The Coastal Georgia Chapter (#380) of the National Association of Women in Construction (NAWIC) celebrated another action-packed Women in Construction (WIC) Week for 2026, held March 1–7. The week included a full schedule of events highlighting the vital role women play in the construction industry and inspiring the next generation of builders.

Celebrated annually across the United States during the first full week of March, WIC Week raises awareness of career opportunities for women in construction while recognizing their growing impact across all sectors of the industry. The initiative brings together professionals, students, and community partners through networking, education, and outreach activities.

Locally, NAWIC Coastal Georgia hosted a week of engaging events designed to connect industry professionals, support workforce development, and give back to the community.

"Women in Construction Week is about more than just recognition; it’s about opening doors for the next generation of builders and leaders in Coastal Georgia,” said Nicole Lee, President of NAWIC Coastal Georgia Chapter #380. “By highlighting the vital role women play in everything from regional infrastructure to affordable housing, we hope to inspire young women to see construction as a rewarding and limitless career path. Our chapter is proud to foster the connections and mentorship that strengthen our industry and our community."

The celebration kicked off on Monday, March 2, with a lively WIC Week Kick-Off Cocktails event at Sandpiper Supply. Members and industry partners gathered for networking and a crowd-voted cocktail competition featuring signature drinks created by NAWIC member businesses.

On Tuesday, March 3, participants toured an affordable housing development led by SDG Construction Services as part of Savannah’s Housing Savannah Action Plan. The tour highlighted collaborative efforts to create housing solutions for families at risk of homelessness. Later that day, volunteers partnered with The Links Savannah Chapter to host a Teen Block Kids event at Hubert Middle School, introducing young women to construction careers through hands-on building activities.

Wednesday’s activities included participation in the Women Who Rule Luncheon at the Savannah Convention Center, celebrating women leaders and supporting transportation initiatives in the Coastal Empire. That evening, members gathered at Tubby’s Tankhouse for Wine Down Wednesday, featuring the panel discussion, “InfluencHER: Women Shaping the Future in STEM.” The heart of the evening featured a panel of staff from Butler Elementary, who represent SCPSS educators. These dedicated teachers shared their frontline experiences in nurturing the next generation of female professionals. The discussion centered on the "middle school dip” or the critical age where girls often drift away from STEM subjects due to a lack of relatable role models. The consensus was clear: Savannah’s industry leaders must actively engage in the classroom. The "InfluencHER" effect proves that when girls see a professional who looks like them, they don't just see a job, they see a future they have the power to build. By connecting current leaders with these students, NAWIC is ensuring that the "spark" found in elementary school ignites a lifelong career.

On Thursday, March 5, attendees toured the City of Savannah Wastewater Treatment Plant expansion project, learning about major regional infrastructure improvements and the engineering innovations supporting Coastal Georgia’s water systems.

Community outreach remained a cornerstone of the week. On Friday, March 6, NAWIC members hosted the Block Kids Building Program at Butler Elementary School. The national program introduces children in grades K–6 to construction careers through a creative building competition using approved materials and independent problem solving.

The week concluded on Saturday, March 7, with participation in Girls Engineer It Day, hosted by the Society of Women Engineers Savannah Coastal Empire. The STEM-focused event gave students in grades 4–12 the opportunity to explore engineering through hands-on activities led by local professionals.

The week’s activities were made possible with the support of Title Sponsor LiveOak Fiber, whose partnership helped expand outreach and engagement throughout the region.

Women in Construction Week serves as a platform for NAWIC chapters nationwide to promote the construction industry as a rewarding career path for women while strengthening professional networks and mentoring future leaders.

Founded in 1953, the National Association of Women in Construction supports women in the industry through professional development, networking, leadership training, and community outreach. The Coastal Georgia chapter continues this mission locally by fostering connections among industry professionals and advocating for greater opportunities for women in construction.