Buffalo forum brings together female construction pros to brainstorm methods for growing their numbers

Updated Feb 10, 2015

female engineerTwo Buffalo construction groups have formed a forum for local female construction professionals in order to give these women a way to share ideas and discuss any obstacles they may face in the industry.

According to a report from the Buffalo News, the Women in Construction forum invites men to participate in the discussion as well but is “designed to bring together women from across the construction industry, including owners of construction and contracting firms, employees, consultants, and service providers.”

The forum was created by female leaders of the Construction Exchange of Buffalo and Western New York and the Niagara Frontier Chapter of the Construction Financial Management Association. These groups represent more than 750 companies.

“There are a lot more women in the industry than people are aware of,” organizer Karen Antonelli, a partner specializing construction at accounting firm Chiampou Travis Besaw & Kershner told the paper. “It’s still a very male-dominated room, and yet we know there are a lot more women business owners and women involved in the industry. There are a lot of opportunities and capacities for women now.”

Antonelli said she sees the meetings as brain-storming sessions with the hopes that it will foster a discussion that will prepare the industry for more female involvement.

The group is planning on having its next event in April.