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by TERESA MCLAMB photo by TERAH WILSON
When GRETCHEN NEWCOMER moved to Wilmington from Pennsylvania two-and-a-half years ago, she immediately sought out networking groups and events. Through colleagues in the construction industry, she learned about the National Association of Women in Construction. With 117 chapters in the country, the group’s emphasis on education and leadership appealed to Newcomer. While delayed by COVID-19, organization of the local group kickstarted in April when more than thirty women attended an organization social. Development of the charter for the chapter – officially called NAWIC Wilmington-Cape Fear Chapter #390 – is underway. YOU’RE CURRENTLY A CONSTRUCTION SERVICES ACCOUNT MANAGER FOR WASTE MANAGEMENT. WHAT’S YOUR BACKGROUND IN THE CONSTRUCTION INDUSTRY? “I’ve been in sales and management for about twenty-five years. Prior to moving to Wilmington, I worked for a local hauler in Pennsylvania for eight years. I sold permanent service for commercial waste and recycling accounts. My role here is specifically for the large construction projects.” WHAT KIND OF GROUP IS THE NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF WOMEN IN CONSTRUCTION? “It was started in 1953 by sixteen women in Texas who wanted a networking organization for women in construction. It provides support to develop leadership skills, education, personal growth, community involvement, and networking. The membership criteria are very broad encompassing everything from laborers to insurance agents.” THE AREA HAS SEVERAL NETWORKING GROUPS. WHY DID YOU WANT TO START A NAWIC CHAPTER HERE? “There wasn’t anything here specifically for women in the construction industry. I have colleagues who are in chapters elsewhere. The Raleigh chapter is our sponsor, and I’ve worked with Ashley Cameron there. The national secretary, Kristey Stewart, has been very helpful. I feel there’s a need for it.” HOW’S IT GOING? “Twenty-five members are needed to initiate a chapter. We have more than thirty. … Recruitment is active and ongoing. Once the board is in place, we’ll decide our focus and programming. Several layers of membership are available.” WHY SHOULD PEOPLE BE INTERESTED IN JOINING? “It’s all about supporting women in the industry. It’s about making a difference in the community, about education, about being a mentor or a mentee. There are many diverse jobs in construction including entrepreneurship. It’s a huge thing for women who seek to own their own businesses.” W GRETCHEN NEWCOMER’s full profile will appear in an upcoming WILMA Roundup email. To sign up for daily WILMA emails, go to WILMAmag.com.
WILMAmag.com
JULY 2021
WILMA
47
