Building Industry Magazine - February 2014 - (Page 43)

InsideNAWIC BY PRISCILLA PÉREZ BILLIG Success may come to us in different forms, at various times and with myriad definitions. But for one group of Hawaii women, success is often measured by what is given back to the community. Building Skills The National Association of Women in Construction (NAWIC), Honolulu Chapter 114 is comprised of about 50 women whose strength lies not in numbers, but in their encouragement to each other and their commitment to service. They are among more than a million women who comprise about 10 percent of the U.S. construction workforce. Supporting women who work in various segments of the building trade, Honolulu's NAWIC is one of 140 chapters in almost every state in the nation. Each provides its members with opportunities for professional development, education, networking, leadership training and public service opportunities. The national association originally began in 1953 as Women in Construction of Fort Worth, Texas by 16 women who wanted to create a network of support in a maledominated industry. Today, NAWIC's influence has spread worldwide, with affiliate associations in Canada, Australia, New Zealand, the United Kingdom and South Africa. Members of the Honolulu Chapter, which celebrated its 48th year in Nov., range from support staff, vendors, suppliers and sales representatives to tradeswomen and business owners. The oldest surviving Honolulu chapter member is NAWIC Parliamentarian Darlean Kiyokane who joined in 1971. "NAWIC has been an influential part of my life by providing me networking opportunities and has been supportive in my career," says Danyelle Kahanaoi, project manager at Nordic PCL Construction. "In meeting a lot of women in the trades we've been able to support each other professionally, socially and personally. I've learned a lot from talking to other women about what they've accomplished in life to shape my own goals, both professionally and personally." NAWIC Honolulu Chapter will celebrate Women in Construction (WIC) Week March 2 to 8. "The focus of WIC Week is to highlight women as a visible component of the construction industry," said Leslie Miasnik, director of business development for Media5 Architecture. "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 NAWIC members arrange clothes collected for "My Sister's Closet" at the Salvation Army Family Treatment Services in Kaimuki, a project to help women dress appropriately for transition back into the community. www.buildingindustryhawaii.com | 43 http://www.buildingindustryhawaii.com

Table of Contents for the Digital Edition of Building Industry Magazine - February 2014

FEATURES COMMERCIAL/RETAIL
ROOFING CONTRACTORS ASSOCIATION OF HI
ROOFING MATERIALS
INSIDE THE NAWIC
HAWAII’S WOMEN IN CONSTRUCTION
NEWS BEAT Outstanding Union Builder of the Year
Luxury Residences Planned at Ala Moana
CAK Installs Board, Honors Members
BIA Installs President Brian K. Adachi
Admor HVAC Cools Cancer
Kapiolani Medical Center Begins Expansion
ASLA Elects New Board
Nan Inc. Gives $1M to St. Francis
DEPARTMENTS Concept to Completion: 1 43 Hekili Street 6
Contracts Awarded
Low Bids
Best Practices: A Post-Job Survey Equals More Work!

Building Industry Magazine - February 2014