By The Design and Construction Report Staff
Rita Brown, a seasoned construction professional and business owner, is set to become the president-elect for the National Association of Women in Construction (NAWIC). With more than 6,000 members, NAWIC is dedicated to advancing women in the construction industry, which has traditionally been male-dominated. Brown will assume the lead role in August.
Brown’s extensive background includes running her own steel detailing and business consulting company. She has also served as a Governor-appointed Michigan Transportation Commissioner 5and as president of the Michigan NOW state leadership, advocating for women’s rights.
“Giving birth five times certainly is a level of tough that is unequalled,” Brown said in a statement. “However, a woman in any gendered industry, who does not succumb to death by a thousand cuts, should be recognized for being the very essence of tough. We are here to work and thrive. That’s all. And that’s everything”.
Brown’s family emigrated to Detroit when she was a child, instilling in her an expectation of hard work and education9. She described her family as “typical achievement-focused immigrant family,” emphasizing “sheer determination, sacrifice and preparedness” in building a future.
She credits her experiences with NAWIC, which she joined in 2006 and its national board in 2016, for helping her tackle tough challenges. “NAWIC has been the catalyst for some of my greatest development,” Brown said. “The reality is, it is in those moments of challenge that one has the privilege of reflection and in that moment, decide who they are and what the value of character is in their lives”.
Brown aims to change misconceptions about women in construction, particularly “that in any way, we are limited as a gender”. She believes the industry will adapt not out of “benevolence,” but because “future-focused, bottom line-valuing industry influencers who will recognize women are an undeniable, critical component of the future success of our industry”.
Her advice to women in construction is to “never let others define the who, what, and where of your life”. She encourages women to “claim your space” and “give yourself grace as you stand tall in your truth”.
In addition to her new role at NAWIC, Brown serves on several university and industry advisory boards and leads the BUILD INITIATIVE/BUILDING IMPACT, an organization focused on providing exposure opportunities and community for women in their career advancement.
NAWIC, with 120 chapters nationwide, offers professional development, education, networking, and leadership training to its members.
Payton Sears, Marketing and Communications Lead for NAWIC, can be reached at paytons@nawic.org for more information.
