Many paths, one mission

BY JEN BURTON

Let’s be honest: women DO face different challenges than our male counterparts in the workplace. Equal pay, race and gender bias, sexual harassment, non-inclusive workplaces and the stigma of a need for more flexible work arrangements that only applies to women, to name a few.

Women have always faced these challenges, which leads us to the question: has it gotten any better over the years? I believe it has; however, we still have a long way to go.

According to the United States Bureau of Labor Statistics Survey, female representation was 10.9 per cent of the entire U.S. construction workforce in 2022. It’s alarming that women are still such a minority, but we are seeing more and more women on job sites and women in leadership roles in the construction scene.

Industry organizations play an important role in minimizing this disparity and finding a way to close the gap. Through organizations like the National Association of Women in Construction (NAWIC)

SINCE 2001 HAS BEEN YOUR RESOURCE FOR SCREENED, QUALIFIED TRADESPEOPLE www.CT-Staffing.com and Construction Exchange of Buffalo, much work goes into making sure these challenges are discussed, and a huge effort is focused on future workers in our industry.

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Joining and actively participating in an industry association has unlimited benefits, with one important advantage being the enhancement of your network. A strong network assists in bridging your personal needs with your organizational needs. Balancing that leads to happier, more engaged and more productive people all around.

Let’s face it, none of us need another chore or obligation to add to our plate, but if the activity provides a significant value, isn’t it worth it? Here is the secret: the value comes from what you put into it.

Consider the following when thinking if an organization is right for you:

• Does the organization enhance your network? Do you feel a sense of security and trust when present?

• Are you meeting likeminded professionals?

• Could there be exposure to potential future teammates?

• Do you have the option to showcase your expertise?

• Do you have the opportunity to embrace your leadership (committee or board opportunities)?

• Is there room for growth as a business owner/executive level leader?

• Can you participate in trade shows/industry events due to this association?

• Do they do advocacy for the industry?

• Is there access to the latest information on industry trends?

• Will there be exposure to new customers and suppliers?

• Is there an opportunity for a gained competitive advantage through fostering allies?

For the NAWIC Buffalo/Niagara Chapter, our main mission is to provide education, community and advocacy for women. These combined efforts naturally help women find their tribe, posse, crew or whatever you may call it. The work of our local chapter achieves this by creating fun and friendly events to entice members and new women (and men) to join us each month. We are certain these events will help individuals find their group they can use as support.

Groups like ours are blessed with hardworking volunteers who take on the challenge to put together meaningful opportunities for people to benefit from the network.

March 5 to 11, 2023 was the 25th annual Women in Construction Week (WIC Week). NAWIC chapters and employers around the country worked diligently to develop opportunities to connect women, celebrate women in construction and to find our future women in construction.

NAWIC Buffalo Niagara had a busy week planned that couldn’t happen without the support of our many volunteers and sponsors, including companies like John W. Danforth, LeChase Construction Services, Montante Construction, Erie 1 BOCES, Construction Exchange of Buffalo, Savarino Companies, Dynabrade, WNY Galbo Inc. and Gilbane Building Company, whom all have sponsored the many events happening in our region this year.

The focus this year was heavily concentrated on member engagement and future industry recruits.

• Tuesday: open industry coffee hour at Savarino,

• Wednesday: Girls in the Trades Day with female trade students at Erie 1 BOCES. The day consisted of a shop tour at Danforth, construction site visit at the Albright Knox Museum hosted by Gilbane, lunch and table topic and panelist presentations in between, and

• Thursday: in partnership with ACE Mentorship, NAWIC BN participated in build day at NTHS followed by a close out of WIC week as LeChase Construction hosted the general meeting that evening.

Events like this happened all over the U.S. during WIC week as we all make a conscious effort to work toward our common goal to close the gap and fulfill our core purpose to strengthen and amplify the success of women in the construction industry.

We hope you have participated in one of our WIC week events this year. If not, we will see you next year. Don’t forget our meetings and events are open to anyone that would like to attend. They typically occur on the first Thursday of each month.

To learn more about the local NAWIC chapter, visit please www.nawicbuffaloniagara.org or our national organization at www.nawic.org/. u