To help kick off the National Association of Women in Construction’s (NAWIC) 24th Annual Women in Construction Week, running all this week, the METALCON team would like to recognize some of the current leading women and organizations representing and advancing women in the metal construction industry.
Women in Construction (WIC) Week raises awareness and celebrates the work of women in the construction industry across the country. NAWIC founded WIC Week in 1998 to continue its mission of strengthening and amplifying the success of women in the industry. This year’s theme is “Envision Equity.” Chapters and companies across the country are putting on a wide variety of events to commemorate the week. To learn more about WIC Week and to find events in your area here.
Women in Metal Construction Highlights
Jennifer Hamburger Elected as MBCEA’s New President – Last fall, industry and legacy veteran Jennifer Heimburger was elected to serve as the new board president of the Metal Building Contractors & Erectors Association. Last year, Jennifer served as guest speaker in the METALCON Live! series presenting “MBCEA Presents AC478.”
Founding member of the National Women in Roofing (NWIR), Heidi Ellsworth, receives the first WORLD Award during NWIR Day 2020. Heidi has been involved in roofing since working as a marketing coordinator for Malarkey Roofing Products in 1993. She has worn many hats in the industry until she founded HJE Consulting in 2015 and currently serves in on numerous boards, including being a co-founder of the Roofing Technology Think Tank. Heidi has led several panel discussions at METALCON over the years, all focusing on the importance of diversity and the opportunities for women in the industry. View video clip of Heidi speaking from METALCON 2021.
Lee Ann M. Slattery, FCSI, CDT®, CCPR, LEED AP BD+C, sales support manager at ATAS International, has been awarded CSI Fellowship in the 2020 Class of Fellows, as one of five members elevated this year. Lee Ann has been an avid METALCON contributor and presenter over the years and can usually be seen in one or more of the panel discussions and education sessions when she’s not in her exhibit booth.
2021 Women of Excellence in Metal Forming & Fabricating – MetalForming magazine, in conjunction with the Precision Metalforming Association (PMA) and with the support of the Women in Manufacturing Association (WiM), presents its Sixth Annual Women of Excellence Awards, honoring the accomplishments and commitments of women in metal forming and fabricating. In 2021, we recognize 35 winners and 13 honorable-mention recipients—women in leadership positions or on the shop floor, those who represent dedication to their company and the industry, and demonstrate excellence day in and day out.
Association of Women in the Metal Industries (AWMI) – Celebrating 40 years this year and continues to promote and develop the growth of women’s careers in metal industries via its four cornerstone goals: Grow, Educate, Network and Mentor.
NAWIC Executive Director Crissy Ingram shares, “WIC Week gives chapters nationwide the opportunity to shine a bright light on the construction industry and women’s very important place in it. There has long been a culture of construction being only for men. If we can get the women who have worked past that barrier out of the shadows and into the spotlight, they can show other women – no matter the age or background – that there countless opportunities for them in the industry.”
About NAWIC
NAWIC was founded in 1953 by 16 women working in the construction industry to create a support network for women working in a male-dominated field. It gained its national charter in 1955 and there are now more than 115 chapters across the U.S.. The organization provides many opportunities to its members, including educational, professional development, scholarships, and mentoring.