I joined NAWIC when I moved to Michigan from St. Louis, MO in August 2001 and have been a member ever since with the exception of the Lansing, Delta Township Complex Project.

My initial reason for joining NAWIC was to enhance my Leadership skills and to network. Although I have enhanced my skills in those areas, my reasons for remaining a member have changed. I want to make a difference in the areas of women succeeding in the construction industry and we are accomplishing that together day by day. I am so lucky to have found such a strong organization of Women who make a difference every day in other Woman’s lives. I know how strong we can be alone but look how powerful we can become in numbers when we are focused.

Laurel is responsible for geotechnical and construction materials testing services at the Shelby Township office of Soil and Materials Engineers, Inc.. She has been with SME for over 13 years and she specializes in providing solutions to geotechnical engineering challenges and constructability issues, including specialized earth retention and instrumentation projects and forensic services. Laurel holds a bachelor of science degree in Civil Engineering from Michigan Technological University and a master of science degree in Civil Engineering from Wayne State University. She is also actively involved in ASFE.

Laurel has been a member of NAWIC since 2003. In addition to her current position as corresponding secretary, Laurel previously served two terms as a director.

As a Project Manager, Donielle oversees the work performed in several K-12 school districts, and has been in the construction industry since 1986. George Auch Company is a Construction Management firm servicing Southeast Michigan institutional market including medical, educational and municipal clients.

Donielle is the current treasurer for NAWIC Detroit 183 and has served in the past as Board Director. Since 2002, Donielle has served as Construction Industry Night Chairperson to continue our tradition of honoring outstanding construction industry professionals at our annual awards dinner held every June. She is committed to mentoring young people entering the construction industry in particular women, and promoting our construction industry.

In addition to NAWIC and Eastern Constructors, Kathi is also active with the AGC, where she holds the Chairmanship of the AGC, Greater Detroit Chapter Safety Committee, Michigan Construction Safety Day, the Greater Detroit Chapter of the ASSE, Detroit Chapter of Society of Women Engineers, and volunteers with United Way and Detroit and Blue Water Habitat for Humanity. Kathi has held positions on MIOSHA advisory committees as well.

Susan has been with Klochko Equipment since 1996 and has been with the Sales Department for six years. She assists the Sales Manager in order to provide internal support to the Area Sales Representatives - she also creates the company's marketing campaigns and implements all aspects of print advertising.

As the Public Relations Chairperson for NAWIC, Susan is committed to promoting NAWIC in any way possible and to let the public know how this extrodinary organization can advance and encourage women in the construction industry.

Ednette Mixon, office manager and business development coordinator, has been employed by Alberici Constructors, Inc. since 2001. One of her primary responsibilities involves managing preparation of proposals and presentations for the automotive division. Additionally, Ednette coordinates supplier diversity initiatives for Alberici's regional office. She represents Alberici by leading one of the Michigan Minority Business Development Council's Project O.N.E. Modules as Module Chair. In this role, Ednette mentors and assists minority-owned business enterprises, particularly in the construction sector, with seeking opportunities to advance and grow their companies. She has 20 years of office administrative experience within the construction, automotive, finance and healthcare sectors.

Ednette has been a member of the NAWIC Detroit Chapter since 2003. She enjoys the many networking and educational opportunities available as a result of membership with an organization focused on advancing all women in construction.

Prior to her career in construction Valerie worked on a cruise ship as a Purser
sailing the Atlantic Ocean for 2 years. She moved to Las Vegas attended
UNLV taking classes in Hotel, Restaurant and Casino Management. This lead to
the position she accepted in a management position at the Rio Hotel and Casino in
Las Vegas. In 1998 she returned home to her family in Michigan, with their
support she built her own home acting as the general contractor. This began her
love for the “Construction Industry”. As an employee of Dunn Blue, she not only
brings experience in the industry but knowledge of new technology to her clients
in the local market and overseas. She is based out of the Detroit branch located
in the Guardian Building.

As a NAWIC member since 2002 she has served as Recording Secretary, Corresponding Secretary and Programs Chair. Valerie is dedicated to supporting the chapter by sharing the resources and options available to those interested in selecting a career in a construction related field.