Women Talk Construction

08/14/2025

Christi Powell and Angela Gardner had the chance to stand in front of the one-and-only Bibendum, the iconic Michelin Man, for a photo we’ll never forget. And we are going with our ending pose in our TEDx Clemson University talk.📸💙

We are ❣️

What an inspiring day at the Michelin Conference Center in the Upstate with Women Confidence Builders, Authentic YOU! This event was packed with connection, empowerment, and incredible conversations about confidence and leadership. We’re so grateful to be part of a community that uplifts and champions women in every industry.

And now… we’re dreaming even bigger!

We would love the opportunity to tour the local Michelin plant where they manufacture those massive, heavy-duty earthmoving equipment tires. And get a few photos to showcase all the great work they are doing to lift up the Construction industry.

Imagine the engineering, innovation, and skill that goes into creating something that moves to BUILD the world, literally!

Thank you, Michelin, for being such a strong partner in the Upstate community. Here’s to more collaboration, inspiration, and maybe even that plant tour in the near future. 😉

‼️If you know someone who can make this dream ~ idea happen, please let us know. We'd love to promote these GINORMOUS tires that keep our industry moving.


Photo credit: Brian Knox

08/12/2025

This week, we come back to the States on the East Coast ~ Upstate SC, to interview a local female architect making ripples in her firm and community!

🎤 "Community Minded Architecture" 🎤

Angela Gardner and Alex Iacovelli hang out with Meg Terry, Principal and Chief Marketing Officer at DP3 Architects, to explore the power of design with purpose.

With over 21 years in the industry, Meg brings deep insight into:
🏘️ Community engagement as the foundation of meaningful architecture
🫱🏽‍🫲🏻 The transformative role of strategic partnerships
💡 How AI and VR are shaping the future of design
📈 Lessons in patience, collaboration, and purpose-driven work

Meg’s journey 🚀 from studio leader to Principal 🚀 offers valuable lessons for emerging architects and seasoned professionals alike. Her perspective on blending innovation with community needs shows how architecture can leave a legacy that lasts for generations.

Tune in for an inspiring conversation on how to design spaces that truly make an impact.
🎧 Listen: https://womentalkconstruction.com/episodes/episode-168
🎬 Watch: https://www.youtube.com/live/XH9z6zuatp4?si=IGwSSzAUt8hwe2Et

📌 Connect with Meg: LinkedIn | DP3 Architects

Thank you for supporting WTC 🙏🏻 DP3 Architects

Christi Powell was cheering us on! 🛠️


Sarah Hager + Ashley Ritchie + Lorna Cardenas + J. Michael Taylor + Ben Urueta + City of Greenville, South Carolina Government + University of Tennessee, Knoxville + National Charity League, Inc. + Junior League of Greenville SC + Urban Land Institute + ABC Carolinas Chapter

08/07/2025

From co-founding Women Talk Construction to now serving side-by-side at , we’re still taking it all in!
🏗️ Christi Powell 🛠️ President & CEO
🏗️ Angela Gardner 🛠️ Vice President of Workforce Development
We’ve poured our hearts into building conversations, community, and confidence through Women Talk Construction, and now we get to bring that same energy and passion to ABC Carolinas, working together to serve the industry we love.
This week marked a special milestone: our first ABC Carolinas convention as official team members. 🙌🏻

And yes, we even attended our first-ever reception in fascinators! 😆 (A little extra flair never hurt anyone!)
We’re incredibly honored to be in these roles, driving workforce solutions, empowering people, and supporting the contractors and partners shaping our future.
If you're at the convention, come say hello! We’d love to connect and collaborate!
Here’s to purpose, partnership, and building what matters. 🛠️💙
   
Milwaukee Tool + CarolinaPower + Bradley Arant Boult Cummings LLP

08/05/2025

"Industries & Education do not work in isolation!"

Christi Powell and Angela Gardner's next guest is a trailblazer in the United Kingdom construction industry with over 40 years of experience and a powerful story to tell.

'Pioneering Construction' 🎤 Dr. Carol Massay, Founder of Unity For Construction Ltd.

From her early days in accountancy to leading a construction tech company to acquisition, Dr. Massay shares her journey navigating a male-populated field, advocating for equity, and championing digital transformation.

In this thought-provoking episode, we explore:
🛠️ Her rise to CEO as the first Caribbean woman in UK construction tech
📚 The critical need for alignment between education and industry
🧠 Reframing perceptions of construction for young people
🫱🏽‍🫲🏻 The role of inclusion, especially integrating ex-offenders into the workforce
⚖️ Personal stories of resilience, workplace equity, and the pursuit of lasting change

Dr. Massay’s voice is one the global industry needs to hear, and we’re grateful to bring it to our listeners.

Listen 🎧 https://womentalkconstruction.com/episodes/episode-167
Watch 🎬 https://www.youtube.com/live/3nyt0St7bnY?si=5QVpO0mamnJQ0cWx

Thank you 🙏🏻 Linarc Inc., for sponsoring this episode.


