Women Talk Construction

Women Talk Construction Building tomorrow's workforce with inclusive actions ~ stories."

β€˜Modular and Prefab Construction’ 🎀 Sneha Kumari, MBA, Six Sigma Founder of Merlin AI. Christi Powell and Angela Gardner...
02/10/2025

β€˜Modular and Prefab Construction’ 🎀 Sneha Kumari, MBA, Six Sigma Founder of Merlin AI.

Christi Powell and Angela Gardner discovered quickly in their conversation that it is a modular and prefab construction pioneer.

Shares her journey:
πŸ—οΈ From manufacturing and supply chain to becoming a leading figure in the construction industry.
πŸ—οΈ Importance of incorporating technology, like AI, in construction
highlights the unique challenges and opportunities for women in the field

She offers valuable insights into the need for leadership development, mentorship, and inclusivity, emphasizing the importance of self-assurance and leveraging existing skills.

Sneha's company, Merlin AI, aims to revolutionize the industry by combining tech and domain expertise.

Thank you to our Sponsor 🌟 NPK 🌟 Your go-to site access solutions ally ~ Composite mat solutions.

Listen 🎧 https://womentalkconstruction.com/episodes/episode-142
Watch 🎬 https://www.youtube.com/live/OAgVhhiY9yo?si=I65VyCilKWb9IUX7

Women Confidence Builders 84 Lumber Company Hill Electric

β€˜Modular and Prefab Construction’ 🎀 Sneha Kumari, MBA, Six Sigma Founder of Merlin AI. Christi Powell and Angela Gardner...
02/10/2025

β€˜Modular and Prefab Construction’ 🎀 Sneha Kumari, MBA, Six Sigma Founder of Merlin AI.

Christi Powell and Angela Gardner discovered quickly in their conversation that it is a modular and prefab construction pioneer.

Shares her journey:
πŸ—οΈ From manufacturing and supply chain to becoming a leading figure in the construction industry.
πŸ—οΈ Importance of incorporating technology, like AI, in construction
highlights the unique challenges and opportunities for women in the field

She offers valuable insights into the need for leadership development, mentorship, and inclusivity, emphasizing the importance of self-assurance and leveraging existing skills.

Sneha's company, Merlin AI, aims to revolutionize the industry by combining tech and domain expertise.

Thank you to our Sponsor 🌟 NPK 🌟 Your go-to site access solutions ally ~ Composite mat system.

Listen 🎧 https://womentalkconstruction.com/episodes/episode-142
Watch 🎬 https://www.youtube.com/live/OAgVhhiY9yo?si=I65VyCilKWb9IUX7

Get ready to meet, mingle, and celebrate women in construction at this year’s National Association of Home Builders ~ Th...
02/06/2025

Get ready to meet, mingle, and celebrate women in construction at this year’s National Association of Home Builders ~ The International Builders' Show (IBS) in Las Vegas with Huber Engineered Woods!

One of our co-hosts will stop by ~ Christi Powell, with 84 Lumber Company, and will be there with several supportive male colleagues from 84 Lumber.

Huber Engineered Woods is hosting an extraordinary πŸ‘·πŸ»β€β™€οΈ Women in Construction πŸ‘·πŸ»β€β™€οΈ
πŸš€ Meet-Up, complete with coffee, mimosas, and treats
πŸš€ Connect with other incredible women in the industry
πŸš€ share ideas and commonalities
πŸš€ grow your professional network in a welcoming and supportive space

Featured guest speakers are Stephanie Dailey, Meg Billings, and Allyson Case Anderson, who will share their expertise and experiences as highly skilled professionals in the industry.

Please come and join the fun with other women in constructionβ€”we’d love to meet you!

Details:
πŸ“… Date: Tuesday, February 25th, 2025
πŸ“ Location: Las Vegas Convention Center ~ Huber Booth
⏰ Time: 9:30 am

Reach out to Monica Tirado to RSVP. πŸŽ‰πŸ’ͺπŸ»πŸ‘·πŸ»β€β™€οΈπŸ—οΈ

Let's BUILD a brighter FUTURE for ALL!

Kelly Adams - Phillips Alex Iacovelli Amy Smiley Elena Oyster Melody Chancellor-Hackett Judy Dinelle Angela Gardner

Women Talk Construction will be the keynote speaker at the National WCOE Women Construction Owners and Executives USA 'L...
02/05/2025

Women Talk Construction will be the keynote speaker at the National WCOE Women Construction Owners and Executives USA 'Leadership Summit' in Washington, DC, on March 24th.

