Students and industry partners gather during West Georgia Technical College’s Women in Construction Leadership Forum, a student-led event connecting students with professionals for mentorship, networking, and career insight.
West Georgia Technical College (WGTC) recently hosted its Women in Construction Leadership Forum, a student-led initiative through the college’s Commercial Construction Management (CCMN) program that connected students with industry leaders for a day of insight, mentorship, and hands-on engagement.
Inspired by Women in Construction Week, the forum brought together more than 70 participants, including over 50 students, 15+ industry professionals, and faculty and staff from across the college. The event was open to both male and female students, reinforcing its goal of increasing visibility and opportunity within the construction field.
Planned and executed by CCMN students, the forum began with a panel discussion featuring industry professionals, followed by moderated questions and an interactive audience Q&A. Participating organizations included JE Dunn Construction, Titan Electric Companies, RaLin Construction, Vacuworx Global, and National Association of Women in Construction, along with additional partners such as Addison Smith and Carroll County Schools’ North College and Career Academy. Panelists represented a wide range of roles across the construction industry, including project management, construction law, recruiting, accounting, human resources, and executive leadership.
Following the panel, participants toured WGTC’s Trade and Technology Building, concluding in the CCMN Lab where students and industry guests engaged in a more personal networking session. The experience included a student-led “Build a Bouquet” activity, allowing attendees to create their own floral arrangements, as well as lunch and informal mentorship opportunities.
“The goal of the event is to provide students with direct access to industry leaders, allowing them to gain insight into career opportunities, leadership development, and the realities of working in construction,” said Edwin Cordero, CCMN program director. “For our female students, it is an opportunity to see representation, build confidence, and envision their future in the industry.”
WGTC’s Commercial Construction Management program prepares students for careers in the construction industry through a combination of classroom instruction and hands-on training using industry-standard tools such as Bluebeam and Procore. Students develop skills in estimating, scheduling, project management, and field operations, positioning them for careers with general contractors, subcontractors, and related firms.
The forum was part of a broader, student-led Women in Construction Week initiative at WGTC. Throughout the week, Commercial Construction Management students participated in and organized several activities, including engagement in a National Association of Women in Construction virtual event connecting with women leaders across the country, a student roundtable focused on peer perspectives, and outreach to local high school students during the Haralson County High School Career Fair to promote careers in construction.
As the construction industry continues to expand, initiatives like the Women in Construction Leadership Forum play an important role in strengthening the workforce by fostering connections, promoting diversity, and empowering the next generation of leaders.
For more information on the CCMN program at WGTC visit westgatech.edu.
