The success of the 2026 Block Kids Building Program reflects NAWIC’s ongoing commitment to inspiring the next generation of builders and introducing youth to the many opportunities available within the construction industry.

As winter is upon us, awareness to the risks and dangers of slip, trip and falls reaches a high. Slippery conditions underfoot can quickly go from a funny internet video to an ER visit! According to the U.S. Occupational Safety and Health Administration, slip, trip and fall (STF) injuries have represented over 35% of all occupational injuries since 2002. Many of these originate from unsafe behaviors or decisions or failure to correct unsafe conditions once they are recognized

On Thursday, December 18th, our NAWIC Chapter gathered at Allison’s beautifully decorated home for an evening of holiday cheer, laughter, and friendly competition. The theme? Tinsel & ’Tinis —and it was every bit as fabulous as it sounds! Guests were greeted with two signature cocktails: the indulgent Sugar Cookie Martini  and the bold Espresso Martini , setting the tone for a night of sweet and spirited fun. Our appetizers kept the theme going with a playful twist—everything

Central Missouri Chapter #341 had three women -  President DeIla Ray, Chartering Member Sharon Niekamp, and Treasurer Kaylee Cannon - volunteer as mentors for the second annual Mid-Missouri STEM Goes Red for Girls event that took place on December 12th!  This exciting and impactful day, organized by the American Heart Association (AHA), has a vital mission: to advance women’s heart health by encouraging more young women to pursue careers in Science, Technology, Engineering, a

Recently, NAWIC members had the wonderful opportunity to volunteer their time by reading construction-themed books to kindergartners at Fairview Elementary  and first graders at Rock Bridge Elementary  as part of the AGC of Missouri Library Reading Program . This initiative is designed to spark curiosity about the construction industry at an early age, and it truly delivered! The students were incredibly attentive and engaged, asking thoughtful and imaginative questions such

On Wednesday, November 13, 2025, NAWIC members were honored to attend the American Heart Association’s Go Red for Women Evening in Red at The Atrium on Tenth  in Columbia, Missouri. This inspiring event is dedicated to raising awareness about heart disease and stroke—the leading causes of death among women—and empowering women to take charge of their heart health. The evening began with a cocktail hour, silent auction, and diva lounge, creating a vibrant atmosphere for networ

When you volunteer to make a meal at Ronald McDonald House, you are providing families with the Comfort of Home. On November 7 th , we had the incredible opportunity to volunteer at the Ronald McDonald House Charities of Mid-MO. Alongside three wonderful colleagues from NAWIC, we spent a Friday afternoon preparing and serving dinner for families currently housed at the Columbia location. The impact was truly profound. It was heartwarming to know we are providing some form o

Front row, L-R: Angie Regan, Sharon Niekamp, Connie Leipard and Kaylee Cannon. Back row, L-R: Angela Holloway, Meg Connell, Haley Houseweart, and Chelsea Leipard. What an incredible few days of learning, networking, and celebrating the power of women in construction! To gain insight from a "first-timers" perspective on attending the Midwest Region Fall Conference in Kansas City, we contacted our newest chapter members, Angela Holloway and Haley Houseweart, for a brief Q&A

On Wednesday, October 15, the buzz of excitement filled the Jefferson City Jaycees Fairgrounds as the AGCMO Build My Future Central Missouri event unfolded. From 9 a.m. to 2 p.m., the fairgrounds transformed into an interactive hub, designed for high school students 9th-12th grade eager to explore careers in construction. With 1,581 students registered, this year’s turnout highlighted an increasing interest among youth in the construction industry. The AGCMO Build My Future e

Thoughts from our president, DeIla Ray. What an inspiring and productive weekend with the incredible leaders of the Central Missouri Chapter #341 Board of Directors! We just wrapped up our 2nd Annual Board Retreat, and I am so energized and excited for what's ahead. 25-26 Board Members & Directors L-R: Lori Richardson, Angie Regan, DeIla Ray, Meg Connell, Allison Madrid, Marina Conklin and Kaylee Cannon. Not pictured: Alissa Welschmeyer We spent a day focusing on defining

Panelists L-R: Melissa Kelpe (Emery Sapp), Meg Connell (United Rentals), Moderator Katey Twehous LaVanchy (Twehous Excavating), Ashley Hunsaker (HTS Coatings) and Nichole Martin (Capital Paving) Build Her Future Event at State Technical College State Technical College held its first Build Her Future event on September 23, attracting approximately 150 female students pursuing careers in the construction industry. The event offered a great chance for students to network with

The evening was an excellent reminder of how our industry intersects with public safety and community well-being.

The NAWIC Central Missouri Chapter is proud to celebrate one of our most dedicated and inspiring members — Connie Leipard, who recently marked an incredible 31 years of membership with NAWIC.

Back in January, our chapter had the exciting opportunity to tour the Midway Roosevelt project during its second phase. At the time,...

The 2025 NAWIC/CSI Golf Tournament, held on June 9 at The Club at Old Hawthorne in Columbia, Missouri, was a resounding success! With 37...

Becky was presented a certificate, trophy, and CASH PRIZE by several members of Chapter 341. We’re thrilled to share some exciting news...

What an incredible day it was at State Tech College in Linn, MO, for the much-anticipated 2025 State Tech Cup!

Members gathered for an evening of hands-on learning, camaraderie, and, yes, plenty of sparks!

We've got a week packed with celebration, community involvement, and networking opportunities to honor the incredible women in construction!

We were thrilled to see so many bright young minds gather to showcase their engineering skills and learn about the exciting world of constru