Chartered 1991

The premier professional organization that provides strategies and solutions for professional women in the building industry.

Developing Hearts… Expanding Minds… Creating Spirits

Officers of Professional Women in Building from left, Vice President Chelsea Elsdoerfer, Treasurer/Secretary Larissa Wilcox, and President Jacqueline Pagel of Pella Windows and Doors

Through our various publications, awards, scholarships, seminars and programs, we provide women in the building industry the professional advantage necessary to excel and succeed. Our members consist of women who are RIBA/NAHB members (builders, associates, affiliates) and women who are affiliated with an RIBA/NAHB member (including employees, spouses and extended family). Our members also receive well-deserved recognition for their contribution made to the homebuilding industry and homeownership.

We provide direct service to the general membership through education and training programs that focus on professional and leadership development, networking opportunities and industry-related information.

The PWB recognizes its role in supporting the overall building industry by mobilizing its membership to assist efforts spearheaded by local, state and national builders associations.

Watch a video about NAHB’s Professional Women In Building.

Calling All Women!


Are there any women in your organization interested in joining us? We are always looking for new members to bring their individual and professional talents to the group. This is a great opportunity to network with other women in various professions within the housing industry. Joining your local Professional Women in Building also includes membership in the National Association of Home Builders. To find out more about the Professional Women in Building and how to become a member, contact Jackie Pagel at (401) 500-5249 or jpagel@gopella.com

 

NAHB Professional Women in Building represents nearly a thousand women in the industry across the US. Professional Women in Building members work in all aspects of the building industry: as owners, marketing experts, interior designers, and mortgage brokers. You are cordially invited to join the NAHB Professional Women in Building (PWB), a select group of inspiring building industry professionals who share strategies and solutions to promote, enhance and support professional women in today’s home building industry. Bring your coworkers, your employees, your customers, your friends and your family. See what the incredible benefits are for joining RIBA and PWB.

Photos of Previous Events

Professional Women in Building Invited to Join NAWIC for their Annual Holiday Brunch:  

WHEN: Friday, December 14, 2018 – 11:45 am – 3 pm

WHERE: Providence Biltmore Hotel, Grand Ballroom.  11 Dorance St., Providence, RI

GUEST SPEAKER: To be announced.

COST: To be announced.

CASH BAR

DEADLINE TO REGISTER:  To be announced.

FOR INFORMATION & TO REGISTER: To be announced.

VIEW THE INVITATION FOR MORE DETAILS! – Coming soon.

Join Professional Women in Building at the RI Home Show at Home Healthsmith Booth 909 for our FREE Networking Event.

WHEN: Thursday, April 5, 2018

WHERE: RI Convention Center, Providence, RI – Booth 909

COST: Free

DEADLINE TO REGISTER:  3/29/18

FOR INFORMATION & TO REGISTER: Linda Bohmback – linda@homehealthsmith.com

Members, non-members, men and women are welcome.

WIC Week 2018

Professional Women in Building Celebrate Women in Construction Week with NAWIC.  Enjoy meeting industry leaders at this free reception and learn more from our panel of Tradeswomen about advancing women’s opportunities in the field of construction.  Catered by Pickles Custom Catering.

RIBA/PWB will have a display table at the free reception

WHEN: Monday, March 12, 2018 – 5:30 – 7:30 pm

WHERE: Building Futures, RI – 1 Acorn Street, Providence, RI

COST: Free

DEADLINE TO REGISTER:  3/5/18

FOR INFORMATION & TO REGISTER: Linda Bohmback – linda@homehealthsmith.com

View/Download the invitation

Members, non-members, men and women are welcome.

Professional Women in Building Presents: Pella Windows-Networking , BIG Insurance & Citizens Banking Presentation

WHEN: Wednesday, March 7, 2018 – 6 – 8 pm

WHERE: Pella Windows & Doors, 20 Commerce Way, Seekonk, MA  02771

COST: Free for members.  $15 for non-members.

