Stephanie San Paolo

I’m an administrative assistant at Walton Construction. I mostly handle the contracts and change orders. I joined NAWIC when Springfield re-chartered in 2001. Members of the Kansas City chapter came to Springfield to talk to us about chartering. I called our corporate office in Kansas City and asked a lady in our accounting department if it was something I should do. She couldn’t stop telling me what a great organization it was and how I would really benefit from being a member. Walton agreed to pay the dues, so I joined. The first year, I really just came to the meetings every month to get my feet wet, so to speak. The following year I was elected as a director on the board, the following year, vice president, and now I’m president.

What is NAWIC’s purpose?

NAWIC’s core purpose is to enhance the success of women in the construction industry.

NAWIC’s core values are to believe in ourselves as women, persevere with the strength of our convictions and dare to move into new horizons.

How does the organization work to fulfill that purpose?

Professional development opportunities build confidence through recognized certification courses and professional seminars. The southwest Missouri chapter has organized the A-Z Seminar that we put on every year. In this seminar, we invite members of the community to educate our members on different aspects of the construction industry. We’ve had lawyers, accountants, owners, architects, insurance representatives, subcontractors, general contractors and law enforcement to speak at our seminar. It has been very informative.

NAWIC offers much support through mentoring, education and career guidance. Strength is built through our commitment to make the construction industry a better place to work and to be a resource of job opportunities for women. As a NAWIC member, you are encouraged and motivated to further your education, develop new skills, address challenges in the industry and strive for career excellence.

Who is eligible for NAWIC membership and what are the requirements?

It is open to women who are or have been actively employed in the construction industry or a construction-related service. Dues are $205 for an individual member, $280 for a corporate member (this can be transferred from one woman to another within the company), and $45 for a student member (students cannot vote or hold office).

What is the organization’s current membership and how has it grown?

Our current membership is 29. We chartered with 15 in 2001, so we have continued to grow. We have also grown not only in numbers, but in activities and events as well.

Last year, we began giving away the Outstanding Women in Construction Awards at the Salute to Construction banquet. The awards are given on the basis of community service involvement, construction association memberships, participation in continuing education to enhance their present job position, and achievement or advancement in their present job. The Rosebud Award is given to the person with less than 10 years of experience and the Vesta Award is given to the person with more than 10 years of experience in any construction related-occupation.

Last year, our chapter also began its first Block-Kids Building Program. It is a competition open to all elementary school children in first through sixth grades. The competition involves the construction of various structures with interlocking blocks, a small rock, string, foil and poster board. Local winners on the chapter level advance to regional competition, and one semi-finalist from each region is entered in the national program competition.

We’ve started doing more community service projects, including helping out with the Victim Center. We have a Christmas party every year and have recently included a summer picnic as well.

What goals do you have for NAWIC under your leadership?

My goal this year is to continue the activities and events we’ve started in the last three years. I want to take the things we’ve done and improve upon them. I want to increase our membership so that we get new ideas and thoughts from new people. I want to get our name out there so more women in this industry know there is an organization that allows them to increase their education in order to better their positions and that NAWIC offers a great support system as well.