NABWIC Women Making History

MESSAGE FROM THE FOUNDER AND CHAIR

I AM BECAUSE SHE WAS

During the month of March we celebrated Women's History Month and encouraged everyone to think of the many, many, marvelous, motivated and motherly women who have helped you on your path. Although the celebration has gone from a day in February 1909, to a week, to now a month, many of us should celebrate daily the women who have preceded us.

These women come in many shapes, sizes, and hues. We can also find them near and far. Growing up in the Riviera Beach Florida one women in particular comes to mind and her name is Merry Herring.

Mrs. Herring was the mother of my elementary classmate Sharon Herring. What was amazing about her is that she was fearless in my eyes. She was the first woman I ever met having anything to do with the construction industry because she and her husband owned a small local paving company. She was not afraid in the 1960s to publicly stand up and speak truth to power. She also raised the business bar for her family and friends as she demanded and received respect as a Black Woman Business Owner in the construction industry. Now I can better understand that; I AM BECAUSE SHE WAS!

There may be many women in your life that just may be waiting for a word of

encouragement or a word of thanks from you. They may go as on the unsung sheroes

in our lives. My challenge and call to action to you today is to say thanks to those who

have come before you and paved the way for you to say,

I AM BECAUSE SHE WAS.

Ann McNeill

Founder, Chair

NABWIC Atlanta Chapter Honored at the Capitol

Atlanta Chapter of NABWIC Experienced a Day of Recognition & Celebration

On Tuesday, March 5, 2024, the Atlanta chapter of NABWIC experienced a day of recognition and celebration, thanks to the gracious invitation by Representative Lydia Glaize of District 67.

This special event, enhanced by the presence of NABWIC founder, Miss Ann

McNeill, brought our esteemed members into the limelight in front of hundreds of council members at the Capitol.

Chair Ann McNeill pictured with several members of the Atlanta Chapter at the Capitol.

NABWIC Celebrates Sharon Hidalgo as 2024 Member of the Year

Sharon Hidalgo announced as NABWIC's 2024 Member of the Year During Annual Conference

This year, we are thrilled to honor Chicago's own Sharon Hidalgo as the recipient for 2024. Serving as Vice President of New Client Acquisition in Segal's Midwest Region, Sharon brings nearly two decades of expertise in business development within the professional services sector, focusing on employee benefits and HR work.

A dedicated NABWIC member in the Chicago Area, Sharon's commitment extends beyond local engagement. Nationally, she is a vital contributor to the Membership Committee, where her efforts in refining recruitment and retention processes for corporate members have been invaluable. Her dedication to nurturing the growth of NABWIC's Chicago area further exemplifies her outstanding contribution to our organization.

Sharon Hidalgo (middle) flanked by NABWIC President Tylene Henry and Chair Ann McNeill.

Please join us in congratulating Sharon Hidalgo for her well-deserved recognition as the 2024 NABWIC Member of the Year. Her tireless work and dedication to our mission underscore the essence of NABWIC's values and vision.

NABWIC WOMEN MAKING HISTORY

Jackie Perry: A Visionary Leader Honored with The Presidential Lifetime Achievement Award

On February 23, 2024, the illustrious Jackie Perry was honored with The Presidential Lifetime Achievement Award during a prestigious ceremony held at the JW Turnberry Marriott in Miami.

Hosted by The Enrich Mint, this event celebrated the exceptional contributions of eight distinguished individuals, with Jackie standing out for her unparalleled impact on

the business and community development sectors.

Jackie Perry's journey as the Executive Director of the Beaver Street Enterprise Center (BSEC) marks a career highlighted by her unwavering commitment to fostering entrepreneurship and economic diversity.

NABWIC Jacksonville Chapter and Duval County School Board hosts Inaugural Industry Day at A Philip Randolph Career Academy

The NE Florida Chapter NABWIC achieved a remarkable milestone by hosting its inaugural Industry Day at the A. Philip Randolph Career Academy. This groundbreaking event welcomed 200 enthusiastic students, providing them with an unparalleled opportunity to delve into the construction industry's dynamic world.

The day was marked by the presence of distinguished guests, including President Darryl Willie and board member Sharwonda Peeks from the school board, highlighting the significance of this initiative. Their participation underscored the community and educational leaders' support in bridging the gap between students and the construction industry.

Flagg Labor Secures Prestigious Contract with Newark Airport Terminal A

In a significant achievement that underscores the strength and reliability of local businesses in New Jersey, Flagg Labor, a distinguished name in construction labor support and commercial cleaning services, has been awarded a coveted contract at Newark Airport's new Terminal A.

This development, announced on Monday, March 4, 2024, marks a

notable milestone in the company's illustrious journey of over 15 years.

Owned and led by the visionary Zakkia Flagg, Flagg Labor, also known as Capital Cleaning Services, is set to provide fire

watch safety and general labor to VRH Construction, the General Contractor for the Terminal A project.

NABWIC member Zakiyyah Flagg, CEO, Flagg Labor sits as one of the panelists at NY Build

NABWIC Makes a Mark at NY Build 2024

NABWIC made an unforgettable appearance at New York Build 2024, New York City's annual mega-construction expo. Dressed in their signature dash of red, members displayed remarkable teamwork and excitement throughout the event. Despite challenging weather conditions, the NABWIC delegation, including members from various regions, steadfastly supported the expo.

NABWIC at Tampa Build Expo 2024

Area Chair Katina McClinton attended the Tampa Build Expo on February 7th and 8th, stepping in to speak at the event for our Founder Ann McNeill, who couldn't be in two places at once. Katina is immensely proud that she managed to handle two speaking engagements in the same week.

At this event, the NABWIC team welcomed over 100 people to the table. A raffle was conducted for a self-planner book with one winner announced. Additionally, three potential sponsors were secured for the Tampa area.

Collaboration and Networking in Philadelphia

On the evening of March 27, 2024, the Philadelphia professional community gathered for an enriching Business-to-Business Networking event at The Enterprise Center.

This memorable networking occasion was the result of a partnership among four prominent local organizations dedicated to fostering diversity and growth in the business community.

The National Association of Black Women in Construction (NABWIC Philadelphia Area), the Eastern Minority Supplier Development Council (EMSDC), The Enterprise Center’s Construction Consortium (TEC), and the Small Business Development Center at Temple University collaborated to make the evening a reality.

We extend our heartfelt thanks to everyone who participated, making the evening not just a networking event, but a vibrant community-building experience.