Construction Employers Association, National Association of Women in Construction and Cleveland YWCA Recognize Women in Construction During Women’s History Month

Construction Employers Association, National Association of Women in Construction and Cleveland YWCA recognize women in construction during Women’s History Month

A series of activities and events schedule throughout March

CLEVELAND - March is National Women's History Month and March 3 - 8 is Women in Construction Week. With that, throughout March 2020, Construction Employers Association (CEA) in conjunction with National Association of Women in Construction (NAWC) and YWCA Greater Cleveland will host a series of Women in Construction programs.

“CEA recognizes that it is important to proactively engage and promote the diversity of our industry,” said Glen Shumate, CEA executive vice president. “This year's Women in Construction programs seek to celebrate, develop further understanding of gender and cultural differences and build on relationships important to improve our industry. NAWIC, the YWCA and Contractors Assistance Association are natural partners in the advancement of women in construction.”

Women in Construction events and activities will include a digital media campaign highlighting women in construction from across Northeast Ohio, YWCA’s 21 Day challenge, a panel discussion and workshops.

"The 21 Day Racial Equity and Social Justice challenge is invaluable for the personal and professional growth of any leader.  Specifically, I encourage all women to sign up, as we will be looking at how these inequities affect women and how to advocate for systemic change,” said Margaret Mitchell, President and CEO YWCA Greater Cleveland.

On March 5, a panel discussion and reception, featuring women in the industry in different stages of their careers, hosted by CEA and National Association of Women In Construction Cleveland will be held at Tri-C Metro’s Jerry Sue Thornton Center, in the Ford Room from 4:30 to 6:30 p.m. Panelists include Jill Van Auken, Phoebe Lee, Cindy Leitson and Marshay Anderson.

“I’m ecstatic to see these organizations coming together to highlight women in construction as well as address issues impacting women in this industry and the workforce overall,” said Margaret Hewlitt, president of Construction Assistance Association and Director, Planning, Design & Construction at MetroHealth. “Both aspects are important for us to attract and retain women in our industry.”  

YWCA will host a Gender Bias workshop on Becoming a Culturally Competent Individual at CEA, 950 Keynote Circle, Suite 10, Cleveland, Ohio 44131, on March 31 from 8:30 to 11:30 a.m. During this session, participants will learn about the relationship between culture and diversity and begin to examine what shapes our cultural backgrounds. They will begin to develop an understanding of how cultural values shape our attitudes and beliefs and how these factors impact our behavior at home, at work, and in the community.  

“I think one of the biggest impacts women are having on the construction industry is bringing a different point of view to projects,” said Allison Fyre, 2019-20 president of NAWC and civil engineer with SME. “The more diversity I see in gender, race, socioeconomic, the more creativity is generated toward getting a solution. 

To learn more about YWCA’s 21-Day Challenge, visit https://www.ywcaofcleveland.org/21-day-race-equity-challenge-sign-up/

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ABOUT CONSTRUCTION EMPLOYERS ASSOCIATION

CEA is committed to leading, learning and making a difference in the Ohio construction industry.

Members include construction companies, specialty contractors, suppliers, and associations – all of whom are among the best in the industry. 

ABOUT NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF WOMEN IN CONSTRUCTION

The National Association of Women in Construction is a network for women in the field of construction. The professional association began as Women in Construction of Fort Worth, Texas in 1953.

ABOUT YWCA GREATER CLEVELAND

YWCA is dedicated to eliminating racism, empowering women and promoting peace, justice, freedom and dignity for all.