Honoring the Past, Building the Future: 70 Years of NAWIC

As we celebrate Women's History Month, it is the perfect time to reflect on the trailblazers who opened doors for women across every industry—including construction. For 70 years, the National Association of Women in Construction (NAWIC) has been at the forefront of that progress, championing opportunity, education, and advocacy for women building careers in the industry. From its beginnings in Fort Worth, Texas, with just 16 determined founders to a thriving organization with thousands of members across North America, NAWIC's story is one of resilience, leadership, and unwavering commitment to advancing women in construction. The milestones below highlight key moments that have shaped NAWIC's legacy and continue to inspire the next generation of builders and leaders. 

A look back at milestones in the history of NAWIC: 70 years and going strong! 

  • 1953 – The National Association of Women in Construction (NAWIC) is founded in Fort Worth, TX by 16 pioneering women with a vision for improving working conditions and opportunities for women in construction. Originally called simply "Women in Construction," it rapidly attracted other women in the industry from the area. According to Alice Ashley, the first president of Women in Construction, "We were women with electricity in our veins, cement dust on our shoes, sawdust on our minds—busy, busy, busy…" 
  • 1955 – the group officially becomes The National Association of Women in Construction, and the outreach to construction women all over the nation began. 
  • 1956 – NAWIC holds its first Annual Conference in Fort Worth, TX. 70 years later, NAWIC has held its Annual Conference in cities across the continental United States and Hawaii.  
  • 1958 – NAWIC has grown to 15 chapters in 4 states (Texas, Arkansas, Tennessee, Massachusetts). 
  • 1960 – Amarillo, Texas Mayor A.F. Madison proclaims the first Women in Construction Week. The annual celebration becomes known as WIC Week® and is now a registered trademark owned by NAWIC. 
  • 1960 – NAWIC introduces Regional Forums, which helped grow the number and size of local chapters.  
  • 1963 – The NAWIC Founders Scholarship Foundation is created to assist in providing the construction industry with trained employees through higher education and certified training programs. The NFSF has now given over four million dollars in scholarships to students looking to pursue a career in construction. 
  • 1968 – NAWIC formally expands beyond the United States, becoming an international association. 
  • 1972 – The NAWIC Education Foundation is incorporated. The NEF provides education opportunities and programs to benefit and promote the construction industry, "Educating the construction industry today…and tomorrow" 
  • 1980s – NAWIC establishes a permanent National Headquarters in Fort Worth, TX. While this may seem like an obvious choice today since NAWIC originated in Fort Worth, only a few years earlier a decision was made to move the headquarters to Washington D.C. Ultimately, it never happened. 
  • 1996 – Well before DE&I awareness burst on the national scene, NAWIC issues a national position statement opposing discrimination, taking a public stand for equity in construction. 
  • 1998 – Women in Construction Week (WIC Week®) is moved to the first full week of March to align with Women's History Month and International Women's Day. 
  • 2018 - NAWIC publicly condemns workplace sexual harassment, naming it as a barrier to women's retention and advancement in construction. 
  • 2019 - NAWIC supports industry-wide initiatives addressing mental health and suicide prevention. Membership is 4,000 members in 110 chapters.
  • 2021 – The Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI) Committee approved as a national standing committee. 
  • 2025 - NAWIC reaffirms its commitment to diversity, equity, inclusion, and jobsite safety through updated national position statements and town hall events. Membership has grown to 6,000 members in 117 chapters. 

Looking back at these milestones reminds us that NAWIC's history is also a living part of the broader story of women's progress in the workforce—a story we celebrate each March during Women's History Month. What began as a small group of visionary women has grown into a powerful network dedicated to education, advocacy, and opportunity for women in construction. As NAWIC continues to expand its reach and impact, the organization honors the legacy of its founders while empowering future generations to build stronger careers, stronger communities, and a stronger industry. The past 70 years have been remarkable—but for NAWIC and the women shaping construction, the future is even brighter.