The National Association of Women in Construction’s (NAWIC) Coastal Georgia Chapter (#380) bestowed awards for excellent service to select members and inducted new board members for 2024-2025 at their 4th Annual Gala last Tuesday.

"Our end of year gala was truly a night to remember,” said Jenna Barzaga, newly inducted President for NAWIC Coastal Georgia. “It was inspiring to be surrounded by such accomplished and dedicated women. Leading this incredible group is an honor. As we continue to grow, I’m excited to see what the rest of the year will bring."

Featured guest speaker, Victoria Saxton, President/CEO of the Small Business Assistance Corporation (SBAC), offered her personal interpretation of the chapter’s theme this year, “EmpowHer,” in which chapter members lead the charge in empowering women across the AEC industry to be authentic, support each other’s professional careers and personal achievements, and represent women across the construction industry. 

The gala also featured a Fanny Pack Design Competition, supported by BiteMarks, the print shop at Woodville-Tompkins High School, and unveiled the chapter’s new online store, Store 380. All proceeds from the eStore will go toward the chapter’s mission to support women in the construction industry through professional development, business opportunity, community outreach, and mentoring programs.

At the conclusion of the event, NAWIC announced their annual award winners who were nominated and voted on by their fellow chapter members for their outstanding achievements over the past year. The organization also celebrated the induction of its new board members for 2024-2025, who were also presented to and voted on by the membership prior to the event.

"It has been an honor and a privilege to lead our chapter for this past year,” said Jessica Leavitt Ouattara, President of NAWIC Coastal Georgia for 2023-2024. “To be trusted by such an amazing group of women, means the world to me. I am so proud of the progress we made and the continued growth we will see in the future with this amazing board of elected leaders." 

The award winners included:

Past President’s Gavel Award to Jenna Barzaga, Parker-Scott Commercial and JBZ

President’s Award to Courtney Bonney, Rhowe Design Build

Business of the Year to Choate Construction Company

New Member of the Year to Autumn Frazier, Walsh Custom Surfaces

Woman in Construction of the Year to Rebecca Fenwick, Ethos Preservation

Innovator of the Year to Nicole Lee, Be Smart Home Solutions

The 2024-2025 board is comprised of the below local, women in construction: 

President: Jenna Barzaga, Parker-Scott Commercial and JBZ

Immediate Past President: Jessica Leavitt Ouattara, Alair Homes

President-Elect: Nicole Lee, Be Smart Home Solutions

Vice President: Kelsey Elam, Choate Construction Company

Treasurer: Courtney Bonney, Rhowe Design Build

Secretary: Autumn Frazier, Walsh Custom Surfaces

Director: Ashley Field, General Contractor

Director: Kristina Giles, Contractor's Depot

Director: Mercedes Banks-Williams, MBW Realty

Director: Robin Grenchik, Custom Cabinets by Williamson Millworks

Director: Yolanda Morris, Re:Purpose Savannah