Come hang out with Christi Powell and Angela Gardner as they interview two past WTC guests:

πŸ‘·πŸ»β€β™€οΈ Julie Laughton ~ owner of Julie Laughton Design Build
πŸ‘·πŸ»β€β™€οΈ Perlla Deluca ~ owner of SOUTHEAST CONSTRUCTORS, INC and founder of IOWA SCHOOL OF CONSTRUCTION

Registration details below ⏬

It will be an engaging, inspiring, and fun session over lunchβ€”complete with fresh perspectives, real talk, and industry insights, plus a potential live podcast interview right from the stage!

Don’t miss out on this energizing celebration of women owners and executives in construction and the power of our stories.

PS 🀩 We plan to interview women at the leadership summit and share their stories on the WTC YouTube channel throughout 2025. πŸ‘ŠπŸ»

84 Lumber Company Deborah Bradley Misha Homara Ines Rivas-Hutchins Juliana Choy Sommer

'Construction Hero' 🎀 Elizabeth Barnhart 🎀 Project Engineer at Kiewit Corporation. Angela Gardner and Christi Powell, we...
02/03/2025

'Construction Hero' 🎀 Elizabeth Barnhart 🎀 Project Engineer at Kiewit Corporation.

Angela Gardner and Christi Powell, welcome back, Elizabeth! πŸŽ‰

Elizabeth shares her inspiring journey from a ** mining engineering ** graduate at West Virginia University to a project engineer living in multiple states and working on large-scale tunnel projects like the Amtrak Frederick Douglass Tunnel Project.

What you will hear:
πŸ—οΈ Importance of staying positive, even in challenging times
πŸ—οΈ How she motivates her team
πŸ—οΈ Power of asking questions
πŸ—οΈ Step back to reflect on accomplishments
πŸ—οΈ Practical advice on leadership, personal growth, and maintaining life balance

She is known for her contagious positivity and strive for excellence.

Listen 🎧 https://womentalkconstruction.com/episodes/episode-141
Watch 🎬 https://www.youtube.com/live/MGuBUWfW0Do?si=DC4u9jUoC2m5gOpi

Be sure to follow her. Her LinkedIn Profile headline 🌟 'I love what I do and who I work for. Ask how you can join me.' She is well-versed in concrete applications.

β€˜Welding the Future’ 🎀 Hannah Dorfman 🎀 scholarship recipient ~ Bring Back the Trades Inc. Angela Gardner and Christi Po...
01/27/2025

β€˜Welding the Future’ 🎀 Hannah Dorfman 🎀 scholarship recipient ~ Bring Back the Trades Inc.

Angela Gardner and Christi Powell learn quickly that Hannah listens and is curious. Her mom noticed that Hannah, at a young age, loved "Fixing" and "Building" things. Her nickname is Tink. She loved working on cars.

Listen 🎧 https://womentalkconstruction.com/episodes/episode-140
Watch 🎬 https://www.youtube.com/live/PSARFaaM8ks?si=1lglj5oAwtunO45I

She was excited to go to high school because there were numerous skilled trades she could try out. She tried out Automotive and Welding. She found what she loved to do: Weld!

She wants to be a welding artist someday.

She talks about the support and challenges she faced, the impactful role of female mentors, and her future plans in welding and beyond.

The discussion also highlights the importance of representation and mentorship for women in trades. Thank you for listening!

She attended the Richard W. Creteau Regional Technology Center and the Dover High School in Technology Center, where she graduated from the Technical Honors Society. Her welding teacher was Mrs. Nicole Williams.

She has had amazing mentors: Jamie Lovejoy ~ ArcSource, Doug Glover (first welding boss) ~ Barletta Engineering, and many more. As well as BBTT. ❀️ Mentoring the next generation MATTERS!

Exciting Collaboration Alert: ACE Mentor Program of America & Women Talk Construction! πŸ—οΈπŸ‘·πŸ»β€β™€οΈπŸ‘·πŸ»β€β™‚οΈ" ACE Mentor Program ...
01/23/2025

Exciting Collaboration Alert: ACE Mentor Program of America & Women Talk Construction! πŸ—οΈπŸ‘·πŸ»β€β™€οΈπŸ‘·πŸ»β€β™‚οΈ

" ACE Mentor Program of America is a nonprofit organization that inspires high school students to pursue architecture, construction, and engineering careers. Through mentorship from industry professionals, students gain hands-on experience, valuable insights into the built environment, and guidance on educational and career pathways. By fostering diversity and innovation, ACE empowers the next generation of leaders."

Join us for an inspiring LinkedIn Live session on February 7th, where we'll dive deep into the world of construction leadership.

