Interview 003: Anne Pfleger
Our 3rd Distinctive Woman highlight is the impressive, Anne Pfleger! Anne is a Construction Industry Technician (CIT), has been working in the construction and transportation industries for 25 years. Today, she is the Estimating, Safety, IT, and HR administrator for Charles Construction Services in Findlay, OH.
In addition to her success in her construction industry career, Anne is a leader within the National Association of Women in Construction (NAWIC), in August 2020, she was installed as NAWIC’s 66th National President.
The work that Anne and the NAWIC are doing is instrumental in creating a support network for women in the construction industry. Check out the full interview below!
LIW: Give us a quick synopsis of who you are and what you do?
AP: I am a Construction Industry Technician (CIT), and have been working in the construction and transportation industries for 25 years. Today, I am the Estimating, Safety, IT and HR administrator for Charles Construction Services in Findlay, OH Ms. Pfleger has a B.S. in Business Management from the University of Findlay and earned her CIT from the NAWIC Education Foundation.
In addition to my success in the construction industry career, I am a leader within the National Association of Women in Construction (NAWIC). In August 2020, I was installed as NAWIC’s 66th National President. I joined NAWIC in 2006 and have proven my leadership skills by rising through the ranks via the Association's North Central Region (OH, MI, IN, KY, WV, Western PA) where I served as a Board Member, Treasurer, and President of the Lima Ohio Area Chapter. Thereafter, I advanced within NAWIC to serve as the North Central Region Director and then as the Association's Treasurer and Vice-President before being elected President. In 2018, I was NAWIC's National Member of the Year award recipient.
Many would be content with serving local communities through NAWIC chapter events and helping their chapter progress forward. For me it ignited an internal purpose and passion, to not only improve personally but to support and guide other women in the construction industry to do the same.
In addition, I’ve volunteered countless hours reaching out to potential members and employers encouraging them to support women in construction. I have engaged parallel organizations seeking ways to be of mutual benefit to one another. I also partake in Habitat for Humanity and Open Arms Domestic Violence Shelter activities.
My aspirations and belief in NAWIC’s mission have carried me to Regional Director and to the National Board as an inspiring voice for all. I’ve embraced NAWIC values by living them daily, and in doing so, empowering, elevating, and challenging others to do the same.
LIW: What's one characteristic you possess that you think has helped you get to where you are and why?
AP: Stewardship – Having the ability to put the team first and me second by checking in to see how members are doing; helping them to develop the skills they need to be who and what they want; seeing situations from others’ perspectives; making decisions with the Association’s best interests in mind; ensuring everyone has the resources and knowledge they need to make decisions and meet their objectives.
In addition, possessing this characteristic has helped me to focus on promoting well-being for each member within the NAWIC association; at the Board level ensuring individuals interact well with each other and at the Association level ensuring that NAWIC’s core purpose, values, mission statement and envisioned future remain a focus, are upheld and relevant.
Core Purpose: To strengthen and amplify the success of women in the construction industry
Core Values: Women-Focused; Courageous Leadership; Commitment to inclusion and growth; Anticipate Change
Mission Statement: The association committed to championing women to impact the direction of the construction industry. NAWIC provides education, community, and advocacy for women.
Envisioned Future: Women’s contributions to the construction industry are recognized and sought after. Women’s leadership results in industry growth and success. Women receive compensation equal to all within the industry. NAWIC is identified as THE resource for female leadership, with members recognized for their expertise and commitment.
Stewardship is such a valuable part of my life because it makes me responsible with accountability with my goals that I have set forth for this upcoming year as NAWIC President. My goal for the upcoming year is to continue to increase the value of NAWIC for its members and potential member. I will be asking for the continued commitment to our members as we strive to be the Association for all women in the construction industry.
LIW: One of the biggest lessons you learned throughout your career?
AP: That no matter what obstacles are put in my path, I can remain strong, true to myself, and never give up even in the face of adversity!
LIW: One piece of advice for young women?
AP: If you have a dream or idea that feels a little risky; interpret the risk as an indicator that you’re on to something important, not necessarily something dangerous. Also, don’t be afraid to fail because failure is another step to success.
LIW: What has been the biggest career achievement for you?
AP: Being elected National President of NAWIC. Everyone has trials and tribulations in their life. NAWIC came into my life at a time when my forward momentum had stopped, and I didn’t know which direction to go. Becoming a part of this association gave me the drive to finish my college degree 20 years after starting, the confidence to be in front of others, and serve as an advocate for women to achieve their goals.
LIW: What do you wish to accomplish within the next few years?
AP: In an interview with one of NAWIC’s association partners, the question was asked “Has the prevalence of women in the construction industry changed since you joined NAWIC? My response was “YES, the industry has changed in the sense that construction in no longer a male “dominated” industry but a male “populated” industry. Women are often seen more in the forefront of construction, both in the field with boots on the ground and seats at the table, impacting the direction of the construction industry.”
According to research, of all the people who work in construction, women comprise 10.3% of the workforce. Women’s construction earnings as a percentage of men is currently 95.7% - leading all industries.
While there are more women working in construction, there are still barriers to break down some of which are unique to women in construction than in other male-populated industries. To impact the construction industry, we need to support a positive, respectful, and open-minded environment where we can have the conversation and work together for the betterment of women in the construction industry.
My goal for the next few years is to be the conduit to connect and communicate collaboratively to have the conversations that will break the barriers women are facing in the construction industry.
—
You can connect with Anne on the following social media channels:
Facebook:
Anne: https://www.facebook.com/anne.pfleger.5
NAWIC: https://www.facebook.com/nawicnational/
LinkedIn:
Anne: www.linkedin.com/in/anne-pfleger-cit-96506819
NAWIC: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nawicnational/
Twitter:
Anne: @annekpfleger
NAWIC: @nawicnational