ABC Carolinas Chapter

08/01/2025

What a spectacular week it’s been at the Women Confidence Builders Women’s Success Expo: Authentic YOU.

Women Talk Construction co-hosts, Angela Gardner and Christi Powell, were truly honored to be part of such a powerful and joy-filled event. 💖 W opened it up with a REAL conversation with Paul Pappy, Owner of Sonfast Corporation ~ Confidence Building Rockstar - about all the Jessicas in the room.

From start to finish, this gathering was a celebration of authenticity, confidence, and community.

The stories we heard confirmed that this group is MAKING an IMPACT.

Highlights included:
💡 Inspiring speakers who brought wisdom, heart, and actionable insight
🎤 A phenomenal emcee who kept the energy vibrant and voices strong
🛍️ Engaging vendors and activities that sparked connection and fun
🏆 A special scholarship presentation to a deserving high school student from GSCC, what a moment of impact!

A heartfelt thank you to Golden Strip Career Center and all the Women Confidence Builders members who made this possible. It was an honor to stand alongside so many purpose-driven women (and allies!) lifting one another up. ❤️👊🏻

Let’s keep the momentum going 🚀 confidently and authentically.

📸 Thank you, Brian Knox, for these great photos!
🎤 Deb Sofield was our incredible emcee.

** Next week we will share about our Entrepreneurship Lonelieness: One of the best people you can hire as an entrepreneur 🫱🏽‍🫲🏻 Can you guess?!

07/28/2025

Our 2nd 'In The News' 🛠️ ....

Episode 166: "Digital Transformation in Construction Technology" is changing the way we build.

In this episode, Christi Powell and Angela Gardner explore the powerful wave of digital transformation sweeping through the construction industry. From AI and robotics to drones and digital platforms like Bluebeam, we’re discussing how innovation is enhancing productivity, safety, and collaboration on job sites.

Items they discuss:
🛠️ Dusty Robotics (Field Printer) from DPR Construction
🛠️ Drones aren't just for job site photos + videos
🛠️ 3D Digital modeling ~ Autodesk
🛠️ AI wearables PPE ~ STUDSON (technology in a hard hat - Twiceme Technology), Exoskeletons (so cool), and AR glasses)
🛠️ Cybersecurity is a big deal

Special guest, Lindsay Renkel from Trimble Inc. shares her deep industry insights on both the opportunities and challenges of adopting emerging technologies.

🏗️ How it's enhancing our industry
🏗️ Why training and adaptability are key
🏗️ The role of platforms like Trimble in shaping the future of construction

Listen 🎧 https://womentalkconstruction.com/episodes/episode-166
Watch 🎬 https://www.youtube.com/live/55ZdawhKE20?si=-Rct4uNQmPPIlNIN

Trimble Inc. 🫱🏽‍🫲🏻 thank you for helping us bring this conversation to life!

07/25/2025

Our co-hosts, Christi Powell and Angela Gardner, are thrilled to join this great team at ABC Carolinas Chapter.

ABC National

We’re proud to announce new leadership appointments and expanded roles at ABC Carolinas, reinforcing our commitment to advancing the merit shop construction industry across North and South Carolina.

These strategic changes reflect our continued dedication to advocacy, workforce development, member engagement, and operational excellence. Effective July 2025, the following leaders are stepping into new or elevated roles:

🔹 Christi Powell – President & CEO
🔹 Elise Ussery – Director of Government Affairs
🔹 Angela Gardner – Vice President of Workforce Development
🔹 Kristen Powell – Vice President

With a renewed focus on advocacy, education, workforce initiatives, and community impact, we’re excited to continue building a stronger, more connected future for our industry.

📣 Meet the team in person at the 2025 ABC Carolinas Convention:
Behind the Hard Hat: Collaboration in Construction
📍 August 6–8 | Myrtle Beach, SC
🔗 Register Here: https://convention.abccarolinas.org/buy-tickets/

Let’s keep moving the industry forward—together. 💪

07/24/2025

BIG Announcement! 🛠️

Our co-hosts, Christi Powell and Angela Gardner, have landed in a new gig.

Shoutout to ABC Carolinas Chapter for championing their members across North and South Carolina!

From grassroots training to next-generation leadership, they’re empowering the industry:

💼 Workforce Development: Equipping individuals with debt-free craft education and connections to contractors
📣 Legislative Advocacy: Advocating for merit shop values and contractor-friendly policies
🫱🏽‍🫲🏻 Member Engagement: Offering rich networking through events, peer support, and chapter-level connections
🎓 Training & Education: Leading the industry with top-notch safety, certifications, and leadership programs
🛠️ FLEX: ABC’s Future Leaders Exchange (FLEX) is a game-changer for emerging professionals under 40. It's a platform for networking, mentorship, and hands-on learning, including site tours, tech showcases, social events, and leadership roundtables.

At Women Talk Construction, we’re inspired by the way ABC Carolinas is building the next generation of leaders, one connection, one event, one certification at a time. 👊🏻

07/21/2025

Christi Powell and Angela Gardner speak with Kerri Paulino, Division President of Meritage Homes in Greenville, South Carolina.

