NAWIC's Toast to the Trades Fundraiser Brings Awareness to Future Construction Leaders Foundation

Author, Alyssa Burley, Client Services Coordinator, Rancho Mesa Insurance Services, Inc.

The National Association of Women in Construction (NAWIC) San Diego Chapter kicked off the Women in the Construction (WIC) Week with a ‘Toast to the Trades’ fundraiser benefiting the Future Construction Leaders Foundation (FCLF) on March 5, 2019 at Tom Ham’s Lighthouse on San Diego Bay.

The nearly 200 people in attendance raised $10,000 through ticket sales, silent auction and sponsorships. The funds will be donated to the FCLF, a local 501(c)(3) nonprofit dedicated to the advancement of programs focused on educating youth about career opportunities in the construction industry and encouraging them to pursue careers in this field.

Kayleen McCabe, the evening’s keynote speaker, is a general contractor, TV host of DIY Network’s Rescue Renovation, and trades advocate. She spoke about the rising demand for trade professionals and how it is currently outpacing vocational training.­ McCabe advocates for the restoration of America’s respect for the trades. She also enlightened the audience with anecdotes from her TV show and how the popularity of the DIY movement has gotten some homeowners in over their heads with renovation projects.

Ana Gutierrez, tradeswomen at Clark Construction and former Camp NAWIC participant, spoke about her journey from attending camp as a high school student and learning about the various construction trades to her successful career in the industry.

The ‘Toast to the Trades’ event was part of WIC Week which is designed “to highlight women as a viable component of the construction industry,” according to NAWIC. “WIC Week also provides an occasion for NAWIC’s thousands of members across the country to raise awareness of the opportunities available for women in the construction industry and to emphasize the growing role of women in the industry. It is also a time for local chapters to give back to their communities.”

Sponsors for the event included:
Project Manager Sponsors - DPR Construction, Tru-Duct Sheet Metal Fabrication, and MC Painting
Superintendent Sponsors - Paradigm Mechanical Corp., SMART, Titan Fire Protection, RDO Equipment Co., and Wateridge Insurance Services
Foreman Sponsors - Herc Rentals, Harper Construction Company, Inc., Ryan Companies, ROE Strategic, Sunrise Bobcat & Hauling Service, Inc., and Women’s Construction Coalition
Journeyman Sponsors - Clairemont Equipment, C-SOS Consulting, Denning Moores, SASC Surety Associates
Apprentice Sponsors - D3 Construction Services, Inc. and Ferguson Commercial

About NAWIC San Diego Chapter
The San Diego Chapter, chartered on April 30, 1959, is very active and involved in the construction industry and the community. Each year the chapter participates in a variety of events including educational seminars and conferences, Women in Construction Week (WIC Week), Block Kids (construction awareness program for children in grades 1 thru 6), CAD/Design/Drafting Contest (High School student activity), Camp NAWIC (a week long program designed to mentor high school girls planning to enter the construction industry), college scholarships, joint meetings with other San Diego professional organizations and various activities with local charities. For more information, visit www.nawicsd.org.

About Future Construction Leaders Foundation
The Future Construction Leaders Foundation of San Diego is dedicated to providing opportunities for young men and women to investigate the many private and public construction career opportunities available. From kindergarten to college, we have hands-on, free programs that expose students to various trades and the corresponding seasoned professionals who can guide and coach them. For more information, visit www.futureconstructionleaders.org.

NAWIC San Diego Hosts Engaging Panel Discussion at January Meeting

Author, Alyssa Burley, Client Services Coordinator, Rancho Mesa Insurance Services, Inc.

Members and guests of the National Association of Women in Construction (NAWIC) San Diego Chapter 21 began the new year in style with an engaging panel discussion at the organization’s monthly meeting on January 8, 2019 at the Riverwalk Golf Club.

Lisa Thibodeaux, president at Construction Experts, Inc., vice president of the NAWIC San Diego Chapter and chairperson for the chapter’s Professional Development and Education Committee moderated the evening’s discussion.

The panel consisted of Annet Del Rosario, shop supervisor for Able Heating and Air Conditioning, Mary Darling, rental operations manager for Bay City Electric Works, Katie Burke, owner and plumber at Fluid Plumbing, and Nicole Donnelly, owner of Miramar Kitchen & Bath.

Through both laughter and seriousness, panelists discussed their paths into the construction industry, their motivations, obstacles they have overcome, mentors they have had along the way, and advice for others in the industry.

After the panel discussion concluded and the meeting was adjourned, many in the audience continued the discussion in small groups throughout the banquet room.

The January NAWIC San Diego Chapter 21 meeting was a success and it could not have happened without the brave women who participated in the discussion.

About NAWIC San Diego

The San Diego Chapter, chartered on April 30, 1959, is very active and involved in the construction industry and the community. Each year the chapter participates in a variety of events including educational seminars and conferences, Women in Construction Week (WIC Week), Block Kids (construction awareness program for children in grades 1 thru 6), CAD/Design/Drafting Contest (High School student activity), Camp NAWIC (a week long program designed to mentor high school girls planning to enter the construction industry), college scholarships, joint meetings with other San Diego professional organizations and various activities with local charities. For more information, visit nawicsd.org.

Women In Construction Gather at the 2018 NAWIC PSW Fall Conference

Author, Alyssa Burley, Client Services Coordinator, Rancho Mesa Insurance Services, Inc.

Rancho Mesa is proud to support the National Association of Women in Construction (NAWIC).

On Friday, October 19 and Saturday, October 20, 2019, nearly a hundred women from Arizona, California, Hawaii, Nevada, Texas and Utah gathered for the 2018 annual NAWIC Pacific Southwest Fall Conference hosted by the NAWIC San Diego Chapter.

The two day event began with an early morning yoga lesson before the personal development and education began.

Yehudi Gaffen of Gafcon spoke about renovations taking place at San Diego’s famous Seaport Village.

Attendees learned how to develop effective communication and leadership skills through an interactive activity lead by Bob Dietrich and Alma Galvan. They also spoke about making a lasting impression with an effective elevator speech. Alma showed the attendees several brain exercises.

Dr. Tara Zandvliet discussed various health issues and ways to improve one’s body naturally. Attendees came away with tips that can improve their overall health and healthcare guidelines for each stage of life.

NAWIC”s social media guru Carol Hagen provided a lesson on how to effectively use Twitter to market a business or NAWIC chapter by attracting tweets, sharing posting and riding coattails.

Evan Hawthorne and Genevieve Alexander from CNA Insurance provided an informative presentation on Cyber Liability that covered the risks associated with network security, phishing, spear phishing and other types of cyber crime.

Crystal Howard from Project Cornerstone, Inc. spoke about the current shortage of skilled labor experienced by the construction industry and how Project Cornerstone is working with high schools and middle schools to introduce students to the construction industry as a possible future career.

“We just held our 2018 Regional Fall Conference here in San Diego. It turned out wonderful. We had beautiful weather, wonderful speakers, and overall San Diego committee did a great job. It was a lot of fun,“ said Myrna Smith, PSW Regional Director.