NAWIC Austin # 7 Newsletter

Happy New Year NAWIC Austin Chapter 7! 🎉

As we welcome 2026, we’re excited for another year of connection, growth, and empowerment within our chapter. Thank you for being part of such a strong and supportive community of women in construction.

Welcome New Members:
Mary Dawson, Jaime Kelly, Alex Folden, and Jessica Gauche

We are thrilled to welcome our newest members to NAWIC Austin Chapter 7. We’re glad you’ve joined us and look forward to supporting your professional journey and growing together this year. Please plan to attend upcoming meetings and events—we encourage you to get involved and make the most of your membership.

January Members Meeting – January 7, 2026 📅
Our first meeting of 2026 is coming up on January 7th! This meeting will kick off the year with a focus on wellness, balance, and professional growth. We look forward to reconnecting after the holidays and starting the year strong together.

Friends of NAWIC & Chapter Sponsorships
Our Friends of NAWIC program is now open, and we are currently accepting Chapter Sponsors for 2026. This is a great opportunity to support our mission and stay engaged with our chapter throughout the year. Please reach out to any board member for more information.

Purse Bingo Donations – February 7, 2026 👜
We are now accepting donations for our annual Purse Bingo Fundraiser, taking place on February 7th with a brunch theme. This event is a major fundraiser for our chapter. If you’d like to donate a purse, sponsor, or assist in any way, we’d love to hear from you.

We’re excited for what 2026 has in store and are grateful for each of you. Thank you for your continued involvement, generosity, and dedication to NAWIC Austin Chapter 7.

We look forward to seeing you soon.

-Amy Rico, NAWIC Chapter #7 President

Please add [email protected] to your safe senders list so you continue to receive emails and important updates about the chapter.

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Upcoming Events

Have you registered for our upcoming meetings? Don't miss out on: 

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Volunteer Opportunities

🌟 Get Involved: Committees & Volunteer Opportunities

Our chapter thrives because of YOU! Committees are where the work gets done, connections are built, and ideas come to life. Whether new or seasoned, there’s a place for your skills, voice, and energy. 

💪 Why Volunteer?

• Expand your professional network

• Build leadership & project skills

• Give back to your community & industry

• Shape the future of women in construction

🛠️ Committees and Contact Information No experience needed — just enthusiasm! Help for a term or a single event — every contribution matters.

👉 Contact a board member or committee chair to get started.
Together, we’re building a stronger, more connected future for women in construction!

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NAWIC NATIONAL & REGIONAL UPDATES

Leveling Up & Building Strong: Leadership that Drives the Jobsite
In today’s construction landscape, where workforce shortages, generational shifts, and relentless change are reshaping how projects get done, real leadership isn’t just nice to have; it’s your competitive edge.
 
Join Ange Mathews and the PD&E Committee on Friday, January 16, 2026, at 12 p.m. CT (Central) for this webinar that equips construction professionals with proven leadership practices that elevate performance, build trust, and drive results across the jobsite.
Register Here...

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Safety Moment

NAWIC Toolbox Talk

Workplace Violence Prevention -De-escalation Training: The Art of
Diffusing Conflict

Workplace violence is a growing concern in the construction sector, which is commonly a high stress work environment. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, nearly 9% of worker deaths in the US in 2017 were due to workplace violence. Additionally, the Bureau of Justice Statistics reported that women (5.1 per 10,000) experience higher rates of nonfatal injuries due to workplace violence than men (2.3 per 10,000) ,resulting in days away from work.

Understanding Workplace Violence
Workplace violence includes verbal abuse, intimidation, harassment (including sexual harassment), and bullying. Some of these incidents can serve as  warning signs for future physical violence. A triggering event is an incident perceived as a threat by an individual who may become violent. There events typically fall into two categories:
1. Fear-inducing event - The individual feels threatened or is about to lose something of value. Example: job loss, disciplinary action, personal safety  concerns.
2. Frustrating event - the person feels their needs are not being met. Example: Being ignored in a conflict, denied a request, or experiencing discrimination.

READ MORE HERE

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In Case You Missed It

🌟 Celebrating the Invest IN HER Awards!

We are thrilled to celebrate the incredible companies, organizations, and individuals recognized in the Invest IN HER Awards, including NAWIC Austin Chapter #7, our NAWIC Friend Schneider Electric, and National Association of Women in Construction members: Terri Michalak, Cassandra Morales, Stephanie Alvarado, Rhondie Kanning, Ali Donoho, Amy Rico, Belinda Graham, Nicki Strackbein, Monica Walters-Gonzalez, Sarah Houser-Kean, Aissa Tovar, and Jolsna Thomas!

The Invest IN HER Awards, created by the Institute for Leadership in Capital Projects (I-LinCP), celebrate individuals and organizations who intentionally foster inclusive, forward-thinking, and supportive environments across the architecture, engineering, construction, and owner communities. These awards highlight the trailblazers who lead with purpose, challenge the status quo, and lift others as they rise—the builders and dreamers, the mentors and makers—shaping an industry that is more inclusive, innovative, and human by design.

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