About NAWIC

The National Association of Women in Construction (NAWIC) Buffalo Niagara Chapter 388 was organized in September 2020 by Jillian Penkin. Jillian was a member of the NAWIC Greater Rochester chapter for 10+ years and had recently relocated to the Buffalo area. She quickly realized there was a tremendous opportunity to resurrect the local chapter here, launching it with the help of twenty-five other women that were active in the industry.

NAWIC was founded in 1953 as “Women in Construction of Fort Worth, TX” by sixteen women working in the construction industry. Knowing that women represented only a small fraction of the industry, the founders wanted to create a support network for women in a male-dominated field. Women in Construction of Fort Worth was so successful that it gained its national charter in 1955 and officially became the National Association of Women in Construction.

Today, NAWIC is still based in Fort Worth, and has over 115 chapters throughout 44 states, the District of Columbia, and Guam – and growing! NAWIC provides its members with opportunities for professional development, education, networking, leadership training, public service and more. Over $92,000 in scholarships were awarded in 2019 to 72 recipients studying construction in college or trade school.

NAWIC continues the vision of its founding members by advocating for the value and impact of women builders, professionals, and tradeswomen in all aspects of the construction industry.