The Women in Concrete Alliance (WICA) — a networking organization for women in the concrete industry — has announced the winner of its second Woman of Distinction award.
Kilah Engelke, apprenticeship coordinator of Milwaukee OPCMIA Local 599, was voted the winner of the award for her dedication to her craft and her commitment to her crew. She has been a concrete finisher with the Operative Plasterers’ and Cement Masons’ International Association for the past 11 years.
“Winning this award is truly an honor for me, as it is proof that hard work and determination does not go unrecognized,” said Engelke.
Prior to completing her apprenticeship as a finisher, Engelke also spent three years as a laborer on a slipform concrete paving crew, which is where she began her career in concrete.
“For well over a decade, I have literally shed blood, sweat and even sometimes tears in my ongoing quest to gain and maintain the respect of my crew and to be successful in this nontraditional position,” said Engelke. “Part of the beauty of the construction industry is that a little heart goes a long way, and I am so thankful that I have had the chance to prove myself and what’s in my heart through my passion for concrete.”
In her nomination, it was noted that, as a woman in a predominantly male industry, Engelke exemplifies what it means to work and succeed in construction and that quality is proven by her day-to-day commitment to her crew and to her trade. She is highly respected by the people she works with and for, as she has worked very hard to be a valuable and important part of her crew.
In October 2011, Engelke was hired as the first ever apprenticeship coordinator for the Milwaukee OPCMIA Local 599. Her passion for concrete and for her job was recognized as a needed catalyst for the future success of the growing and respected program.
“I look forward to continuing to share my love for my work through my position as apprenticeship coordinator in Milwaukee,” said Engelke. “I am truly excited for the challenge I have ahead of me now to uphold the title of Woman of Distinction in Concrete 2012, and to continue to prove that women can succeed in the world of concrete.”
The Women of Distinction award was voted on by the participants of the Women in Concrete Luncheon and Forum at the World of Concrete in January. Honorees of this year’s award include Kimberly Corwin, president, A.H. Harris & Sons Inc.; Amy Miller, senior resource director, National Ready Mixed Concrete Association; Sherri Casilio, president, 4 Winds Concrete Inc.; Kari Yuers, CEO and president, Kryton International Inc.; Dana Horstmeier, customer service coordinator, Champion Precast Inc.; and Kristen Braden, construction project manager, H. R. Gray Inc.
Last year’s winner was Rosa Olivia Becerra, owner/president of Cortamex, a diamond blade supplier in Tijuana, Mexico. Becerra was present at the Women in Concrete luncheon to greet women with questions on doing business in Mexico.
According to Kari Moosmann, co-founder of WICA, the award was created to celebrate women in the industry.
“It was so encouraging to see how involved the women were with choosing the recipient of the award,” said Moosmann. “This award really means a lot to the women who voted and the nominees. I believe it will help reinforce that women are a valued resource in the concrete construction industry.”
WICA co-founder Kimberly Kayler noted that Engelke truly signifies the spirit of the Women in Concrete Alliance.
“Kilah Engelke embodies the true meaning of this award and WICA — forging the way so other women will have opportunities and sharing the experiences to make a better marketplace for us all,” said Kayler. “The Woman of Distinction award gives us a chance to celebrate heroes such as Engelke.”
The WICA was started by co-founders Moosmann, former managing editor of Concrete Construction magazine, and Kayler, president of Constructive Communication Inc. The idea for an ongoing network began with Hanley Wood’s Women in Concrete (WIC) event at World of Concrete. The spirit of Women in Concrete was kept alive through the year by profiles of readers that appeared in a regular column in The Concrete Producer and Concrete Construction magazines. Requests for a more continuous connection sparked the idea for the Alliance. WICA strives to go beyond these initial efforts and reach women on a continuous basis to create an industry alliance that serves the needs of all women in concrete.
The advisory board that directs the focus of the Women in Concrete Alliance consists of Diana Sanicki, marketing manager, Doka USA Ltd.; Janet Ong, marketing director, CTS Cement Manufacturing Corporation; Jenne Imholte-Decker, paving sales manager, Simplex Construction, Supplies Inc.; Patti Flesher, media relations manager, Portland Cement Association; Kitty Hoyle, president, Wellington Hamrick Inc.; Anne Ellis, vice president, AECOM; and Shelby Mitchell, senior editor, Public Works magazine.
For more information, visit www.womeninconcrete.org.
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