A transformative lunch and learn helps women in construction embrace self-care, support, and a new narrative on wellness.
By Jeanene Dunn
As part of Mental Health Awareness Month, the Professional Women in Building Council (KCPWB), which is a subset within the Home Builders Association of Greater Kansas City, hosted a Lunch & Learn, titled ‘Laying the Foundation for Your Mental Health & Well-Being.’ The group took a bold step toward knocking down the stigma around mental health in the construction industry.
Hosted in partnership with mental health advocate and trainer Sarah Warhaftig, the session offered an inspiring and interactive space for women to explore self-care, wellness tools and personal development.
“Too often, we avoid the conversation around mental health because of how heavy it sounds,” said Warhaftig, founder of Wellness Tools for the Trades. “I prefer to use the term ‘mental well-being’—it’s more approachable, and it emphasizes growth.”
The construction industry faces unique mental health challenges. High stress, long hours and a culture of toughness contribute to alarming statistics. “Men in construction are four times more likely to die by suicide than the national average,” Warhaftig shared. “That reality pushed me to create programs tailored specifically for the trades.” While most wellness conversations center on office culture, this session highlighted the need for support across all job sites—especially in male-dominated fields where women may feel even more isolated.
The event opened with attendees sharing their own wellness practices. From journaling to quick workouts, the collective energy in the room was one of mutual support. Annie Trotta, a member of KCPWB, described the impact of adopting a “Miracle Morning” routine.
“I intentionally made that change in my life,” she said. “Now, I start my day with intention, not just urgency.” Other women chimed in, discussing the power of meditation, breathwork and using apps—including ChatGPT—to help with personal goal setting and reflection.
Throughout the session, Warhaftig guided participants through a series of hands-on activities:
– A wellness wheel self-assessment to evaluate balance across eight life dimensions
– Power poses to boost confidence
– Box breathing and the 5-4-3-2-1 grounding technique for stress relief
– Improvisational exercises that improved communication and trust
“It can be stressful, exciting and emotional,” Warhaftig said of the self-reflection process. “But when we lean into the discomfort, we find opportunities to grow.”
In her work with Wellness Tools for the Trades, Warhaftig blends practical tools with deeper conversations about self-worth, communication and compassion. She encourages professionals to set SMART goals—specific, measurable, achievable, relevant and time-bound—and to celebrate progress, even when it comes through failure.
“Most importantly, celebrate failure,” she urged. “It means you’re trying. You’re learning. That’s where the growth happens.”
Participants left with new tools and a renewed sense of connection. “I didn’t expect to feel so seen,” said one attendee. “But hearing others share their stories—and having the language to talk about my own journey—was incredibly powerful.”
As the conversation around mental health evolves, events like this lunch and learn prove that progress starts with openness, empathy and a willingness to show up—not just for others, but for ourselves.
For support call, text or chat 988 for the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline.
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