Women Builders Council’s WeforShe: Women Build New York – Time to Empower the Next Generation

May 16, 2018

On Wednesday, May 16th, 2018, STEAM College Aide Shakiesha Featherstone and Program Coordinator Anthony Martin, attended the WeforShe Panel hosted by the Women Builders Council and AECOM Tishman. The WeforShe movement was built on the platform of the United Nation’s internationally adopted program “HeforShe.” Formed in 2017 by the Women Builders Council and the United Nations, WeforShe unites men and women throughout the construction industry with the goal of creating a more inclusive workplace. The Women Builders Council provides a dynamic forum to advance industry knowledge, address barriers that prevent women from growing, and facilitates solutions for policy makers and industry leaders.
 
The panel was opened by the President of the Women Builders Council, Deborah Bradley and Executive Director, Renee Sacks Ph.D., who explained the role of the Women Builder Council and how they help address the issues and challenges women face in the field. Their focus is on bringing new awareness and solutions to the corporate construction community and to advocate on behalf of women in these professions. Students and professionals from the architecture, engineering, and construction industries heard from the variety of panelists who explained their role in the world of construction and offered advice to the diverse crowd.
 
Panelist included, Gilda Barabino Ph.D., Dean of the Grove School of Engineering at the City College of New York; Cheryl McKissack Daniel, President & CEO of McKissack & McKissack; Carolyn Farino, CPU ARM AICDirector, Construction Risk Management Related Companies ; Loryn Riggiola, Partner at Zetlin & De Chiara LLP; and, Susi Yu, Managing Director; Head of Development of L & L MAG.  The panelists are among the top recognized women in the Construction fields. “The most common way to give up your power is to not acknowledge that you have any,” said CEO Cheryl McKissack. The panelists gave the women in attendance a future to aspire to as many have already broken down some the barriers women can face in the field.