Build HER Future

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 an experienced group of women professionals in various construction-related careers. Attendees enjoyed delicious food and drinks, participated in a networking bingo game with prizes, and attended an inspiring panel discussion that addressed several key questions and challenges:

• What is driving the rise of women in the construction industry?

• What advice would you give to a woman considering a career in this field?

• How do you support other women in a male-populated industry?

• What do you foresee for the future of women in your industry?

• If you could change one aspect of your career journey, what would it be and why?

• What is the biggest challenge you’ve faced in a male-populated industry, and how did you overcome it?

  
  

Following the panel, there was a Q&A session where students really engaged with the speakers and posed excellent questions.

Representing NAWIC from both Central MO & Southwest MO L-R: Meg Connell, DeIla Ray, Lori Richardson, April Planck, Sharon Niekamp, Angie Regan, Charlyce Ruth, and Julie Hayes

Several members had the opportunity to represent the National Association of Women in Construction (NAWIC) and highlight the benefits it provides for their future careers and professional development.

Overall, it was a wonderful event that demonstrated to the female students at State Tech how to succeed in a male-populated industry. Women supporting women—what could be better?

#WomenInConstruction #BuildingTheFuture #BuildHER