DEADLINE TO REGISTER:  3/5/18

FOR INFORMATION & TO REGISTER: Linda Bohmback – linda@homehealthsmith.com

View/Download the invitation

Beverages and appetizers will be served.  Members, non-members, men and women are welcome.

Professional Women in Building Strategic Planning-Membership Meeting

WHEN: Tuesday, January 30, 2018 – 3 – 8 pm

WHERE: RIBA Headquarters, 450 Veterans Memorial Pkwy., Building #3, E. Providence, RI  02914

COST: Free for members.  $10 for non-members.

DEADLINE TO REGISTER:  1/26/18

FOR INFORMATION & TO REGISTER: Contact Carol O’Donnell at crmmodularhomes@aol.com

Beverages and appetizers will be served.  Members, non-members, men and women are welcome.

Professional Women in Building and NAWIC:  Annual Holiday Brunch

WHEN: Friday, December 8, 2017 – 11:45 am – 3 pm

WHERE: Providence Biltmore Hotel, Grand Ballroom.  11 Dorance St., Providence, RI

GUEST SPEAKER: Elizabeth Tanner, Director of the Department of Business Regulation

COST: $55 payment in advance

CASH BAR

DEADLINE TO REGISTER:  December 1, 2017

FOR INFORMATION & TO REGISTER: Contact Katherine Kohm –  KKohm@pierceatwood.com

VIEW THE INVITATION FOR MORE DETAILS!

 

Professional Women in Building :  Networking Event and Tour

WHEN: Thursday, October 19, 2017 – 6 pm – 8 pm

WHERE: 268 1/2 Bellevue, Newoprt, RI

COST: Free for members | $10 for non-members

DEADLINE TO REGISTER: Tuesday, October 17, 2017

FOR INFORMATION & TO REGISTER: Contact Linda Bohmbach –  linda@homehealthsmith.com

 

Beverages and appetizers will be served.  Members, non-members, men and women are welcome.

Professional Women in Building :  Networking Event

WHEN: Thursday, June 22, 2017 – 6 pm – 8 pm

WHERE: East Greenwich Yacht Club, 10 Water St, East Greenwich, RI 02818

COST: Free for members | $10 for non-members

DEADLINE TO REGISTER: Monday, June 19, 2017

FOR INFORMATION & TO REGISTER: Contact Linda Bohmbach –  linda@homehealthsmith.com

 

Beverages and appetizers will be served.  Members, non-members, men and women are welcome.

Professional Women in Building :  PWB Networking Event and Presentation hosted by Lighting & Design By J&K Electric

WHEN: Thursday, May 18, 2017 – 6 pm – 8 pm

WHERE: Lighting & Design By J&K Electric, 1253 Hartford Ave., Route 6A, Johnston, RI  02919

COST: Free for members | $10 for non-members

DEADLINE TO REGISTER: Tuesday, May 16, 2017

FOR INFORMATION & TO REGISTER: Contact Linda Bohmbach –  linda@homehealthsmith.com

 

Beverages and appetizers will be served.  Members, non-members, men and women are welcome.

Professional Women in Building :  PWB Networking Event and Presentation “Present Like a Pro” hosted by Toastmasters – Stacey Smipman at RIBA Headquarters

WHEN: Tuesday, April 18, 2017 – 6 pm – 8 pm

WHERE: RIBA Headquarters, 450 Veterans Memorial Parkway, East Providence, RI  02914 – Building #3

COST: Free for members | $10 for non-members

DEADLINE TO REGISTER: Sunday, April 16, 2017

FOR INFORMATION & TO REGISTER: Contact Lorena Voyer lvoyer@davittdesignbuild.com

 

PWB will hold its monthly meeting and networking event with a presentation hosted by Toastmasters. Beverages and appetizers will be served.  Members, non-members, men and women are welcome.

