NAWIC Announces Winner of 2026 Member of the Year Award
Fort Worth, Texas — September 8, 2026
Jolsna Thomas has been named the National Association of Women in Construction's (NAWIC) 2026 Member of the Year. The award recognizes a member who has demonstrated exceptional leadership and service to the association and the construction industry, with a strong commitment to supporting the advancement and retention of women in construction.
Jolsna Thomas also garners Champion of Progress and Member Strong awards
A NAWIC member since 2018, Thomas has held nearly every major leadership position within the Austin Chapter. During her tenure, she helped strengthen chapter operations, expand sponsorship opportunities, increase digital visibility, and restructure committees. Her leadership also contributed to initiatives that received national recognition in marketing, professional development and diversity, equity, and inclusion.
In addition to the Member of the Year Award, Jolsna received the 2026 NAWIC Champion of Progress Award, which recognizes outstanding NAWIC members who proactively challenge industry barriers and lead transformative diversity, equity, inclusion, and access initiatives within the architecture, engineering, and construction sectors. She also received her third straight NAWIC Member Strong Award, which celebrates exceptional NAWIC members who have significantly influenced the association and the construction industry through leadership, mentorship, and advocacy
At the national level, Jolsna serves as Legislative Affairs Co-Chair, advocating for women- and minority-owned HUB businesses and helping members respond to regulatory changes. She has also spoken at national conferences and received Member Strong Awards in 2024 and 2025.
Her professional impact includes founding The Rosendin Foundation and growing it from a $185,000 startup to a nationally recognized organization distributing millions in community investment. She later founded Illuminating Growth PLLC to support nonprofits and construction organizations through governance, compliance, and workforce strategies.
Jolsna is equally committed to mentorship and inclusion. She has helped members secure promotions, improve compensation, build confidence, and pursue leadership opportunities. As AGC Culture of Care Committee Chair, she advanced practical resources addressing neurodiversity, generational diversity, veterans, and ERG accountability. She also expanded TRF Camp Build nationally, creating construction pathways for youth. Through advocacy, mentorship, workforce development, and servant leadership, Jolsna has strengthened NAWIC and the broader construction industry.
About NAWIC: The National Association of Women in Construction (NAWIC) continues the vision of its founding members by advocating for the value and impact of women builders, professionals, and tradeswomen in all aspects of the construction industry. With more than 130 chapters nationwide, and over 6,000 members, NAWIC offers opportunities for professional development, education, networking, and leadership training. To learn more, visit nawic.org.