We're honored to have:
πŸ› οΈ Top leaders from Ace Mentorship share insights and strategies for nurturing the next generation of construction professionals.
πŸ› οΈ A student alumni from the program who will give us a firsthand look at how mentorship can shape careers in construction.

πŸ“… Date: February 7th
⌚ Time: 12 pm to 1 pm (EST)
πŸ› οΈ Platform: LinkedIn & YouTube

Don't miss this opportunity to learn, connect, and be inspired by the stories building our industry's future.

βœ”οΈ Mark your calendars and bring your questions! βœ”οΈ A LinkedIn Live Invite will go out next week.

Christi Powell and Angela Gardner have been mentoring others throughout their career. They love that they will get a new perspective on how others support the next generation of skilled trade people, especially women.

'The Value of Words’ 🎀 Deb Sofield🎀 Executive Speech Coach, Author, Podcaster, and Keynote Speaker!She is back for anoth...
01/21/2025

'The Value of Words’ 🎀 Deb Sofield🎀 Executive Speech Coach, Author, Podcaster, and Keynote Speaker!

She is back for another power-packed episode. This time, Deb addresses the point: "It's not IF a crisis will happen; It is about WHEN a crisis will happen." Being a prepared leader in these circumstances is huge. She has incredible insight beyond just what she recommends in this episode.

What you will hear:
πŸ”Š experience in public speaking coaching
πŸ”Š crisis communication
πŸ”Š significance of our chosen words
πŸ”Š maintain authority and clarity
πŸ”Š body language tips for effective communication

We also talked about her role as emcee at the Women Confidence Builders event, demonstrating the impact of effective communication.

Listen 🎧 https://womentalkconstruction.com/episodes/episode-139
Watch 🎬 https://www.youtube.com/live/XPB_HZsYIbU?si=SiWVIBbLu6rBhexI

Side note: Deb helped Christi Powell and Angela Gardner prepare for their TEDx Clemson Talk they did last August. Her help made a huge difference in what we said, how we said it, and how we felt on stage. We highly recommend her for all coaching. She has been a coach for several TEDx's (Clemson and Greenville).

"Faith is taking the first step even when you don't see the whole staircase"Martin Luther King, 1967Note to self: keep t...
01/20/2025

"Faith is taking the first step even when you don't see the whole staircase"
Martin Luther King, 1967

Note to self: keep taking that first step. You'll make ripples of impact. Impact changes environments.

BE AN IMPACTOR!! πŸ’ͺπŸ‘Š

We’re celebrating the incredible women shaping the construction industry! πŸ’ͺπŸ‘·β€β™€οΈMeet Shannon Holian ~ Field Admin for Ska...
01/16/2025

We’re celebrating the incredible women shaping the construction industry! πŸ’ͺπŸ‘·β€β™€οΈ

Meet Shannon Holian ~ Field Admin for Skanska USA!

βœ”οΈHow did you get involved in construction? .......
I was always interested in construction. I took a chance and asked for an opportunity to learn since I had no specialized education in construction. I started at a small local GC doing office manager work and gradually became more involved in the jobs.

βœ”οΈWhat advice do you have for the next generation entering construction?.....
Find something you're interested in, and go for it! You may have to start at the absolute bottom, but ask as many questions and learn as much as possible. Put your hands in everything so you get a well-rounded understanding of the topics.

πŸŽ‰ She received a WTC logo Carhartt pullover at the Skanska webinar. πŸŽ‰

Christi Powell and Angela Gardner want to continue celebrating women's hard work and dedication in construction all year round! 🧑

Women in the Trenches Insights ~ presentation. 🎀🎬Christi Powell and Angela Gardner from Women Talk Construction brought ...
01/15/2025

Women in the Trenches Insights ~ presentation. 🎀🎬

Christi Powell and Angela Gardner from Women Talk Construction brought their expertise to Skanska USA this past summer ~ decades of boots-on-the-ground knowledge on reshaping the construction workforce.

Here's the breakdown:
πŸ› οΈ Allyship Blueprint: Step-by-step guidance on becoming an ally to attract and support women in our industry.
πŸ› οΈ Inclusion Tactics: Real-world strategies for retaining diverse talent.
πŸ› οΈ Mental Health Support: How to foster well-being in the demanding construction world.

πŸš€ Learn more about how to become a thriving workplace for ALL. We are making our workforce BETTER TOGETHER. πŸš€

Let's build a more inclusive and supportive industry together!

β€˜Leader and Connector’ 🎀 Jonna Turner 🎀 South Carolina Membership Director for ABC Carolinas Chapter.Her first words wer...
01/13/2025

β€˜Leader and Connector’ 🎀 Jonna Turner 🎀 South Carolina Membership Director for ABC Carolinas Chapter.