PRESENT LIKE A PRO

Good presentation skills are critical for influencing, selling, and connecting with others. Yet some professionals feel uneasy presenting to groups, have a hard time expressing ideas clearly, and some avoid speaking up all together. Presenter Stacey Shipman will help you present like a pro by sharing simple technique to build confidence, engage audiences, and make your presentations more compelling.

About Stacey Shipman
Stacey is a speaker, author and entrepreneur who loves sharing ideas and connecting people. She is the creator of Move Breathe Explore, a networking & educational community for professional and entrepreneurial women to bring their ideas to life. In addition, Stacey is the author of Present Your Best: Simple Tips for Memorable Presentations. Connect with Stacey on LinkedIn or her website: www.staceyshipman.com

 

Professional Women in Building :  PWB Networking Event and Presentation hosted by Liberty Mutual Insurance at RIBA Headquarters

WHEN: Tuesday, March 21, 2017 – 6 pm – 8 pm

WHERE: RIBA Headquarters, 450 Veterans Memorial Parkway, East Providence, RI  02914 – Building #3

COST: Free for members | $10 for non-members

DEADLINE TO REGISTER: Monday, March 20, 2017

FOR INFORMATION & TO REGISTER: Contact Lorena lvoyer@davittdesignbuild.com

 

PWB will hold its monthly meeting and networking event with a presentation hosted by Liberty Mutual Insurance. Beverages and appetizers will be served.  Members, non-members, men and women are welcome.

Professional Women in Building :  PWB Networking Event at The Tile Shop

WHEN: Thursday, February 16, 2017 – 6 pm – 8 pm

WHERE: The Tile Shop, 1400 Bald Hill Rd., Warwick, RI  02886

COST: Free

DEADLINE TO REGISTER: Wednesday, February 15, 2017

FOR INFORMATION & TO REGISTER: Contact Lorena lvoyer@davittdesignbuild.com

 

PWB will hold its monthly meeting and networking event at the Tile Shop for a Showroom Tour and Presentation. Beverages and appetizers will be served.  Members and non-members welcome.

 

Professional Women in Building :  HOW TO SELL YOURSELF AND YOUR BUSINESS

WHEN: Thursday, January 26, 2017 – 6 pm – 8 pm

WHERE: RIBA Headquarters, 450 Veterans Memorial Parkway, E. Providence, RI  02914

COST: Free for PWB members, $5 for non-members

DEADLINE TO REGISTER: Wednesday, February 15, 2017

FOR INFORMATION & TO REGISTER: Contact Lorena lvoyer@davittdesignbuild.com

 

PWB will hold its monthly meeting and networking event at RIBA Headquarters.  Network with Members in your Industry – Join us for a “Ted Talks” Presentation and discussion on HOW TO SELL YOURSELF AND YOUR BUSINESS.  Beverages and appetizers will be served.  Members and non-members welcome.

 

PWB and NAWIC partner for a Festive Holiday Event Friday, December 2, 2016
WHEN: Friday, December 2, 2016 at Noon
WHERE: Renaissance Providence Downtown Hotel, 5 Avenue Of The Arts, Providence, RI 02903
COST: $55
DEADLINE TO REGISTER: Tuesday, November 29th
FOR INFORMATION & TO REGISTER: Contact Carol O’Donnell at (401) 339-4903 or crmmodularhomes@aol.com
Members and non-members are invited to join NAWIC as we partner and celebrate the holidays with this festive event.
Great networking and free valet parking.

 

WHEN: Tuesday, November 15, 2016, 6 to 7:30 p.m.
WHERE: Wickford Appliance showroom, 207 Newport Avenue, Pawtucket, RI 02861
COST: $5
DEADLINE TO REGISTER: Tuesday, November 8th
FOR INFORMATION & TO REGISTER: Contact Carol O’Donnell at (401) 339-4903 or crmmodularhomes@aol.com

PWB will hold its monthly meeting at the Wickford Appliance showroom in Pawtucket from 6 to 7:30 p.m. There will be a demonstration and presentation about their products, and a showroom tour. Beverage’s and appetizers will be served.  Members and non-members welcome.

