Masonry Magazine February 2003 Page. 39
Women in Masonry
The National Association of Women in Construction (NAWIC) has chapters throughout the US, and Canada. Amy M. Vasquez is the new president of the Los Angeles chapter. She's been a NAWIC member since 1994 and has worked hard to attain her current position as chapter president. Vasquez's day job is serving as executive director of the Masonry Industry Training Association, located in Redlands, Calif. In this interview, Vasquez shares some insights on the masonry industry from her unique perspective.
Give us some information on your background and experience.
NAWIC Sponsors 6th Annual Women in Construction Week
Special events slated nationwide to recognize and celebrate women's contributions to the construction industry.
The sixth annual Women in Construction Week, sponsored by the National Association of Women in Construction (NAWIC), is scheduled for March 28, 2003. Women in Construction Week (WIC) is designed to increase awareness of the importance and visibility of women in the construction industry. This year's theme, "Unite Across America: Celebrate and Educate Across the Map, highlights the activities that chapters everywhere will be involved in.
"In an effort to promote our chapters, increase the visibility of our association, and recruit potential members, this year WIC Week focuses on the education of women in our industry," says NAWIC National President Linda A. Litie. "Women are being encouraged to take that one step further to make them the best in their jobs and in their environment." WIC Week will showcase on the chapter and community levels the opportunities for education and networking available through involvement with NAWIC.
During the week of March 2-8, NAWIC chapters in the US. and Canada, will be holding special events to celebrate women in construction. To find out more about activities scheduled in your area, please contact the NAWIC Office at (817) 877-5551.
Vasquez: I have been working in the construction industry for 14 years now. I started working part-time for a demolition contractor when I was a senior in high school. After graduation, I started working full-time and attended college in the evenings. Within a few years I became the office manager, after that, things just fell into place.
What are some major issues currently facing the Masonry Industry Training Association?
Vasquez: The biggest problem we face is the lack of qualified labor. The number of qualified applicants continues to decrease while the cost of labor is increasing.
Considering overall shortages in the construction workforce, what is your organization doing to recruit?
Vasquez: We have established nine high school training classes within Southern California. My goal is to start a program in every region. I think it's imperative that we reach out to high school students, counselors and teachers to impress them with the attitude that construction doesn't have to be just a job, it is a career. It is also important to educate the contractors to what the Masonry Industry Training Association is doing. We are also involved with some of the area prisons. Our suppliers and contractors support their training programs and at times gain great employees. I am involved with many community functions and several different associations to spread the word about what we're doing to make a difference in the quality of labor.
What is the benefit of mentoring to women seeking jobs in construction?
Vasquez: I think it is very important to mentor women. We just had a girl in high school that attended our masonry class who aspired to go to college to become a masonry inspector. My NAWIC chapter gave her a scholarship to attend college and I helped her find a school that would offer this type of certification. I have taken her under my wing to help guide her in the right direction. When I was in high school, I had many women who led me by example and gave direction and guidance in my career; I feel that it is so important to give back to our industry.
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February 2003
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