FORT WORTH, Texas, Feb. 26, 2014 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- The National Association of Women in Construction (NAWIC) will celebrate Women in Construction (WIC) Week March 2-8, 2014. NAWIC's mission is to enhance the success of women in the construction industry.
"The National Association of Women in Construction (NAWIC) is committed to enhancing the success of all women in construction," said NAWIC President Yasmine A. Branden, CCA. "Our industry offers so many avenues for success and professional growth. We firmly believe there is a place for every woman in construction."
The focus of WIC Week is to highlight women as a visible component of the construction industry. It is also a time for local chapters to give back to their communities. WIC Week provides an occasion for NAWIC's thousands of members across the country to raise awareness of the opportunities available for women in the construction industry and to emphasize the growing role of women in the industry.
"The latest industry research indicates women comprise up to 12 percent of the construction workforce. We are in every facet of construction—owners, project managers, engineers, craftspeople, general contractors, subcontractors, administrative personnel, attorneys, insurers and lenders," said Branden. "We all play an integral part in the construction process. Women in Construction Week is a time in which we celebrate our successes and highlight construction as a viable career choice."
"NAWIC supports women in our industry through professional development and education programs, leadership opportunities, a formalized mentoring program, networking with industry thought leaders, and community service projects. If you are a woman in a business with any ties to construction, we encourage you to join NAWIC," said Branden.
NAWIC chapters across the nation will celebrate WIC Week with a wide variety of activities. Community service projects, jobsite tours, membership drives, children's activities, hands-on workshops, fundraisers and school programs are some of the ways local chapters will observe WIC Week. Local chapters are also appealing to their local, state and national representatives to issue official WIC Week proclamations. For example, the Dallas, Texas Chapter will hold the first annual NAWIC – ACE Showcase Expo, where construction professionals will showcase their craft and skills to students in the Irving ISD. The Fargo-Moorhead, N.D. Chapter plans to host a booth at a local home show, throw a wine tasting networking event and volunteer to cook at their local Ronald McDonald House. The Greater Birmingham, Ala. and Montgomery, Ala. Chapters will meet with Alabama Governor Robert Bentley as he signs a proclamation declaring March 2-8 to be Women in Construction Week. Chapters in every corner of the U.S. have similar activities. Visit www.nawic.org to locate a NAWIC chapter near you.
Founded in Fort Worth, Texas in 1955, NAWIC is an international association serving 135 chapters in the United States. NAWIC also has affiliates in Australia, Canada, New Zealand, South Africa and the United Kingdom. To learn more about NAWIC, visit www.nawic.org. For more information, please contact Executive Vice President Dede Hughes or Communications Director Autumn Daughetee at (800) 552-3506.