All About Nawic

The National Association of Women in Construction (NAWIC) began as Women in Construction of Fort Worth, founded on September 11, 1953 by Doris Efird and 15 other women who were looking for a support system. These women were all actively employed in the construction industry and had been doing business with each other for years when they decided to finally meet face to face. This progressive group of women had the foresight to create an atmosphere where they could network and support each other professionally as well as personally. This support system gave them the confidence to reach for and achieve their goals. When describing this group of women, Alice Ashley said, "We were women with electricity in our veins, cement dust on our shoes, sawdust on our minds … busy, busy, busy, filthy things. " In the first year of its existence, Women in Construction raised over $2,700 to donate to the Foundation for Visually Handicapped Children. They wanted to branch out beyond Fort Worth in search of other women to join the organization, but they discovered the charter was not adequate and did not have the powers to organize other chapters. Women in Construction of Fort Worth amended their charter to incorporate other chapters in Texas and throughout the nation. In doing so, on May 17, 1955, they became The National Association of Women in Construction.

As word of NAWIC spread, several foreign countries became interested in the cause to enhance the success of women in the construction industry. In 1996, NAWIC signed an International Affiliation Agreement with NAWIC-Australia. In 1998, NAWIC signed an International Affiliation Agreement with New Zealand and another in 1999 with South African Women in Construction (SAWiC). In September 2003, NAWIC signed an international affiliation agreement with the United Kingdom.

In its 54 years of service to its members, NAWIC has advanced the causes of all women in construction whose careers range from business ownership to the skilled trades.

Core Purpose:
To enhance the success of women in the construction industry.

Core Values:
Believe in ourselves as women. Persevere with the strength of our convictions. Dare to move into new horizons.

NAWIC's objectives are:

• To unite for the mutual benefit of the women who are actively engaged in the various phases of the construction industry.
• To promote cooperation, fellowship and a better understanding among members of the Association.
• To encourage women to pursue and establish careers in the construction industry.
• To provide members an awareness of the legislative process and legislation as it relates to the construction industry.