2025 Women in Construction Leadership Summit Agenda
Kick off the Women in Construction Unite! Conference with an evening of networking, camaraderie, and celebration. Join WCOE leadership and industry colleagues for a welcoming cocktail reception—an opportunity to connect, build relationships, and set the stage for an impactful event ahead. Raise a glass, meet inspiring women, and start the conference with great conversations!
- Ines Rivas-Hutchins, WCOE Conference Chair
- Brenda Radmacher, WCOE Board Member
- Ana Chicas McNamara, National Association of Women in Construction (NAWIC)
- Angela Dingl, Women in Public Policy (WIPP)
- Pamela Prince-Eason, Women's Business Enterprise National Council (WBENC)
- Lakesha White, Women's Business Enterprise National Council (WBENC)
- Nouchelle Hastings, Women Empowering Women in Development (WEW)
- Anne Law, National Institute of Building Sciences (NIBS)
Join us for an engaging discussion featuring WCOE, WIPP, NAWIC, WBENC, NIBS, WEW, and other leading organizations as we share current priorities, best practices, key updates on events, membership initiatives, and advocacy efforts. This session is designed to foster collaboration and knowledge-sharing among industry leaders. The goal? To learn from each other, strengthen our networks, and drive collective success!
- Lori Chen, Seyfarth Shaw LLP
- Iman Hyder-Eliz, The American Arbitration Association (AAA)
- Jacqueline Vega Cintron, The American Arbitration Association (AAA)
- Marian Selvaggio, Rudolph & Sletten
Misconceptions about construction arbitration can lead to unnecessary hesitation or misinformed decisions. In this insightful session, the American Arbitration Association (AAA) will separate fact from fiction, addressing common myths surrounding arbitration in the construction industry. Learn how arbitration truly works, when it's the best option, and how it can be a fair, efficient, and effective dispute resolution tool. Gain clarity, ask questions, and leave with a better understanding of how arbitration can serve your business.
- Kevin Plexico, Deltek
What's ahead for small businesses in the federal market? Learn about the latest trends, opportunities, and challenges shaping the federal contracting landscape in 2025. Gain valuable insights into procurement forecasts, policy changes, funding priorities, and competitive strategies that can help your business stay ahead in an evolving market. Don't miss this opportunity to get expert analysis on what to expect and how to position your business for success!
- Kimberly Osborne, U.S Small Business Administration
Join the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) for a deep dive into the latest updates on SBA certifications, alternatives for small business set-asides, and the evolving landscape of DBE certification across state lines. This session will also provide a state of the SBA WOSB program, including key changes, compliance updates, and what women-owned businesses need to know to maximize opportunities. Stay informed, ask questions, and ensure your business is prepared for success in 2025 and beyond!
- Christi Powell, Women Talk Construction Podcast
- Angela Gardner, Women Talk Construction Podcast
Get ready for an engaging, inspiring, and fun keynote session with Christi Powell and Angela Gardner, the powerhouse duo behind the Women Talk Construction Podcast! These dynamic women bring fresh perspectives, real talk, and industry insights in a way that's both entertaining and impactful.
Expect lively discussion, invaluable takeaways, and maybe even a live podcast interview right from the stage! Don't miss this energizing session that celebrates women in construction and the power of sharing our stories.
- Gloria Larkin, TargetGov
Artificial Intelligence is transforming the way government contractors operate—but what's hype, what's helpful, and what should you watch out for? Gloria Larkin of TargetGov will break down the latest developments in ChatGPT and other AI tools, exploring how they can save time, enhance efficiency, and even introduce new risks for businesses in the federal space.
This session will cover real-world applications, ethical considerations, and what government contractors need to know to stay ahead of the AI curve. Don't miss this eye-opening discussion on the future of AI in government contracting!
- Danette Beck, Astrus Insurance Solutions
- Beth Matsko, Alliant Construction
- Lauren Winchester, Travelers
Join us for an insightful panel discussion tailored to the unique cybersecurity challenges facing the construction industry. As construction companies increasingly rely on digital tools, cloud-based project management systems and interconnected supply chains, they become prime targets for cyber threats. This session will explore the evolving cyber risk landscape, highlighting specific risks such as ransomware attacks that can halt project timelines, phishing schemes targeting employees, business email compromise and fraudulent funds transfers.
Our panelists will dive into real-world cyber events that have impacted construction firms, offering a firsthand look at the consequences and lessons learned. They will also share practical risk mitigation strategies, including employee training, multifactor authentication and incident response planning, to safeguard operations and data. Additionally, the discussion will cover cyber insurance coverage options, detailing how cyber insurance can protect against financial losses and reputational damage, while addressing the challenges and tips for obtaining adequate coverage in today's market - such as navigating coverage limits, demonstrating risk management practices to insurers and understanding policy exclusions.
This panel is a must-attend for construction industry leaders seeking to bolster their cyber resilience and protect their projects, people and profits from the growing tide of digital threats.
- Elizabeth Sullivan, Madison Services Group
Advocacy is a powerful tool—when used effectively, it can shape policies, protect programs, and drive meaningful change. In this must-attend closing session, Elizabeth Sullivan of Madison Services Group will lead a panel of representatives from WCOE, NAWIC, WBENC, WIPP, NIBS and other industry groups to discuss:
- How current legal changes impact women in construction
- Best strategies for engaging with policymakers
- How organizations are adapting and aligning their advocacy efforts
This session will equip attendees with the knowledge, tools, and confidence to effectively advocate for themselves, their businesses, and the broader industry. It's also the perfect preparation for Tuesday's Hill meetings, ensuring you leave ready to make an impact!
- Dana Thompson, WCOE Lobbyist
Before we head to Capitol Hill, join Dana Thompson with WCOE for a logistics briefing to ensure a smooth and productive advocacy day. This session will cover:
- How to get to Capitol Hill and navigate the meetings
- What to expect during congressional appointments
- Key talking points and strategies for effective advocacy
- Q&A - Answering any last-minute questions
Whether it's your first time on the Hill or you're a seasoned advocate, this session will provide the final details you need to confidently engage with legislators and make the most of your meetings.
Note: Capitol Hill visits are the focus of Day 3. WCOE's Government Relations Team will plan and coordinate the meeting schedule. You will be armed with legislative issue papers, agenda and top talking points.