Women Talk Construction

12/16/2025

Investing in the Next Generation!🚀

NEW Episode Drop! “In the News” with Christi Powell & Angela Gardner

"Generational Communication"

We’re diving into one of the biggest challenges and opportunities in our industry: five generations working together while facing a massive labor shortage.

With nearly 439,000 new workers needed in 2025 and up to 40% of our workforce retiring by 2035, attracting the next generation isn’t optional… It’s critical.

And Gen Z? They’re tech-savvy, value-driven, and ready to make an impact, if we meet them where they are.

That’s why we were so excited to bring on Kamber Parker Bowden, Founder & CEO of Generational Performance Solutions GPS, who joined us for this episode of “In the News” to talk about recruiting and retaining talent across generations.

We absolutely love her new book, The Generational Advantage (See comments for link 👇🏻,) a powerful, practical guide for leaders who want to build stronger communication and culture inside their organizations.

💬 In this episode, we cover:
• The construction labor shortage & why it’s a turning point
• What Gen Z values most in work and workplace culture
• How tech, social media, and early engagement drive attraction
• Why mentorship & strong culture are essential for retention
• Kamber’s real-world insights on talent attraction + generational performance

Thank you to our sponsor and huge supporter, NPK, for supporting conversations that help move our industry forward.

Listen 🎧 https://womentalkconstruction.com/episodes/episode-183
Watch 🎬 https://youtube.com/live/p_lOxCBIXxA

Let us know your biggest takeaway!
— Angela & Christi

🎉 Don't forget to come visit us at the NPK booth N11345 at CONEXPO-CON/AGG March 3-7, 2026 🎉

12/14/2025

Us celebrating 🎁⛄ the holidays with Midlands and Upstate South Carolina holiday socials with peers and friends of ABC Carolinas Chapter!

We love the holidays, so grateful!

Do what Lights YOU up.... 🫶🏼

   

12/08/2025

"Building Bold Futures" 🎤 Keller Hayes 🎤 Program Director of Transportation & Construction GIRL.

Christi and Angela had the joy of interviewing someone they discovered through another incredible WTC guest, Kate Strauss of Galvanize Law, who raved about this nonprofit and the powerhouse behind it. And now we know why. 🫶🏻

Meet Keller Hayes, Program Director of Transportation & Construction Girl™, a movement that’s changing the game for young women and rewriting what’s possible in our industry.

Keller’s mission‼️ Economic sustainability for girls and women.
Her method ‼️ Hands-on, confidence-boosting career exposure that introduces thousands of young women to real opportunities in construction and transportation.

In this inspiring conversation, you’ll hear about:
🚧 Transportation & Construction Girl Day, an event so impactful it draws thousands
🛠️ Career Weeks for GIRLs: immersive, high-touch experiences that spark passion early
💡 Breaking stereotypes and giving girls the courage to take up space in male-dominated fields
📚 Keller’s new book is created to inspire the next generation of builders (see comments on where to buy her children's book)👇🏻

Keller also opens up about her own journey, overcoming challenges, breaking barriers, and becoming a nationally recognized advocate for women in business and construction.

Her story is powerful… and her impact‼️Even bigger‼️

It’s no wonder she’s received U.S. Congressional Tributes, been named one of the Top 25 Most Powerful Women, and celebrated as a role model encouraging women to “achieve more than they thought was possible.”

If you care about the future of our industry and the girls who will Help Build It, you cannot miss this one. 💥

Listen 🎧https://womentalkconstruction.com/episodes/episode-182
Watch 🎬 https://youtube.com/live/UZUWdg8C8TM

Thanks for the support 🙏🏻 CONEXPO-CON/AGG

Come see us at CONEXPO at the NPK booth 🎉

12/03/2025

Site Tour Spotlight: Catawba Two Kings Casino Project

Christi Powell and Angela Gardner had the incredible opportunity to walk the site of Catawba Two Kings, where Metcon, Inc. and Yates Construction have united as joint GCs on one of the most impressive projects we’ve seen.

Thank you, Angela Carter and ABC Carolinas Chapter, for coordinating. Metcon, Inc. is a Native American-owned business (Lumbee) celebrating its 25th anniversary.

What began as a napkin sketch is now a massive, precision-driven build; powered by teamwork, humility, and an unwavering focus on quality and safety. As one leader said, “No egos here 🏗️ all focus.”

A few jaw-dropping stats and takeaways from our tour
🏗️ 27 safety professionals on site, leading with care, not compliance.
🏗️ 20,000 yards of fill per day on the ramp.
🏗️ 20 dumpsters filled in just two days.
🏗️ Each floor spans seven acres, with 10 feet of overhead space for insulation and HVAC.
🏗️ 46 elevators, including one that can hold an F-150 truck!
🏗️ Structural design allows for earthquake movement and hurricane resilience.
🏗️ Stretch & Flex Mondays, 750+ team members warming up together before work.
🏗️ 120 ft expansion joints engineered for flexibility and safety.