With over 20 years in the construction industry, Kerri shares her powerful journey 🛠️ from overcoming setbacks to rising through the ranks in a male-populated field.

In this episode, she opens up about:
🏗️ The real challenges women face in leadership
🏗️ How resilience and mentorship/allyship shaped her success
🏗️ Why women bring unique, game-changing strengths to construction
🏗️ Her best advice for young women ready to lead

“Kerri’s story is a true example of perseverance and leadership. She’s not only breaking barriers 👊🏻, she’s lifting others as she climbs.”
Please tune in to hear how Kerri is paving the way for the next generation of women in construction and why her voice matters now more than ever.

Listen 🎧https://womentalkconstruction.com/episodes/episode-165
Watch 🎬https://www.youtube.com/live/_zBZZF4rTlM?si=b9p6MupDLOjdObvD

Thank you 🙏🏻 84 Lumber Company for supporting this episode.


Home Builders Association of Greenville + National Association of Home Builders Women Confidence Builders

07/14/2025

From blueprints to sensors and bold vision to lasting impact.

In Episode 164 'Innovating Construction Tech' 🎤 Christi Powell and Angela Gardner 🎤 had the honor of welcoming Shanthi Rajan, founder of Linarc Inc., a construction tech platform reshaping the way projects are managed.

Shanthi’s journey is one of resilience, innovation, and purpose. As a female founder in a traditionally male-dominated industry, she shares what it takes to lead with vision, build diverse teams, and stay the course through challenges. Her insights into tech evolution, entrepreneurship, and the power of persistence are a must-listen for anyone navigating the future of the construction industry.

In this episode, you’ll hear:
🚧 How Shanthi transitioned into the construction tech space
🚧 The evolution of technology in construction: from paper to platforms
🚧 Why diversity is critical in building effective teams
🚧 Advice for aspiring entrepreneurs, including lessons in persistence and faith
🚧 How to navigate funding and embrace failure as part of growth
🚧 The mission behind Linarc and how it's changing project management

🎧 Listen: https://lnkd.in/eNSpas7y
🎬 Watch: https://lnkd.in/eAM-R7vQ

If you’re passionate about innovation, people, or starting something bold, this episode is for you.

Thank you 🙏🏻 Linarc Inc. for sponsorship! We can't do it without the generous support of many.

07/10/2025

Our peer and friend, Gina Schaefer, has a rare gift: the ability to connect deeply with people through authentic, real-world stories that inspire action and change.
As the founder and Co-CEO of 13 ACE Hardware stores in the Washington, DC area, Gina leads with purpose. Although she has stepped away from entrepreneurship, she is now focused on helping others navigate entrepreneurship, grow a business, and helping people shine.
Her passion for community, leadership, and giving people a second chance is woven into everything she does, from hiring those often overlooked to championing succession planning through employee ownership. Check out her book "Recovery Hardware." Link below 👇🏻
She didn't just run a successful business; she built a legacy of opportunity, belonging, and transformation.
Whether she’s sharing lessons in leadership, advocating for ESOPs, or talking about rebuilding lives through work, Gina speaks with heart, and people listen.
We're honored to have shared space with such a powerful voice in the construction and entrepreneurship industries.
Thank you 🙏🏻, Gina, for reminding us what leadership truly looks like.
Check out episode 67, where she talks about many of these points.
     

07/08/2025

Best of 2025 Women Talk Construction Episodes! 🎉

We’re celebrating a few stories that have had the biggest impact so far in 2025.

They helped move the needle on creating a more empowering industry for all.

They reflect what truly matters: belonging, purpose, and bold leadership in the construction industry.

Listen and share your favorite takeaways: 👇🏻

🎙 Ep. 141: 'Construction Hero' Elizabeth Barnhart, Project Engineer, Kiewit Corporation
Elizabeth shares how she's breaking barriers as a Project Manager, inspiring women to lead boldly in the field and proving that heroes wear hard hats too.
🔗 Listen here: https://womentalkconstruction.com/episodes/episode-141?rq=141

🎙 Ep. 140: 'Welding the Future' Hannah Dorfman, Bring Back the Trades Inc (Scholarship Recipient)
Hannah’s passion for welding and advocacy for women in skilled trades lights the path for future generations entering hands-on careers.
🔗 Listen here: https://womentalkconstruction.com/episodes/episode-140?rq=140

🎙 Ep. 139: 'The Value of Words' Deb Sofield, Keynote Speaker & Coach
Deb unpacks how communication shapes leadership, confidence, and career growth, especially for women navigating male-dominated industries.
🔗 Listen here: https://womentalkconstruction.com/episodes/episode-139?rq=139

🎙 Ep. 152: ‘Designing Tomorrow’s Landscapes' Chandler McLaurin, ACE Mentor Program of America
Chandler brings creativity and innovation in the built environment, showing how landscape architecture can shape communities and open doors for women in design.
🔗 Listen here: https://womentalkconstruction.com/episodes/episode-152?rq=152

Let’s keep building a culture where all voices are welcomed and all talent is valued. 🛠️💬