National Association of   Women in Construction 

Sharon Niekamp, charter member of NAWIC Central Missouri Chapter #341 since 1991, was recently awarded the Keystone Service Award in recognition of more than three decades of exceptional service, leadership, and mentorship. Over her 35+ year career in construction and long-standing NAWIC involvement, Sharon has held every chapter board position and continues to serve actively in retirement through committees, events, and mentorship. Her leadership is defined by consistency, r

Introducing young students to the world of construction might not seem like an obvious starting point for career exploration but through the AGC of Missouri Library Program, it becomes an engaging, hands-on experience filled with stories, creativity, and inspiration. This spring marked the third time our chapter has proudly participated in the program, bringing construction-themed learning to classrooms at Midway Elementary School. Designed for Kindergarten and 1st grade st

NAWIC Central Missouri Chapter #341 recently hosted an engaging and educational “Women Who Weld” event at Hart Career Center, giving members the opportunity to step into the welding lab and experience the craft firsthand. The evening began with a brief business meeting, followed by an introduction to welding basics led by experienced instructor DeIla Ray, who has taught welding at the center for several years. DeIla provided an overview of key safety practices and walked the

We wrapped up Women in Construction (WIC) Week 2026 with strength, confidence, and a whole lot of empowerment at Gracie Humaitá Brazilian Jiu‑Jitsu. This dynamic self‑defense class gave us the chance to learn practical techniques, build awareness, and strengthen both body and mind. The hands‑on session welcomed all experience levels—from complete beginners to those with martial arts backgrounds. We practiced foundational Brazilian Jiu‑Jitsu movements, learned real‑world sel

WIC WEEK, Day 5 (part two) , our chapter enjoyed a fantastic PD&E event with a tour of the new 208,000‑square‑foot multi‑agency state laboratory in Jefferson City. The facility brings together five state groups—DHSS, MDA, MDC, DNR, and the MSHP crime lab—all under one roof. Our hosts, McCownGordon Construction, kicked things off with an overview of the BMI process and how their team coordinates the many subcontractors and suppliers involved in a project of this scale. It was

WIC WEEK, Day 5 Our chapter proudly celebrated Women in Construction Week 2026 with a visit to the Boone County Commission Chambers, where we received the official proclamation recognizing the contributions of women in the industry. Chapter President DeIla Ray—who also serves as a welding instructor at Hart Career Center in Mexico, MO—brought four of her female welding students to witness the event firsthand, giving them an inspiring look at the acknowledgment and support wom

The session featured keynote speaker Quinn Texmo of Turner Construction, who led an engaging and eye-opening discussion that resonated deeply with attendees.

The event was more than just a fun night out—it was a celebration of the progress, resilience, and impact of women in construction.

WIC Week, Day Two was nothing short of sweet — quite literally! Each chapter member received a special delivery of a dozen beautifully decorated chocolate cupcakes, a small but heartfelt reminder of how wonderful it is to be part of this chapter. Calories not included, of course. It was a fun and thoughtful way to keep the WIC Week celebration going and to show appreciation for the amazing women who make our organization shine. #NAWIC #WICWeek2026 #levelupbuildstrong

WIC Week 2026 was nothing short of inspiring as our chapter celebrated the incredible women who strengthen and shape our industry every day. With something special planned for each day—from a vibrant kick‑off brunch to hands‑on learning like self‑defense basics and so much more—our WIC Week committee truly went above and beyond. The week was filled with empowerment, connection, and appreciation, showcasing the outstanding contributions of the fantastic women in our chapter an

Pictured Left to Right: Alissa, Stephanie & Angela. On February 25th, our chapter gathered at United Rentals for a Professional Development & Education (PD&E) meeting unlike any we’ve hosted before. With Vice President Marina leading the charge, we launched our very first “Humble Brag” session — an empowering new tradition designed to uplift, celebrate, and spotlight the women who make our chapter strong. Marina invited three of our NAWIC members to present personal “humble

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