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WHEN: Tuesday, October 25, 2016, 5:30 to 7:30 p.m.

WHERE: RIBA headquarters, 450 Veterans Memorial Pkwy. #301, East Providence 02914
COST: FREE
DEADLINE TO REGISTER: Monday, October 24th
FOR INFORMATION & TO REGISTER: Contact Carol
O’Donnell at (401) 339-4903 or crmmodularhomes@aol.com

The Professional Women in Building Council (PWB) is holding an open house at Rhode Island Builders Association headquarters.  All are invited to come and network with these women, who play an important role in the residential construction industry as business owners, designers, administrators, attorneys, real estate professionals and more.  PWB offers this and many other networking opportunities in an environment that’s both informative and beneficial for those who want to grow professionally. Join us to learn more about our association and how to become a member. Men are welcome too.

Women’s Networking and Recruitment Event at RIBA

PWB-April-2016

it was a productive evening on April 26th as the Professional Women in Building Council (PWB) hosted a Networking & Recruitment Event at Rhode Island Builders Association headquarters. There was a great turnout and we garnered one new RIBA member and five new PWB members. Many thanks to everyone supporting our endeavor to educate others on the wonderful benefits of joining our group.  Speaking of RIBA, our trade association has a very impressive membership – hundreds of member companies representing thousands of people in the residential construction industry. Every member company should send their women employees our way.  PWB is not a “monthly luncheon” group meant only for socializing. We are part of the National Association of Home Builders (NAHB) Professional Women in Building Council. This represents over 1,000 women in the industry across the United States.  We are owners, contractors, marketing experts, architects, designers, sales personnel and brokers. We truly work in the residential construction industry.  You would be doing your women employees – and yourself – a great benefit by introducing them to our group, and I encourage you (challenge you) to do so. PWB is currently designing a small line of shirts and hats for purchase. This will make great gifts for your employees when they join.

NAHB Professional Women in Building represents nearly a thousand women in the industry across the US. Professional Women in Building members work in all aspects of the building industry: as owners, marketing experts, interior designers, and mortgage brokers. You are cordially invited to join the NAHB Professional Women in Building (PWB), a select group of inspiring building industry professionals who share strategies and solutions to promote, enhance and support professional women in today’s home building industry. Bring your coworkers, your employees, your customers, your friends and your family. See what the incredible benefits are for joining RIBA and PWB,   Professional Women in Building.  For information, contact Cheryl Boyd at (401) 438-7400, cboyd@ribuilders.org.

Branding yourself and your products

 

KONICA MINOLTA DIGITAL CAMERAThe Professional Women in Building Council met at the East Greenwich Yacht Club on June 16th to continue learning through the series on “Branding Yourself and Your Products.” The guest speaker was Richard Austin of Speaking of Success on the topic of communications and public speaking.

Members and guests of RIBA’s Professional Women in Building Council gathered at RIBA headquarters on April 8th for a presentation and social media workshop by PWB President Tracey Boyajian and Cheryl Boyd of Arnold Lumber Co. The subject: “Branding You, Your Services and Your Product”: How to build and optimize a powerful and professional social media profile.

Learning about visual communication

PWB held a Wine & Cheese Networking Event on February 11th at Blowouts in Cranston. Discussion covered the importance of “visual communication” in our personal and professional lives. One message members and guests picked up that evening: Your logo and “head shot” photo reveal quite a bit about you.

The more professional, yet approachable, you appear, the more interest people will take in you, your business and your products.

There was a great turnout, and attendees included several new prospective members. A few photos were taken upon arrival. Then, after a quick hair and makeup session, new photos were taken to show the difference. While waiting for others to finish, everyone had a chance to chat about our topic – whether as business owners, employees or potential employees.

