Midwest Region Fall Conference 2025

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 session about their experience. Here's what they shared:

1.) What were your biggest expectations, or even anxieties, about attending the Midwest Regional Fall Conference for the first time? 

Haley: "My anxieties were trying to find people to connect with, it was difficult at first by became easier as the conference went along."

Angela: "I was excited to attend and really didn’t know what to expect.  I was hopeful to connect with other designers.  The descriptions of the sessions had my interest, especially the AI session being interactive.  And, being a fairly new member to NAWIC as well as a first time attendee to the conference, I was also a little unsure of the procedures.  But, my best pal Angie Regan did an amazing job answering all of my questions."

 2.) If you could give one piece of advice to someone attending this conference for the very first time next year, what would it be?

Angela: "Take notes when everyone is standing to introduce themselves so you can reach out to them later in the conference.  Don’t be afraid to start talking to any of the woman, everyone is so supportive and helpful." 

Haley: "Be willing to walk up to new people and introduce yourself, it will make the event much more enjoyable!"

3.) What was your biggest "aha!" moment or key surprise about the conference that you weren't expecting?

 Haley: "A key surprise was the amount of participation in the sock auction, it was crazy!"

Angela: "Putting faces to the names I’ve seen on the emails.  Barb Allen is a rock star."

4.) What was your favorite networking experience? Did you make any connections you're excited to follow up on?

Angela: "The first timers session on the first evening was really good.  I think that is important to attend.   I met a couple ladies that night and continued to visit with them throughout the conference."

Haley: "My favorite by far was meeting all the women in this amazing chapter!"

 5.) Were there any speakers or topics that were particularly inspiring or challenging to your current thinking?

Both Haley and Angela were in agreement that the AI session was the most eye-opening for them!

Pictured: L-R: Chelsea Leipard, Jessica Cannon, Kaylee Cannon, Sharon Niekamp, Haley Houseweart and Angela Holloway.

Both Angela and Haley's experiences at the MWR Fall Conference highlight the value of stepping out of one's comfort zone.

Becoming a member of the National Association of Women in Construction (NAWIC) provides an invaluable opportunity to connect with a vast network that is dedicated to offering support, education, and numerous opportunities for professional development. This organization is committed to empowering women in the construction industry and fostering an environment where they can thrive and succeed.