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April 1, 2024

Recap of the Construction Trades EmPOWERment Summit – Building Women Leaders Together

IEC Rocky Mountain staff

The Construction Trades EmPOWERment Summit, held on Thursday, March 21, at The Ranch Country Club in Westminster, Colorado, was a remarkably impactful event that drew nearly 100 attendees from various construction industry sectors. IECRM was proud to co-host this event with 1st Electric Contractors, APCO Electric, Elder Construction, Encore Electric, and Heritage Builders Electric. The inaugural event aimed at empowering women in the trades received generous funding from a group of retired female construction industry leaders who have paved the way for future generations and wanted to invest in powering initiatives like these forward. 

Both men and women were encouraged to participate in the EmPOWERment Summit. IECRM CEO Marilyn Akers Stansbury emphasized the pivotal role of everyone in empowering women within this historically male-dominated industry, stating, “The advice, encouragement, support and mentoring from both men and women have been instrumental in empowering me throughout my career journey. The significance of fostering inclusivity, collaboration, and normalizing increased female presence in the trades cannot be overstated.”  It’s important to acknowledge that many women excel in trade professions, and the construction industry requires the efforts of all individuals to prosper, advance and succeed.

The EmPOWERment Summit offered a full breakfast buffet featuring eggs, bacon, sausage, hash browns, pastries, orange juice, and coffee, ensuring that guests began their day on a delicious note. Two photographers were on hand to capture professional headshots as an added benefit and takeaway for attendees. 

The keynote speaker, Kayleen McCabe, a General Contractor and industry ambassador, delivered an inspiring address on trade education, career choices, and America’s labor shortage. Her trademark playfulness, candor, and informed wit energized and engaged attendees. Kayleen has dedicated herself to soliciting respect for Craft Professionals and tightening America’s skills gap through her non-profit, The McCabe Foundation. 

Following the energetic keynote presentation, guests participated in round-table breakout discussions on topics they requested at registration. The requested topics included Creating a Network, Communication, Business Management/Operations, and Professional Development/Leadership.

In addition to the women’s empowerment committee leaders, Brian Connor of BOK Financial shared his subject matter expertise on Business Management/Operations and Alicia Ready of Elder Construction led the topic of Creating a Network. Their contributions added immense value to the discussions and gave attendees actionable insights and strategies to enhance their professional growth and network-building efforts. 

The EmPOWERment Summit attendees left the event feeling inspired, empowered, and equipped with valuable insights, connections, and resources. The impactful speakers, networking opportunities, and interactive discussions made this event a truly enriching experience for all involved. 

Women’s EmPOWERment Committee: Lindsey Cox, CO-CEO of 1st Electric; Sara Jensen, President of APCO Electric; Meg VanderLaan, Chief Marketing Officer of Encore Electric; and Katie Henshaw, President of Heritage Builders Electric.

The Women’s EmPOWERment Summit Committee plans to continue championing inclusivity, empowerment, and growth in the construction industry. Contact IECRM at [email protected] or visit iecrm.org for more information. 

Here are some of the comments from social media after the event that demonstrate how impactful the event was:

“It was Amazing!! Thank you for all your hard work in bringing us together for such an inspiring event!” – Sabrina Ruby, Receptionist and Gear Quotes Coordinator at QED.

“Kayleen McCabe was an INCREDIBLE speaker at our inaugural Construction Trades EmPOWERment Summit this morning! If you missed the event, you missed out on some incredible networking, mentoring, and a lot of laughs! Keep on the lookout for Independent Electrical Contractors Rocky Mountain Chapter (IECRM) Women’s EmPOWERment Committee’s next event!” – Lindsey Cox, Co-CEO at 1st Electric Contractors.

“This was an amazing event! So well done to the committee! Congratulations, Independent Electrical Contractors Rocky Mountain Chapter (IECRM), on an outstanding EmPOWERment Summit!” – Alicia Ready, Elder Construction Training & Development Director.

“To every participant, your presence was the essence of the event. By showing up and stepping out of your comfort zone, you contributed to its success in immeasurable ways. Looking ahead, I am eager to continue the momentum with the Women’s Empowerment Committee, and I cannot wait to unveil our plans for the future. Stay tuned for more updates!” – Katie Henshaw, President of Heritage Builders Electric.

IECRM Self-Pay Tuition Policy

 

Self-pay students who are employed with a member company must register and pay through the member company using the IECRM Flashpoint Enrollment Portal/Process in order to qualify for member rates.

Self-pay students that are employed with a member company but that do not register and pay through the member will be charged the non-member rate for tuition, books and applicable fees.


Self-pay students who are employed with a member company and require a payment plan will not qualify for the member rate and will be charged the non-member rate for tuition, books and applicable fees.


Self-pay students who do not work for a member company will continue to be charged the non-member rate for tuition, books and applicable fees.


To maximize association/membership benefits, ALL member companies are encouraged to register and pay for all enrolled apprentices utilizing internal payment arrangements and processes between employer and employee.


We value our IECRM members and apprentice community. We encourage all apprentices to be enrolled in the four-year apprenticeship program, earning, and learning their way toward Journeyworker licensure. We encourage all members to utilize the member discount for tuition, books and applicable fees to ensure the long-term support and success of the next-generation electrician.


(Payment Plans are available, please reference the Self Pay Payment Plan Policy.)


Self-Pay Payment Plan Policy


We offer the following arrangements for students that are unable to pay in full at the time of registration.


● Self-pay students will be charged the non-member rate.
● A 50% down payment of total semester tuition, books and applicable fees are due at registration.
● Remaining balance can be divided up to 3 additional monthly payments ($10.00 processing fee applies on each installment)
● All payments that are declined will incur a $20.00 NSF fee.

 

We encourage all students who are employed with a member company to work with their employer to register and pay through the IECRM Flashpoint Enrollment Portal/Process. This will ensure the student is paying the lowest possible rate for tuition, books and applicable fees.