Werk-Brau's 2nd Annual Women in Construction Summit attracted hundreds of industry professionals. With keynote speakers, workshops and networking opportunities, the event emphasized mutual support, leadership, and advancement for women in construction. Werk-Brau pledges to continue promoting women within the industry.
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Hundreds of women from various industries and occupations gathered for the second annual Women in Construction Summit hosted by Werk-Brau.
Hundreds of women from various industries and occupations gathered in Findlay, Ohio, on Feb. 18-20, 2025, for the second annual Women in Construction Summit hosted by Werk-Brau.
The transformative two-day included a mix of presentations, interactive panel discussions, a factory tour, a supplier expo, as well as ample time for networking opportunities and socializing. Nationally known speakers including Ally Jencson of Frontline Floor Coatings, Missy Scherber of T Scherber and Morgan Slayden and Nikki Deluca of BuildWitt.
Sara Best of Real Good Ventures led an interactive session on leadership styles and why they are important for women in the construction industry; CEO and Founder of CTP Solutions, Andrea Wright, discussed being authentic and trusting your intuition; and Katy Tombaugh, CEO and founder of Wellness Collective discussed workplace wellness and led an interactive session complete with exercises anyone can do from their workspace.
Several sessions focused on softer-side aspects like health and wellness, mental health, promoting yourself through social media and visual storytelling and more. Resilience Export McKenna Reitz gave a dynamic keynote presentation on leading with purpose.
The entire program was tailored to address the challenges and opportunities within an industry traditionally populated by men. One often repeated theme stressed mutual support from both the women and men in attendance. Attendees learned how their contributions can further shape and redefine the future of the field, acquire a competitive edge by staying a step ahead of the curve and gain knowledge and confidence to take on any challenge.
Continued advancement, support and working toward leadership roles within construction were prevalent topics as presenters shared their stories. Attendees gathered from various industries and occupations, from owners to C-level management, leadership, sales, marketing and virtually all levels of operational and support staff, for the two-day event. They included Werk-Brau customers, vendors, business partners, as well as industry experts and academic leaders from multiple facets of the construction industry. Many of the Werk-Brau staff also participated in the program.
"Women are increasingly shaping and strengthening the construction industry," said Werk-Brau National Sales Manager Dale DeWeese. "It was refreshing to see the positivity as they continue to improve, and to support each other along the way. We salute all women in construction, especially our own team members who play such a vital role in our success. Without YOU, we would not be Werk-Brau."
"This event continues to amaze and inspire us," said Werk-Brau Marketing Manager Mike Noward. "We more than doubled the attendance, drawing even more exceptional women to be inspired by an amazing crew. Huge shout out to all of the presenters and attendees for making this such a special event!"
Werk-Brau has long been committed to promoting and advancing opportunities for women within the construction industry, according to the company.
"Since its inception, Werk-Brau has been a values-driven company," added DeWeese. "Valuing and empowering individuals are at the heart of our core values. Everybody maters. Positive attitude. Keeping it simple. Taking ownership. Doing the right thing. These values come together to fulfill their ultimate mission of Building Better Lives. This event is an extension of that commitment offering attendees the chance to grow personally and professionally, while building a stronger, more inclusive construction community."
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