Women’s Groups Tackle Mountains A model program in California is empowering women and transforming the status quo. By Natalie Bruckner
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powerful movement is happening within the sheet metal industry that is helping revolutionize the landscape, break down barriers, and pave the way for inclusivity and diversity. Meet the Women in Construction (WIC) program of Bay Area SMACNA in Northern California—a formidable force driving positive change. With its unwavering determination, WIC exemplifies the spirit of initiatives such as BE4ALL, which is a collaborative effort by SMACNA, SMART, and the ITI intended to positively impact the industry’s work culture to allow SMACNA contractors to attract and retain the best and most skilled workforce, regardless of race, gender, religion, sexual orientation, ethnicity, or nationality. The WIC program has grown into a model program that celebrates women’s achievements, propels their success, and breathes life into a dynamic work culture. WIC emerged approximately seven years ago, sparked by the visionary leadership of Angie Simon, a member of the executive committee and past-president of SMACNA National. “I remember looking around at our board, and I was the only woman,” she says. “We knew there are a lot of good women in the industry, but we just weren’t seeing them. I realized we needed a way to support and encourage women and help them feel like they belong in this industry. After chatting with Kathy deYong, who is in charge of labor for SMACNA in the Bay Area, we said, ‘Let’s get something going.’” And so, WIC was born. Its goals were to recognize the untapped potential of talented women in the sheet metal industry, provide a support network to address unique challenges, and boost confidence. By fostering a community of mutual support, WIC also aimed to bridge the confidence gap and empower women to pursue leadership positions and reach new heights in their careers. Its purpose emerged as a beacon of hope and empowerment. “I remember folks asking, ‘Why do women need a separate committee?’” Simon adds. “Women make up 51% of the population and 9% of all construction workers, yet they don’t
