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Commercial Corner: Chelsea LeMar Executive Director of Professional Women in Construction

Dedicated to empowering and promoting women in the construction industry

Chelsea LeMar is the executive director of Professional Women in Construction (PWC), a 501(c)(3) organization dedicated to empowering and promoting women in the construction and related industries who have contributed in innovative ways and those who have pushed the status quo. To achieve these ends, Chelsea’s mission has been to build an industry-inclusive community of men and women focused on supporting these professional women to succeed in the business through three key areas: 1) networking events such as content-heavy panel discussions, golf outings, marathon runs, and members-only dinners; 2) scholarship and mentorship programs; and 3) providing resources and guidance to minority- and women-owned business.

Previously, Chelsea served at the United States Department of Transportation, where she worked on discretionary grant programs, including high-speed rail and the Transportation Investment-Generating Economic Recovery grant (TIGER). She has a Master’s degree in Public Administration from the London School of Economics and Political Science.

What made you decide to work at PWC?

I made the decision to work for Professional Women in Construction because I believe in its mission. 2017 is the 37th year of PWC, and I saw this as an opportunity to work with an established organization to push the mission forward. I am proud to work for PWC and continue to expand our already large community. Promoting women is important for our economy, for our businesses and for our society.

How have you promoted PWC?

Most people know about us through the 15-plus networking events we hold each year. The purpose of these events is to offer content-filled programs that provide opportunities for our members and our community to engage with decision makers in the industry. Last year we had presentations from some of the largest current construction projects in NYC, including the Port Authority on the LaGuardia project and the Empire State Development on the Moynihan Station project. At our Salute to Women we honored Lysa Scully, General Manger at LaGuardia Airport; Petra Messick of Amtrak; and Susan Chin from the Wildlife Conservation Society. We also hosted a panel of five women architects and five women developers, and we ended the year by celebrating 20 Under 40 Outstanding Women in Construction at our annual holiday party.

What are you currently working on?

Our next big project is to expand by opening new chapters. We want to be a national community of people who are supporting women in this industry. We currently have four chapters: New York, the founding and national chapter; and Connecticut, New Jersey and Washington, D.C. The first one we will open this year is Philadelphia, and we have our eyes on a couple other big cities.

Who are other professionals you are working with?

I believe that it is important to have relationships with other women’s groups in the industry, and to support each other’s efforts. We are talking to the Beverly Willis Foundation as well as Habitat for Humanity–Women Build. We also have had discussions with other women’s groups and continue to reach out and connect.

How do professional women in the field become involved?

The best way is to become a member of PWC. There are many member benefits that will support people in their professional development. Once a member, people can partake in the programs and events; they can also join committees: for example, the Program Committee, which plans all of our events; our Mentorship Committee, which is launching its program this year; and our Membership Committee, which is charged with engaging our growing membership. Visit us at pwcusa.org or call us at 212-486-7745.

Chelsea LeMar
Professional Women in Construction
1001 Avenue of the Americas, Suite 405
New York, NY 10018
212-486-7745

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