Who we are
It was 1966, a different time for women in the work place, and certainly for women in the construction industry. But nonetheless, Dorothy Eshom and Ann Fleischmann of Wichita, KS shared a goal of forming an organization for the mutual interest of women in the architectural field. However, they weren’t sure how to take their next steps. But after browsing through the pages of Midwest Contractors Magazine, the women learned of the organization known as Women in Construction. After reading about the organization and learning it had been in existence for 10 years they decided this is what Women in Wichita needed. Dorothy Eshom proceeded to learn more and submitted bidder’s qualifications to the organization. From there the ground work was laid.
After a meeting in February, 1966, The Gr. Wichita Chapter #120 was born with a chartering banquet on March 26, 1966, in the Allis Hotel. 77 women signed the original charter.
Our Events
NAWIC Wichita hosts a variety of events to serve the construction industry serving both members and non-members.
Education
We provide monthly, educational events on personal and professional development to help elevate our attendee's careers.
Networking
We provide monthly, networking events to help one another increase business and foster new and existing relationships.
MAGIC Camp
Mentoring a Girl in Construction - A free, one-week day camp, typically held in the summer, designed to introduce high school girls to exciting careers in construction.
Golf Tournament
We host an annual golf tournament, held in August, to raise money for construction, architectural, and engineering scholarships.
Block Kids
Block Kids is a National building competition to introduce children to the construction industry to create awareness and promote careers in the industry. Block Kids is held in January or February each year.
WIC Week
Women in Construction (WIC) Week, held in March, highlights women as a viable component of the construction industry.
Women Build
Habitat for Humanity Women Build gathers volunteers during the summer from all walks of life to build stronger, safer communities.
Our impact
Supporting our industry and our community is an important initiative to our chapter. We raise valuable dollars for scholarship funds for students and promote our industry every chance we get.
# NAWIC Wichita Members
30
# NAWIC Midwest Region Members
936
# National NAWIC Members
5,112
Dollars Awarded for Scholarships
$324,773
# of Kids Participated at Block Kids Since 2014
477
Members Love NAWIC!
I learned about NAWIC through my employer. I wanted to meet people in the construction industry and have a group that supported the industry and women were involved. I enjoy working in the industry because the various and extremely varied aspects of the construction industry are challenging and interesting to me.
Jana Forrest
IMA Corp
Construction chose me! My Dad has been in the construction world my entire life. I've always enjoyed the hard work and dedication construction workers employ. I wanted to be more involved in getting other women to enjoy the construction industry, too. I have enjoyed the networking and getting to know others in the industry.
Desarae' Waggoner
Griffith Steel Erection, Inc.
NAWIC has given me the opportunity to network with others in the industry. I learned about NAWIC through a co-worker and so glad I have gotten involved. We have so many different types of events to engage with one another: professional development, job site tours, and community service activities.
CeCe Chanthabouly-Lo
Conco Construction