Join us in celebrating Professional Women in Building Week!
Sept. 14-18 is designated by the National Association of Home Builders as Professional Women in Building week.
KCHBA is proud to announce the formation of a local KCHBA Professional Women in Building Council. Hear from our local Professional Women in Building Chair Angie Beerup as we recognize the important role of women in our industry, which will only grow stronger from this point forward with the recently formed local council at the KCHBA.
Members of our PWB are engaged in all aspects of the building industry including builders, remodelers, architects, suppliers, marketing experts, designers, real estate agents and mortgage lenders.
Angie Beerup is a co-owner/partner with Elevate Design+ Build, LLC and has been involved in the residential construction industry for about four years. She is serving as chair of KCHBA’s PWB committee and Angie Ripley, with Engel & Völkers Kansas City, is serving as co-chair. The KCHBA spoke with Beerup about her personal history within the building industry and what she is most excited about with the creation of KCHBA’s PWB.
KCHBA: What made you want to be involved in forming the PWB committee?
Beerup: In my short time working within this industry I have noted a lack of female participation and leadership at the national and local level. Yet there are so many women in the industry on the front lines or behind the scenes supporting, solving problems and making things happen. Unfortunately, there is very little support, connection or resources for these hard-working women. That is where the PWB steps in.
Why do you think it is important for KCHBA to have a PWB group?
Beerup: I believe it is incredibly important for the KCHBA to have a PWB that will provide resources, education, and connection to women in our local building community. Women play a vital role within our industry and we want to help them advance their careers and enrich their lives. At the national level the PWB Council is dedicated to promoting industry professionalism and supporting members. They have established chapters throughout the country to amplify the voice of women in the building industry. Locally, through the KCHBA, we are dedicated to providing education, resources and strategies for career advancement and fun opportunities for connection.
What do you hope PWB will accomplish in the first few years?
Beerup: As we gear up for the upcoming year, we look forward to establishing sub-committees for membership, events, education, community enrichment and connection. Our goals include building our membership, connecting our members in a way that creates a community and providing career advancement education opportunities. It is my vision to have a large connected network of women that support each other and work together to accomplish the goals of the PWB.
Are you surprised by the response you’ve received thus far to PWB?
Beerup: The PWB inaugural kick-off event was a huge success and we were very excited to see such a great turnout. It is exciting and refreshing to see so many women come out to support the PWB and each other.
Who can become involved in PWB? Are there annual membership dues?
Beerup: The PWB is open to all women within our local building community whose company is a current member of the KCHBA. Men can be part of the PWB, too. Most chapters have about 10-15 percent male members who are excited to support the PWB. The annual membership dues are $100. However, through the end of the year, we are offering memberships at a discounted rate of $50.
Is there anything else you want people to know about PWB?
Beerup: We are excited to see new members join the council and we have several leadership opportunities and sub-committee roles to fill for those who have interest.
Courtney Reyes is the KCHBA staff representative for PWB. If you have questions or would like to get involved, contact .