Her first words were, "Everything is about relationships; it's key to start your career building them."

The discussion highlights ABC Carolinas' initiatives, such as workforce development, strategic engagement, and the impactful 'Build a Shed' program for high school students.

Listen 🎧 https://womentalkconstruction.com/episodes/episode-138
Watch 🎬 https://youtube.com/live/nncGPxGeGw8

Topics from our discussion with Jonna:
πŸ—οΈ Background and Role at ABC Carolinas
πŸ—οΈ Effective Strategies for Fostering Growth
πŸ—οΈ Unique Perks of ABC Carolinas Membership
πŸ—οΈ Impactful Initiatives at ABC Carolinas
πŸ—οΈ Inclusion, Diversity, and Merit at ABC locally and nationally (IDM)
πŸ—οΈ Networking and Professional Growth
πŸ—οΈ Advice for Advancing in the Construction Industry
πŸ—οΈ Favorite Resources

Fun note: Christi Powell and Angela Gardner are IDM judges (3rd year) at the ABC National convention in Las Vegas on Feb 25-27.

84 Lumber Company Hill Electric

In this episode: Christi Powell and Angela Gardner welcome Jonna Turner, the South Carolina Membership Director for ABC Carolinas. Jonna shares her extensive...

THE PODCAST IS BACK!! After a two week holiday break, our 2025 podcast line up is STELLAR! The amazing men and women who...
01/10/2025

THE PODCAST IS BACK!! After a two week holiday break, our 2025 podcast line up is STELLAR! The amazing men and women who are scheduled for 2025 interviews will keep you wanting more!

If you missed the podcast we pushed out this week with Juliana Choy Sommer, it's a must listen/watch. Watch the full episode on our YouTube channel. https://lnkd.in/eiRHWMWp

Juliana worked 1 job outside of running her own company and this year, her company is 30 years old! HAPPY ANNIVERSARY Priority Architectural Graphics. Your future is bright.

Thanks for being an awesome leader and a brilliant Woman Owned Business.

WCOE California member!

Angela Gardner Christi Powell 84 Lumber

We kick off 2025 with another power-packed episode 🌟 137! We bet she already has her goals laid out for 2025. β€˜Running a...
01/06/2025

We kick off 2025 with another power-packed episode 🌟 137! We bet she already has her goals laid out for 2025.

β€˜Running and Scaling’ 🎀 Juliana Choy Sommer 🎀 President at Priority Architectural Graphics (3 decades of starting, running, and scaling ~ Architectural Signage Redefined). California's premier signage company in the AEC space and more.

Christi Powell and Angela Gardner are impressed with Juliana's incredible journey from taking over a small side business to scaling it into a successful signage company.

What you will hear:
πŸš€ Starting this job at 19
πŸš€ Navigating two recessions, pandemic, and life events
πŸš€ Maintaining a growth mindset
πŸš€ The unique advantages women bring to business leadership
πŸš€ The VP is a female
πŸš€ The importance of mentorship, goal setting, and being resilient through life's challenges

Listen 🎧 https://womentalkconstruction.com/episodes/episode-137
Watch 🎬 https://youtube.com/live/GXA5ooscH5k

The episode offers valuable insights and inspiration for women in the construction industry and beyond. Thanks for listening!

2025 will be another incredible year of powerful stories in various formats: podcasts, job site interviews, live broadcast on LinkedIn and more.

Side note 🫢🏻 Christi and Juliana met at a National (WCOE) Women Construction Owners & Executives USA conference in Napa Valley. Follow them to learn more about this trailblazing group of women leaders making an impact in construction.

She is also part of Women Presidents Organization and the Young Presidents Organization.

Thank you, 84 Lumber Company!

Hill Electric Manex Consulting - The Corporation for Manufacturing Excellence

In this episode: Christi Powell and Angela Gardner interview Juliana Choy Sommer, founder of Priority Architectural Graphics. Juliana shares her incredible j...

Happy New Year from the Women Talk Construction Podcast!As we step into 2025, we, Christi Powell  and Angela Gardner, ar...
01/01/2025

Happy New Year from the Women Talk Construction Podcast!

As we step into 2025, we, Christi Powell and Angela Gardner, are filled with gratitude and excitement for the journey ahead. This year has been one of growth, learning, and empowerment in the construction industry, and we couldn't have made it this far without the incredible people in our community, including the talented Michael Powell.

Michael Powell - our editor, designer, and website manager - has been the unsung hero behind the scenes. His dedication has not only shaped our podcast's visual identity but also ensured that our message reaches every corner of the globe. Michael's commitment to excellence and innovation in design has kept our digital presence vibrant and engaging, making Women Talk Construction a beacon for women in construction.