Tom McGuire proudly shared that he’s worked in the industry for 36 years, and says he has “the best supervisor in the business.”

Meanwhile, Juan Rangel, one of the safety managers, reminded us that when crews “do quality and safe work, production goes up.”

We also loved hearing that this entire build is coordinated with the same attention to detail you’d expect from Disney World, and it shows.

Huge respect to the Yates-Metcon team for leading by example. Their safety culture, innovation, and teamwork truly define what it means to build the future 🏗️ together.

"No egos. All focus. One incredible project."

Our PPE: STUDSON (pink helmet) + HiVis Supply Manny Nieves

12/03/2025

“Strong Leadership” 🎤 Faye Allen BSc (Hons), PgDL, FRICS, MAE
Now streaming!

Christi Powell and Angela Gardner are excited to release this conversation with Faye Allen, a UK-based Chartered Quantity Surveyor at Rimkus and author of "Building Women: How Everyone in Construction Can Win", who is sparking global discussions about culture, equity, and real change in construction.

From growing up around the industry to leading multimillion-pound projects to publishing a book, shaking up old mindsets. Faye brings three decades of hard-earned insight and a clear call to action.

What we dive into:
• Why strong leadership and allyship are non-negotiable for the future of construction
• The troubling research findings Faye uncovered, including high rates of bullying and sexual assault affecting women on jobsites
• How toxic cultures hurt everyone, including men
• What inclusive leadership looks like around the world
• Practical ways all of us can help create safer, more supportive, more equitable workplaces

Faye’s message is simple and powerful: change is possible 🫶🏻 but only if we talk about it and act on it.

This is an episode every leader, every ally, and every future builder needs to hear.
Listen 🎧 https://womentalkconstruction.com/episodes/episode-181
Watch 🎬https://youtube.com/live/q1c2M8KjWDg

📚 Explore her book: Building Women 👇🏻 link in comments
Supported by CONEXPO-CON/AGG - Are you attending in 2026? We will be hanging out at the NPK booth N11345 !!

Let’s keep pushing for a construction industry where EVERYONE wins.

11/24/2025

11/24/2025

Thanksgiving Week Spotlight: Celebrating Some of Our Favorite Women Talk Construction Episodes! ✨🦃

While Christi Powell and Angela Gardner take a well-deserved break this week, we’re excited to shine a light on seven standout episodes that embody everything we’re grateful for: mentorship, resilience, leadership, community, and women supporting women.

Whether you're traveling, cooking, or taking a moment to rest, these episodes make perfect listening during Thanksgiving week. Each one reflects the heart, honesty, and encouragement that Christi and Angela bring to the mic every week.

🍂 7 Episodes to Revisit This Thanksgiving Week
1️⃣ Episode 93 — “Mentorship” with Angela, Christi & Alex
A powerful reminder of the mentors who guide us—like family sharing wisdom around the holiday table.
2️⃣ Episode 120 — “Empowering Through Mentoring”
A heartfelt look at sponsorship and lifting others up. A perfect episode for reflecting on community and gratitude.
3️⃣ Episode 34 — “Women Supporting Women” with Nancy Cagle
A celebration of sisterhood in construction and the importance of creating a strong, supportive circle.
4️⃣ Episode 165 — “Homebuilding Leadership” with Kerri Paulino
A story of resilience and leadership—ideal for anyone thinking about what it means to build “home” in every sense.
5️⃣ Episode 95 — “Guide and Inspire” with Victoria Fusco
An inspiring episode focused on collaboration, empathy, and building strong, successful teams.
6️⃣ Episode 133 — “Adapting Built Environments” with Monika Serrano & Jessica Mederson
A conversation filled with gratitude for innovation, sustainability, and the teams leading the way.
7️⃣ Episode 177 — “Transforming Construction” with Sheronda L. Carr (NAWIC) A powerful, future-forward conversation with Sheronda L. Carr—celebrating the leadership happening within NAWIC and across the industry. This episode is full of energy, empowerment, and vision, making it a must-listen for Thanksgiving week.

Links to each episode below 👇🏻👇🏻

As Christi and Angela always remind us, gratitude and community are the foundation of our industry. We’re thankful for every leader, ally, and rising star who tunes in, shares the show, and builds with us.

Wishing you all a safe, joyful, and restful Thanksgiving!

🧡 Christi, Angela, Michael, Hayden, and Alex!


