The National PWB Council Celebrates 70 Years of Support and Advocacy

Empowering women in the industry across Kansas City and beyond

This year marks the 70th anniversary of the Professional Women in Building (PWB) Council, part of the National Association of Home Builders. Since its founding, the Council has served as the voice of women in the construction industry, advocating for their advancement and providing professional development, leadership training, and networking opportunities.

Today, PWB is one of NAHB’s fastest-growing councils, with nearly 14,000 members nationwide who represent every corner of the industry: from sales and marketing to design, management, and the skilled trades.

Each September, councils around the country celebrate PWB Week with events that celebrate and recognize the contributions of women in the industry.

Designing Careers and Community Through PWB

Two local PWB Council members, Maddy Maas and Lauren Balestrieri, recently reflected on how their careers and council membership go hand in hand.

Maddy Maas, lead designer with Mission Kitchen & Bath, said her work begins with listening. “You’re creating spaces where families live their lives. It’s about more than cabinets and countertops—it’s about comfort, function, and joy.” She explained that thoughtful design means uncovering how people truly use their homes, whether it’s cooking together, helping kids with homework or gathering as a family.

For Maas, being part of the KCPWB has been just as impactful. “The PWB network gives me a community of women who understand the challenges we face. We can lean on each other, share resources and celebrate our wins together. It’s inspiring to see women in so many roles across the industry.”

Lauren Balestrieri, owner of L Marie Designs, shared her perspective as a business owner balancing creativity with leadership. “Directing crews can be challenging, but it’s also rewarding to see ideas come to life. It takes persistence and confidence, especially in an industry where women are still outnumbered.”

She added that her council membership has been invaluable. “PWB has connected me with peers walking similar paths. The camaraderie and encouragement make a big difference when you’re trying to grow a business. It’s about knowing you’re not doing this alone.”

Both women agreed that KCPWB fosters belonging and confidence, bringing professionals together across specialties to strengthen the industry.

KC Council’s PWB Week Event on Selling Without Selling

The KCPWB’s PWB Week events included a Lunch n’ Learn panel discussion titled “Selling Without Selling: How to Build Relationships and Your Business.” Moderated by Chelsea Fanders, VP of Sales and Marketing at Summit Homes, the panel featured four construction industry sales professionals: Kristi Pinnock of Ashlar Homes, Sarah Harrington of Surface Center Interiors, Misty Stocksdale of Open & Shut KC, and Liz Gregoire of Midwest Lumber Co.

The discussion emphasized that lasting success in sales comes from authenticity, empathy and trust.

Key takeaways included:

• Ask thoughtful questions. “If you take the time to really hear what clients are saying, you’ll discover needs they may not even know how to express,” said Pinnock.
• Gregoire advised simply: “Listen more and talk less.”
• Prioritize long-term connections. Harrington encouraged attendees to see every transaction as the beginning of a relationship.
• Lead with empathy. Stocksdale noted, “Sometimes clients don’t just need a solution—they need someone to walk with them through a challenge.”

The panel also touched on post-sale care, team training and measuring success, reinforcing that true achievement comes not from quick wins but from building lasting relationships.

Looking Ahead

From national leaders to Kansas City professionals, women in the PWB Council are continuing to reshape the construction industry with resilience and vision. And bring along the next generation of professionals.

The Council’s 70-year history shows what’s possible when women come together, while the stories of Maas, Balestrieri and their peers highlight the future: one defined by courage, persistence, connection and community.