The National Association of Women in Construction (NAWIC) has named Stacey Mendonca as its new president. Mendonca is chief estimator at Pacific Door Systems in Wellington, and she notes that while the non-profit organisation has achieved its goal of supporting women in the building industry, there is more to be done.

She says, “Back in 1996, there were few women in the industry and we have seen an increase in the numbers of women in construction, however this is not reflected at senior levels. Now is the time for more women to step up into leadership roles within the industry.

“I want to assist more women to become role models, mentors and leaders. I also want to see more women putting their hands up to speak at mainstream seminars and conferences, along with increasing the number of women on boards of directors and in governance groups.” 

The new president hopes that government policies and initiatives can be created to address the problems that women are facing in the construction industry today. She also hopes that, on the ground level, sharing stories can help encourage girls to pursue building jobs.

“I want to hear our kids, both girls and boys, saying I’ve followed in my mother’s footsteps into the construction industry. To do that I think we need to be better at standing in the sunshine and leading alongside men – not just being happy to play a supporting role,” she notes. 

Mendonca takes over for immediate past president Jenny Parker, and she will serve a two-year term.