Bulletin Board Magazine 2021 Volume 2

PWB Update

What’s all the BUZZ ABOUT?

Five years ago, SBACNJ formed a new council that has grown into one of the most engaged groups within the Association. The Professional Women in Building of the Garden State has attracted some of the most innovative, dedicated building industry professionals throughout New Jersey. Its mission is to promote and support all aspects of building and empower women within the industry through professional development and leadership training. The leadership and members of this council have taken the mission a step further and have made huge impacts on the communities served by the Association. What does the PWBGS actually do? We’d like to highlight some of our initiatives for you. Monthly Fireside Chats with residents of the Collier Youth Group Home in Red Bank have been one of the most rewarding community outreach programs the PWBGS members have participated in. Two members visit the group home each month and talk to the young women who reside in the home about careers in the building industry, they share personal journeys of setbacks and successes, and listen to the stories of the residents that wish to share. PWBGS members have raved about how much more they get out of these Fireside Chats, and even learn personal details about the member they visit the group home with.

Donation drives for various organizations are an important way the PWBGS helps communities, particularly over the past year with the pandemic. From diaper drives and school supplies for the United Way of Monmouth and Ocean Counties to cash donation drives to support Jar of Hope and other vital community groups, PWBGS members are always there to help. With meetings and get-togethers for members there’s always something new on the menu for this council. In fact, founding member, and past president Giovanna Pergola held a virtual cooking demonstration for PWBGS members in February with all proceeds donated to the Collier Youth Group Home. In addition, members enjoyed a wine tasting demonstration in May that included six different wines and included the finer points of enjoying three whites ansd three reds for the wine connoisseurs. One of the things PWBGS would like to stress is that membership is open to all building industry members, not just women! If you are someone who likes to do good for others, wants to participate in community outreach, and is interested in networking and supporting other members in the Association, this council is for you! For more membership information, please reach out to Gina McNamara or Christine Boyle at SBACNJ.

Bulletin Board | 43 | www.shorebuilders.org