ABC Carolinas Chapter National Association of Women in Construction Victoria Fusco National Association of Home Builders

11/17/2025

WTC Blog: Morgan Kumpfmiller Young’s Journey From “Head in the Clouds” to Award-Winning Homebuilder ✨

Morgan 🏗️ Owner and Professional Dreamer of American Dreamers Renovations.

Some paths to construction are straight. Morgan wasn’t, yet every twist, challenge, and late-night renovation led her to where she was always meant to be.

From imagining treehouses as a kid to renovating her own home after long days in IT, to launching American Dreamers Renovations and winning industry awards, Morgan’s story is a powerful reminder that passion wins when we allow ourselves to bet on ourselves.

What stood out most in Morgan’s blog is how many barriers she faced simply for wanting to build, being told “tools are for boys,” facing fears about income stability, and not seeing women who looked like her in the field.

And yet… she built anyway.

And now she’s lifting the next generation with her children’s book, “Morgan Wants to Build,” which is doing precisely what Christi Powell and Angela Gardner love to see most 🫶🏻: helping young girls see themselves in construction long before someone tells them “you can’t.”

We’re constantly inspired by women like Morgan who find their passion, trust their talent, and turn fear into fuel. Watching women step boldly into this industry and thrive; is why we do what we do. 👊🏻

Morgan, thank you for showing the world what’s possible when you choose your calling.

Read her full story and be inspired to build your own:
🔗 https://womentalkconstruction.com/blog/american-dreamers-renovations

Thank you to one of our homebuilding software supporters who cheers us on by sharing our thoughts in their 'Top New Home Operations Tips for 2025' coming out soon ~ ECI Software Solutions Solutions


Sherri Hess + Terrell Turner + Monica Wheaton

11/12/2025

“Cultivating Talent. Constructing Futures. Driving Retention.” ~ Christi Powell & Angela Gardner

Come hang out with Christi & Angela at CONEXPO-CON/AGG 2026 at the NPK booth! 🏗️

We’re thrilled to announce that Women Talk Construction is teaming up with NPK to bring energy, inspiration, and workforce innovation to the largest construction show in North America, CONEXPO-CON/AGG 2026!

📍 NPK Booth N11345
📅 March 2026
💚 Powered by NPKi.com
💲Use discount code to register: WTC20
🔗 https://registration.experientevent.com/Showcon261/Flow/ATTENDEE/?MarketingCode=WTC20 #!/registrant//Member/

Stop by to connect with Christi Powell and Angela Gardner, the co-hosts of Women Talk Construction, as they record live interviews with industry leaders, host “Chat with WTC” sessions, and share how we can all build stronger, more inclusive construction teams.

In the works: more to come....
☕ Networking + real conversations
🎤 Live podcast interviews
🎁 NPK + WTC giveaways
🏗️ Workforce development insights that inspire

We have some more fun activities in the works!

Let’s build the future 🎉 together.


Johnnie L. + Marissa Davis + Sarah Cripps + Pedro Martin-Panadero, MBA + Rebecca Kettlewell, CEM, DES

11/10/2025

“We don’t lead by title; we lead through accountability and teamwork.”

Episode 180: “Constructing Change” 🎤 Allison Anderson, Senior Project Manager at DPR Construction, and a proud Clemson Civil Engineering graduate.

Allison is both a peer and a friend of Christi Powell and Angela Gardner, and they were thrilled to have her join the show at last. Her thoughtfulness, professionalism, and deep industry knowledge continue to inspire and impress them.

Allison’s story is one of growth, grit, and purpose. With nearly two decades of experience across the Southeast, including projects with NASA, Turner Construction Company, and now DPR Construction, she’s proof that women are shaping the future of the construction industry from the ground up.

In this episode:
🏗️ How Allison built her career and found her passion for workforce development
🏗️ Why representation, mentorship, and allyship matter more than ever
🏗️ What “constructing change” means inside the jobsite culture and leadership
🏗️ The varied career paths available to those entering construction today

Tune in to hear how Allison is helping open doors for the next generation, and why she believes everyone deserves a seat at the table. We have seen her first-hand help these two rock-star next-gen females, Cortlinn Bailey + Arezo Arez.

Listen 🎧 https://womentalkconstruction.com/episodes/episode-180
Watch 🎬 https://youtube.com/live/FDuDB1vZ2qY

Special thanks to our sponsor, NPK! Your support amplifies these stories and helps more people discover the opportunities and inspiration to thrive in a construction career.


ABC Carolinas Chapter Clemson University + Clemson’s Nieri Department of Construction and Real Estate Development

11/07/2025

This is US!

Chapter EIC Excellence In Construction Awards!

We are celebrating fantastic construction companies in the Carolinas making a huge impact in our built world and our communities.

Big thanks Milwaukee Tool for the title sponsorship and always supporting ABC Carolinas and all our programs including our Apprenticeship program.
2022 & 🎉 enjoying life.