February 3, 2025
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The AIA NJ Women in Architecture (AIANJ WIA) members were thrilled to connect with Women in Construction at the Professional Women in Construction PWC NJ 2025 LeadHership Summit  held on January 30th in Bridgewater, NJ.
Representing AIA NJ WIA were Erin Sharp-Newton, M. Arch, and Elina Shchervinsky, AIA, with the goal of fostering meaningful connections with industry leaders across allied professions.
The early morning breakfast event was buzzing with energy and enthusiasm, bringing together AIANJ Women in Architecture members eager to network with professionals from a wide range of disciplines, including engineers, construction companies, contractors, ironworkers, electricians, lawyers, sales professionals, insurance agents, safety experts, and more.
The summit featured outstanding speakers who delivered inspiring insights and diverse perspectives. The keynote speaker, Heidi DeBenedetti, COO at Gilbane Building Company, is one of the construction industry’s top women executives. Heidi spoke candidly about leading growth, building high-performing teams, operational excellence, and cultivating a workplace culture that thrives on innovation, talent development, and inclusion.
Following the keynote, the speaker panel discussion was rich, uplifting, and inspiring. Panelists shared stories of overcoming the unique challenges women face in the industry and provided valuable insights for leaders, emerging professionals, and peers alike. The discussion underscored the powerful message that strength and kindness are not mutually exclusive but rather complementary qualities of leadership.
Speakers:
Dominoe Strong, Lt. Colonel, Commander, 108th Maintenance Squadron
Jill Schiff, Chief Operating Officer, ACC NJ
Lisa Ballerini, President, Montana Construction
AIANJ WIA was grateful to attend and left the event feeling inspired to continue supporting Professional Women in Construction (PWC NJ) as they expand the vision of “Women Helping Other Women” in the construction industry.
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By AIANJ | Posted in AIA-NJ News, Diversity, EquityInArchitecture, NJ Architect Newsletter, Women in Architecture | Tagged: #AIANJWIA, LeadHERship, PWCNJ | Comments (0)
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