This New Year, we celebrate all the strides we've made together. We encourage everyone to Keep Moving Forward, no matter the challenges. Every step you take, every project you tackle, is a step towards a more supportive industry. Remember, each of us plays a crucial role in building not just structures, but also each other's futures.

As we look forward, let’s not forget the guiding light in our path. We believe that God is our lamp beneath our feet, illuminating our way through the complexities of life and work. This silent strength is what keeps us grounded and moving forward with purpose.

2025 is going to be EPIC....

βœ”οΈACE Mentor Program of America,
βœ”οΈNational WCOE Women Construction Owners and Executives USA
βœ”οΈNPK
βœ”οΈABC Carolinas Chapter
βœ”οΈHerHaus.Space
βœ”οΈWomen Confidence Builders
βœ”οΈ Matti Eason

We are Excited for what this next year brings as we make an impact together in 2025.

To all our listeners, from those just starting out to the seasoned professionals, we wish you a year filled with success, joy, and countless opportunities. Let's continue to support, learn from, and uplift one another. Here's to another year of breaking barriers, building dreams, and shaping the future of construction together.

Happy New Year,
Christi & Angela

Women Talk Construction Podcast

πŸŽ„ Merry Christmas from Women Talk Construction! πŸŽ„Wishing you all a joyful and peaceful holiday season filled with love, ...
12/24/2024

πŸŽ„ Merry Christmas from Women Talk Construction! πŸŽ„

Wishing you all a joyful and peaceful holiday season filled with love, laughter, and gratitude. To the incredible women and men making a difference in construction and beyond, thank you for inspiring us daily.

Let’s continue building stronger connections and brighter futures in the new year! πŸ› οΈβœ¨

https://lnkd.in/eBH7W5Tc

Happy Holidays to you and your families! ❀️
Christi, Angela, Alex, Matti, and Michael


β€˜Impacting Employees’ with David Wolke, VP at Hill Electric. Christi Powell and Angela Gardner talk to David about caree...
12/23/2024

β€˜Impacting Employees’ with David Wolke, VP at Hill Electric.

Christi Powell and Angela Gardner talk to David about career outreach programs, their strong partnerships with local technical colleges, and the unique challenges of operating in industrial and hospital settings.

Other topics talk about:
⚑ Community involvement
⚑ Inclusive hiring practices
⚑ Employee-centric work environment
⚑Informal mentoring
⚑Commitment to training future electricians through programs at local career centers
⚑ Focus on soft skills and safety standards
⚑ Insights from talking with the students at Clemson and Greenville Tech
⚑Powerful impact of supportive workplace relationships

You also get to hear how David and Angela get along as co-workers. 😜

Listen 🎧 https://womentalkconstruction.com/episodes/episode-127
Watch 🎬 https://youtube.com/live/lmNGQVGYNBM

FYI: We didn't release this episode because Hurricane Helene hit our area the week before this was supposed to be released.

β€˜Impacting Employees’ with David Wolke, VP at Hill Electric Company, Inc. Christi Powell and Angela Gardner talk to David about career outreach programs, the...

Exciting news! πŸŽ‰Christi Powell and Angela Gardner are thrilled to share that NPK, formerly Newpark Resources, has unveil...
12/17/2024

Exciting news! πŸŽ‰

Christi Powell and Angela Gardner are thrilled to share that NPK, formerly Newpark Resources, has unveiled their new name and logoβ€”a fresh look representing growth, innovation, and a strong future!

https://npki.com/

We’re equally proud to announce that NPK will be a valued sponsor of Women Talk Construction in 2025. Their commitment to empowering women and men in construction and driving positive change aligns perfectly with our mission to amplify voices and inspire growth in the industry.

NPK provides high-quality site and access mats that create stable, durable surfaces on construction sites. These mats are essential for heavy equipment access, reducing ground disturbance, improving safety, and ensuring work can continue efficiently in challenging terrain conditions.

πŸš€ Follow them for great updates on their products and people - LinkedIn and Instagram. πŸš€

WTC has a lot planned for our 2025 year that you don't want to miss. New guests, new job site interviews, more products we love, and more. If you would like to be a sponsor and support our exciting initiative, dm us.

Here’s to building a brighter future together! πŸ› οΈβœ¨

Address

2 Benton Road Suite G-105
Travelers Rest, SC
29690

Alerts

Be the first to know and let us send you an email when Women Talk Construction posts news and promotions. Your email address will not be used for any other purpose, and you can unsubscribe at any time.

Contact The Business

Send a message to Women Talk Construction:

Videos

Share

Category