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April 26, 2024  
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Breaking New Ground for Women in Construction

(ARA) - In the 21st Century, few careers remain the exclusive bastion of men. The construction industry, however, can still be a tough industry for women to work in. That’s why the National Association of Women in Construction (NAWIC) annually presents its Crystal Vision Awards to honor individuals who promote the role of women in construction through initiatives, policies or legislation.

NAWIC Past National President Susan Levy established the Crystal Vision Awards Program in 1995. The Crystal Vision Award recognizes a nonmember of NAWIC, and the Crystal Achievement Award recognizes a member of the Association. Since the first visionaries were selected in 1995, this one-of-a-kind program has not only fulfilled its purpose of recognizing exemplary leaders in the industry, it has developed a reputation for honoring individuals who are committed to building a diverse work force amidst the demanding backdrops of the industry today.

Edith Stanfield, the 2005 recipient of the award, is president of S&J Electric, where she oversees all aspects of corporate management. Stanfield has encouraged and empowered women in construction by influencing policy in agencies, creating company policy at S&J, enacting legislation through local, state and federal governments, and initiating organizational structure at her company. At the age of 53, she started an electrical subcontracting business. When she was turned down for a loan to purchase a building for her business, she used her personal credit card. Today, her company has grown to more than 200 employees.

Stanfield is sensitive to the issues women face while working in construction. As the visionary of S&J, she ensures the company is flexible to employees’ needs. Stanfield encourages her employees to be involved in and with NAWIC and supports their efforts in volunteering their time, attending meetings and promoting the chapter’s efforts in the community.

NAWIC originally began as Women in Construction of Fort Worth, Texas. It was founded in 1953 by 16 women working in the construction industry. Knowing that women represented only a small fraction of the construction industry, the founders organized NAWIC to create a support network. Women in Construction of Fort Worth gained its national charter in 1955 and became the National Association of Women in Construction.

For more than 50 years, NAWIC has been making a difference and enhancing the success of women in the construction industry. Members of the association include architects, engineers, carpenters, electricians, project managers, administrative assistants, accountants, lawyers and more.

Although the industry has made strides in welcoming women into its work force, many women still have to work twice as hard to keep up in this male-dominated industry. NAWIC has many members who have risen above the bar and said, “I can do this.” This “never say die” attitude has helped many NAWIC members succeed. Over the years, the Crystal Vision Awards program has honored ground-breakers such as:

* Alise Martiny - A past recipient of the Crystal Achievement Award, Martiny worked for the Operator Plasterers’ and Cement Masons’ Job Corps as a field coordinator. She received the Crystal Achievement Award for putting the issues of working women at the forefront of her career, and mentoring and training women to enter into the field. Martiny has broken barriers by being the youngest person and the first woman ever to be elected president of a local construction union in the state of Missouri. She was also appointed by the governor to serve on the Missouri Education and Training Council. Martiny has also taken on leadership roles in NAWIC, having served on its National Board of Directors.

* Ingrid Verwey - A past recipient of the Crystal Vision Award, Verwey is a professional architect who works for the Development Bank of South Africa (DBSA). Verwey is also the founder and executive director of South African Women in Construction (SAWiC). Her leadership and dedication to SAWiC have helped her recruit more than 600 members. Verwey endlessly promotes and advances women in construction and helps to create entrepreneurial opportunities for women-owned businesses. She has courageously fought for funding for training in safety, contracts and construction techniques for women throughout the country. Verwey has received the Crystal Vision Award for her work, leadership and vision in South Africa.

* Deborah Naybor - In 1998 Naybor, another past recipient of a Crystal Vision Award, attended a dinner to honor women from around the world for their acts of courage and compassion. She met many inspiring women and, during a 10-minute conversation, received an invitation to speak in Africa about economic empowerment. She accepted and made the first of many trips to Africa in 2000. While on these trips, she discovered her talent: linking those in need with those who care. Naybor created a program called Both Your Hands. This is a simple system connecting caring communities with impoverished villages who wish to be empowered to create self-sufficient incomes and improve the lives of their families.

Women are breaking down barriers and making strides to make the construction industry aware of their talents and strengths. Women are being recognized for their achievements in the industry. As more women enter into the industry and face the challenges before them greater things will be accomplished.

Courtesy of ARA Content

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