“Many thanks to the fantastic staff at Blowouts for their expertise in hair and makeup! They are friendly, timely and very accommodating,” commented Ms. Boyajian.

PWB is the premier professional organization that provides strategies and solutions for professional women in the construction industry. Through various publications, awards, scholarships, seminars and programs, PWB provides women in the industry the professional advantage necessary to excel and succeed.
For more information on PWB, contact Ms. Boyajian at (800) 860-4996 or tboyajian@abcleads.com.

New officers for 2014 – 2016 installedpwb--officers-install-2015

With Immediate Past President Cheryl Boyd, center, at the East Greenwich Yacht Club on June 12th are newly installed Professional Women in Building Council President Tracey Boyajian, left, and Secretary/Treasurer Carol O’Donnell.

The East Greenwich Yacht Club was the scene as the Rhode Island Builders Association’s Professional Women in Building Council (PWB) installed officers for 2014-2016 on June 12th.

“It was a beautiful evening of networking and celebration on the water,” commented Immediate Past President Cheryl Boyd, who was installed as PWB’s state representative to the National Association of Home Builders PWB.

Also installed were Tracey Boyajian of Lead Ventures LLC as president, Joelle Sylvia of The Law Offices of Michael A. Kelly PC as vice president, and Carol O’Donnell of CRM Modular Homes as secretary/treasurer.
Nearly 25 people attended the event.

PWB is always looking for new members to bring their individual and professional talents to the group. PWB facilitates networking with other women in various professions within the housing industry.
The next PWB meeting will take place October 9th, from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m., at Boston Cedar, 80 Hampton Rd., Mansfield, MA 02048.

To find out more about the PWB and how to become a member, contact Tracey Boyajian at (800) 860-4996 or tboyajian@abcleads.com.

PWB becomes an official NAHB council

At the 2014 International Builders Show, the National Association of Home Builders (NAHB) Board of Directors approved a bylaw change dissolving the separate corporate structure of the national PWB. As of March 5th, PWB is now an official NAHB council.

This integration into NAHB’s corporate structure places PWB on an equal footing with other councils and provides a more seamless transition for local and at-large PWB council members to serve in national leadership roles.

Out of the 34 regional and state councils, RIBA’s PWB ranks #15 out of the 34 national councils in 2014.

Professional Women in Building Council wins big at IBS 2014

Receiving two of the national awards presented to RIBA’s Professional Women in Building Council (PWB) in Las Vegas on February 5th is RIBA PWB President Cheryl Boyd, center. With her are Region A PWB TrusteePWB- NAHB- Awards Cindy Cepko, left, and Area 1 Trustee Maria Coutts.

In one of the best showings from the Ocean State in recent years, RIBA’s Professional Women in Building Council (PWB), took home six awards worth $2,175.

At a February 5th awards ceremony and, later, at the NAHB Spike Reception, the national PWB honored RIBA’s PWB with:

  • A plaque and $675 for winning the national membership contest “Back in the Black.” RIBA’s PWB won for its net increase in membership, June-December 2013, in its category.
  • A plaque and a $400 scholarship for placing first in its category for the “Calling all Women” Membership Drive.
  • A $300 scholarship for the highest retention percentage in its category.
  • A “Back in the Black” recognition for PWB President Cheryl Boyd of Arnold Lumber Co. as top national recruiter for most members recruited during a special membership campaign.
  • A $500 Building Hope Scholarship Award for “PWB Spike Rookie of the Year.”
  • A $300 Building Hope Scholarship Award for winning the PWB Spike recognition as top recruiter in Region A.

“The honors won by the fine job Cheryl Boyd and the Professional Women in Building Council have done really brings national distinction to RIBA,” commented President Felix A. Carlone.
The 2015 IBS takes place January 20th-22nd in Las Vegas.