical solutions and foster stronger relationships.

12:15 PM – 1:45 PM

Luncheon
Optional Facilitated Conversation tables

1:45 PM – 2:15 PM

Breaking Silos: Building Skillset Diversity as a Catalyst Towards Leadership

This session will highlight how women in construction can advance their careers by acquiring skills from outside their current department. Panelists will explore how engaging in cross-functional training, volunteering for interdisciplinary projects, or collaborating with other departments can provide fresh perspectives, enhance problem-solving abilities, and build a more versatile skillset. By breaking out of departmental silos, women can position themselves for leadership roles that require a broad understanding of the entire construction process.

Panelists Lisa Ballantyne
Chief Administrative Officer, Turner Construction Co.
Jamie Dodd
Learning and Development Manager, Flatiron Dragados
Rachel Northcutt
Design-Build Strategic Pursuits Director, HNTB

1:45 – 2:15 PM

Breakout Track B

Winning the Battle Against Imposter Syndrome

Imposter Syndrome, a false and sometimes crippling belief that one’s successes are the product of luck or fraud rather than skill, affects up to 82% of all people at some point in their lives. The challenge is that most people who experience it don’t talk about it. They suffer in silence. In this session, Lisa shares her personal story about imposter syndrome and how it impacted her career. She presents the common signs of imposter syndrome, its potential effects, and four effective ways to manage it so that those experiencing it don’t feel stuck, can take action, and move forward.