Anastasia Barnes recently caught up with Nicole Benton, project manager at ReArch Company and the president of the new National Association of Women in Construction (NAWIC) Vermont chapter.
Nicole Benton
Anastasia Barnes: What inspired you to take on the role of president for the NAWIC Vermont chapter?
Nicole Benton: It was an honor to be voted in as president. I started the chartering process for the chapter because I wanted the opportunity to work and connect with other women in my field. Networking with others also meant the opportunity to work with young women and girls and help reverse any remaining stigmas that the construction industry was for men.
AB: How does the NAWIC Vermont chapter plan to address challenges faced by women in Vermont’s construction industry?
NB: We have a very strong, well-educated, and determined group of women in this chapter. That being said, I think a lot of us have many of the same experiences or feelings about educating not just ourselves, but our communities, and what it means to be a woman in construction. This industry is no longer just for men; it hasn’t been for quite some time. The team mentality is growing; I’ve seen and been on jobsites that now accommodate women in their everyday tasks. We sit in on all of the meetings, and our opinions and thoughts are heard and respected by our peers. Sure, there are a few stereotypical folks out there, but they’re few and far between now. Our chapter is working on educating women to have strong voices, building their self-esteem, and educating them on how to handle difficult situations of any kind. I’m very excited to see our members grow in their careers and lives.
AB: What initiatives will the NAWIC Vermont chapter implement to contribute to the growth and revitalization of the construction sector in the state?
NB: We’re eager to grow our membership; the more women in construction we can get to join this wonderful association the more voices we have throughout the state. This group of women has started to work on ways we can outreach to young kids, women who may be interested in making a career change, and students in high schools that are not necessarily interested in attending tech school, and attending local job fairs – you name it, we’ve probably thought it and are just awaiting our next opportunity to get out there and discuss the construction industry. It’s not just a matter of need for more bodies in the industry, I think I speak for many of the women in our chapter when I say we love what we do. It’s always challenging, there’s always something new, and you’re constantly meeting and working with new people all while building something, or maybe you’re bringing something back to life; this industry is rewarding in more ways than just making a dollar. Although the dollars don’t hurt, and the industry certainly has some to offer!
AB: Can you outline the NAWIC Vermont chapter’s approach to fostering networking and mentorship opportunities for women in construction?
NAWIC Vermont chartering event
NB: The Vermont chapter may be new, but our membership is strong coming out of the gates! To date we have 38 members and counting, which I am so pleased to see. I feel Vermont was missing a niche for women to be able to collaborate and connect with one another, especially for those of us in the construction industry. When we had our chartering ceremony in December of 2023, I asked our board members why they decided to join NAWIC and we all had very similar responses: to help educate women and mentor young girls. Everyone in this chapter wants to work with women, girls, kids in general to help educate around all of the many opportunities there are within the industry. Our chapter is working to create events that harbor opportunities for networking not just within our membership, but also with sponsors, contractors, suppliers, and other industry leaders. We’re always looking for new spaces in which to do this, so reach out to us if you’re interested in sponsoring or have a space that would benefit from hosting our chapter. The chapter is also building in time at our monthly meetings to allow for networking. Sometimes these meetings host business first and then leave time to connect after; other times we bring in speakers or educators to work with the group on furthering their education and obtaining certifications all while providing the opportunity to connect and network with other members.
AB: What message do you have for women considering or already pursuing careers in construction in Vermont?
NB: This truly is a wonderful industry! There are so many paths one can take within construction, whether it’s the trades, project management, architecture, engineering, marketing, finance, even insurance; really, the sky’s the limit. You get to work alongside some powerful leaders and be part of a growing industry. Diversity and inclusion, building the team mentality, is only possible when we encourage all types of people to join this industry. Don’t just take my word for it. Reach out to a woman in construction, get her thoughts and words of encouragement to continue the pursuit of a career in construction. The opportunities are out there and those of us in the industry are ready to welcome you to the team, and we’re here to encourage and empower you in your career in construction!
