On September 19, McGuire and Hester attended the SRBX WIC (Women in Construction) Conference—and let me tell you, it did not disappoint. It was a day brimming with inspiration, camaraderie, and my favorite part: free merch.
The conference kicked off with a keynote from Lisa Ballantyne, Senior Vice President of Turner Construction Company, who shared her professional odyssey in the construction world. She was soon joined on stage by none other than Jessica Mendoza, Olympic Gold Medalist and trailblazing ESPN analyst. Jessica’s account of breaking barriers—from being the first female analyst on ESPN’s Monday Night Baseball to earning her spot on Sunday Night Baseball—was nothing short of empowering. Her story resonated far beyond sports, offering inspiration to women across all industries.
Midday brought us a fantastic lunch courtesy of SRBX—a perfect chance to refuel and connect. Conversations over chicken and salmon revolved around the powerful messages we’d just heard and how they could be applied to our own lives and careers.
Post-lunch, the conference opened up into a vibrant expo of booths where companies showcased their initiatives. From pens to tote bags to some rather unique gadgets, it was a delightful haul for anyone with a weakness for freebies (we see you, shameless tote collector).
Next up were the workshops and panels. I attended a particularly engaging session led by Megan Shapiro, a construction attorney with a knack for turning tricky conversations into manageable moments. She handed out packets that walked us through how to navigate difficult discussions with different personality types. Whether you’re dealing with a fact-driven colleague, an emotional sibling, or a risk-averse boss, Megan’s interactive exercises made it all seem…well, possible. Bonus points for putting us in groups with mixed personality archetypes—the lively debates were proof that her strategies work.
The day wrapped up with a renewed sense of appreciation for the incredible women in the AEC industry. From reconnecting with McGuire and Hester family to gaining fresh insights and inspiration, the conference reminded us all why we love what we do and who we do it with.
Until next year, SRBX WIC!