March 2022
Women In Construction New Mexico
Newsletter



Mission Statement

“The purpose for which the association is organized is to promote common interests of its members through membership, networking, community outreach, training, and to advance and maintain an enlightened understanding of women in the construction industry.” 


2022 Dates


05/18 Networking
-Bowling Event
7/20 Luncheon
09/14 Networking
11/18 Christmas Party




Membership
Join now!
Hello Members and Friends of WICNM,

Thank you to everyone who participated in Women in Construction Week for March 6-12th. March is also Women's History Month, so we'll keep celebrating that as well. I encourage you to take some time this month to look into the history of women in the world; here are some suggestions to help you celebrate women in history month:

  • Explore the History of Women's Rights in America
  • Support A Women's Non-Profit -- WICNM is a great Choice!
  • Write a note to a woman that inspires you.
  • Support women owned businesses
  • Find some inspiring quotes by women and post them at home and/or at your office.

We want to grow this year and bring in as many members as we can, so that they can network, attend meetings, volunteer, and share with WICNM. Please talk about WICNM with your co-workers and other people you work with and encourage them to join.

See you soon!

Jane Jernigan, WICNM President
“Give Back”

We love to highlight our women in construction in our newsletter. If you would like to submit a story of interest or success by you or someone you know, please send an email to WICNM with a picture & story. Please note that this does not include sharing events.
Why Not Join a Committee This Year?
Planning Committee

The WICNM Planning Committee meets once a month and plans all of the lunch meetings, networking events, the Christmas Party, and any other meetings for members. Committee members also volunteer their time at the events to ensure that everything runs smoothly to give participants a positive and worth while experience.


Philanthropy Committee

The Philanthropy Committee meets once a month and facilitates opportunities for members to participate and donate to local charities and services that are helping women in our community. Committee members volunteer in scheduled volunteer work.



Marketing/Membership Committee

The Marketing and Membership Committee meets once a month and creates marketing materials, determines marketing items for sale or giveaways and also works on membership retention and recruitment.


If you would like to join a committee or get more information, please email us at wicnewmexico@gmail.com and you will be put in contact with the committee chair.
The 2022 WICNM Board of Directors

President – Jane Jernigan
Vice President – Gia Espinoza
Secretary – Stephanie Peña
Treasurer – Diane Huerta
Past President – Barb Hatch
Directors:
Kelly Earnest
Angie Ruth
Tracy Libaridian
Sharon Montoya
Board Spotlight: Jane Jernigan

Jane Jernigan is the current President of Women in Construction New Mexico and is also a founder. Her connection to the construction industry is through the NM Utility Contractors Association; she has been working for them for 23 years and has been the Executive Director since 2008.



When asked the following questions, she replied:

Did you plan to work in the construction industry?
No, like so many others I have met over the years, I had no aspirations to enter this industry. I started working for a family member in association management that included the sheet metal, concrete aggregate, fire sprinkler, and utility industries. It grew on me and seems to be a great fit.

What is your favorite thing about working in the construction industry?
For me, it's the diversity of the job. I wear many hats in my job including safety, education, lobbyist, planner, human resources etc. There are times when I will wear a hard hat and boots in the morning to visit a jobsite, and change the same afternoon into a suit & heels to attend a meeting. There are things that stay the same, but there is always something changing which makes the job interesting and enjoyable.

Have you faced any challenges as a woman in construction?
For me personally, no. I have always been treated with respect. I don't work on construction sites along side other workers, and I know that there are some challenges there. Most of the time, challenges can be turned into opportunties.

If you could give advice to a young lady considering her future career, what would you tell her about the construction industry?
I would encourage her to research the many jobs that are available with very good pay, and rewarding work. People that work in the construction industry are able to create a tangible legacy that everyone sees in the buildings, roads and other infrastructure around them. Construction is also essential for healthy and happy communities with clean water systems and development.

Next month, we'll meet Gia Espinoza, WICNM Vice-President
How You Can Help Your Community This Month
This year we are committed to helping out community on a monthly basis. This month we would like to highlight ABQ Free Fridge. You can help in a couple ways:
  • Make a monetary donate to the link below
  • Drop off both perishable and non perishable food to the fridge location
  • Donate your time to by shopping or aid in finding community partners

Fridge Location:
606 Broadway Boulevard SE

Want to donate? Follow the link and remember anything makes a difference!



Click Here to learn more about how ABQ Free Fridge
in helping in our community.
WICNM is Membership Driven
Membership in WICNM is only $50 per year and leaves no doubt to its value and return on investment. As a member, you receive a membership discount on membership meetings, and are able to attend our networking events at no-charge. Just the networking events only are a $45 face value!

The real value of membership is not monetary though, it's about connecting and belonging to a group of women that understand and take pride in the industry of construction just like you. It's what we all have in common whether you're wearing a hard hat in the field or a suit to the office. If you have a hand in the construction industry, this is where you belong.


Why Join?
  • Belong to the only association in New Mexico specifically for Women in the construction industry
  • Support women in our industry
  • Networking evening events
  • Membership Meetings with relevant, informative, and interesting speakers
  • Monthly Newsletter highlighting our association, our members, women in the industry, events, and community support opportunities.
  • Committees - Planning, Marketing & Membership, Philanthropy
  • Opportunities to give to and help women in our community
  • It's FUN!



Women in Construction:
Female Empowerment in a Male-Dominated Industry
March 6-12 is women in construction week and the City of San Diego wants to create a healthy work environment for them.

SAN DIEGO — It might just look like any other roadside construction project you’ve seen. But to engineers Neda Shahrara and Samira Nourbaksh, the installation of 17,000 feet of new water pipes under Tierrasanta Blvd. is a beautiful as a painting in a gallery.



Author: Tim Blodgett
Published: 7:01 PM PST March 10, 2022
(https://www.cbs8,com)
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