MBI BuildHer

Overview

MBI BuildHer is about strengthening and uplifting women connected to the Commercial Construction Industry. Bringing together women with everyday influence, to know and activate their purpose, to gain benefit from the learning and sponsorship of others and to create strong relationships and connections.

Women comprise 8.7 percent of Iowa’s construction workforce and that percentage and puts Iowa 3^rd lowest in the U.S.  In today's workforce, women can be found at all levels within our member companies, from CEO or HR manager, customer service, shop supervisor, field engineer, Superintendent, accounting department or office manager. While they may not always wear a hard hat, they are a critical member of the team and contribute to the success of each and every project built or service delivered.

By focusing on professional learning, sponsorship and service, the MBI BuildHer initiative aims to create a supportive environment where women can thrive personally and professionally. Providing the exposure to unleash the potential of women in our industry is a team effort – meaning men and women must create the environment for this to take place. Resources and support to attract and retain women in the industry will be provided at the individual and company level.

Program Details

The MBI BuildHer events across Iowa offer a series of empowering sessions designed to inspire women in the construction industry. In Ankeny, women will hear from Georgia Van Gundy and Governor Reynolds, who share their experiences of breaking barriers and shattering glass ceilings in male-dominated fields. Tara Rinehart’s personal wellness journey highlights the transformative power of authenticity, while Barb Allen’s sessions help women navigate the balance between their work persona and true selves. In Coralville, Jackie Coffey’s Building Her Legacy encourages women to develop a growth mindset, embrace failure, and recognize their value in the industry, while Kayla Nassar’s keynote on impostor syndrome offers guidance on overcoming self-doubt. The She-EO Energy workshop helps women break free from self-limiting habits and build confidence. In Cedar Falls, Maria Guy’s The Self Awareness Journey helps women strengthen leadership abilities through self-awareness, and Laura VandeBerg’s Communicating with Confidence provides tools to tackle imposter syndrome and communicate with confidence. Attendees will walk away with practical tools, enhanced leadership skills, and renewed confidence to thrive in the construction industry.

Presenters: Barb Allen, Levocity LLC. - Kansas City, MO | Dr. Tara Rinehart, Master Builders of Iowa - West Des Moines | Georgia Van Gundy, Iowa Workforce Development - Des Moines, IA 

Special Guest: Governor Kim Reynolds 

The MBI BuildHer event in Ankeny, Iowa, features powerful sessions designed to inspire and empower women in construction. Georgia Van Gundy, alongside Governor Reynolds, share their personal journey of overcoming barriers in a male-dominated field and shattering glass ceilings. Through candid stories and practical insights, they offer empowering advice on navigating challenges and achieving success. Tara Rinehart’s session, Embracing Authenticity: A Wellness Journey, reflects on her transformative experience with cancer, emphasizing the power of being true to oneself and the importance of self-compassion, mindfulness, and authenticity in the face of adversity. Barb Allen’s sessions, Who Am I Now? A Journey to Authenticity and Authenticity – A Deep and Personal Dive, address the struggles women face in balancing their work persona with their true selves in male-dominated industries. Through guided discussions, participants explore their own authenticity and learn strategies to move forward in their careers with confidence and balance.

Presenters: Jackie Coffey, Defining Moment Speakers - Waxahachie, TX | Kayla Nassar, Amcon - Boston, MA 

The MBI BuildHer event in Coralville, Iowa, offers empowering sessions for women in construction. Jackie Coffey’s Building Her Legacy session helps attendees envision a future of success on their own terms, sharing strategies to develop a growth mindset, embrace failure, and recognize their worth in the industry. CEO Kayla Nassar’s keynote, Claim the Crown, addresses impostor syndrome and guides women in leadership to confront self-doubt and adopt behaviors for sustainable growth. The She-EO Energy workshop empowers women to break free from self-limiting habits, build confidence, and enhance their careers in construction through practical strategies and action planning.

Presenters: Maria Guy, GiANT Worldwide - Albuquerque, NM | Laura VandeBerg, Montgomery Companies - Solon, IA 

The MBI BuildHer event in Cedar Falls, Iowa, offers sessions to boost leadership and communication skills. Maria Guy’s The Self Awareness Journey explores how self-awareness enhances confidence, decision-making, and leadership. Attendees will learn strategies to overcome self-deception and strengthen their leadership abilities through interactive activities. Laura VandeBerg’s Communicating with Confidence helps women build self-confidence and tackle communication challenges like imposter syndrome. Attendees will leave with practical tools to communicate confidently in any situation by understanding who they are, where they've been, and what they’re doing.

Overview

Join this committee to further the association’s focus on the inclusion efforts of females within the commercial construction industry. Information and data gathered is to establish and maintain a culture that supports diversity in our industry by encouraging activities that remove barriers in our workforce.

Visit the Committee Page

Overview

MBI Commitment to Advancing Women in the Workforce Pledge

As a member of Master Builders of Iowa (MBI), we pledge to actively promote and support the inclusion and advancement of women in the commercial construction workforce. We recognize that an inclusive workforce strengthens our industry and drives success for all. By signing this pledge, we commit to the following actions:

1. Promote Equal Opportunities
   We will create and maintain an environment where women have equal access to career opportunities at every level, from entry-level positions to leadership roles.
2. Encourage Women in Skilled Trades
   We will actively encourage and support the recruitment of women into skilled trades and field roles, ensuring they are equipped with the necessary training, resources, and mentorship to succeed.
3. Provide Professional Development
   We will offer professional development, sponsorship, and networking opportunities that help women in our workforce grow their skills and advance in their careers, both within our company and the industry at large.
4. Foster a Respectful and Inclusive Culture
   We will foster a workplace culture that is respectful, inclusive, and free of harassment, where all employees, regardless of gender, feel valued and supported.
5. Ensure Pay Equity
   We will commit to pay equity, ensuring that women receive fair and equal compensation for their work, and that compensation is based on skills, experience, and performance.
6. Create Leadership Opportunities
   We will actively work to create leadership opportunities for women, ensuring that they have a seat at the table in decision-making processes at all levels of our organization.
7. Raise Awareness and Advocate for Change
   We will raise awareness of the importance of women in construction and advocate for changes within our industry that will lead to a more inclusive workforce.

By signing this pledge, we commit to not only attracting more women into our workforce but also supporting their growth and success in the construction industry. Together, we will work to create a stronger, more inclusive future for Iowa's commercial construction workforce.