“The Chicago chapter of Professional Women in Construction (PWC) launched in 2021,” says Kasie Mathena, one of the organization’s 14 founding members. “Our parent organization was founded in 1980 to ‘support, advance, and connect women and promote diversity within the architecture, engineering, construction, and related industries.’ 

As the board took shape, we pushed for something more than networking alone. We wanted to do impactful work that would move the needle. While PWC Chicago has been successful in providing well-rounded networking opportunities, our Mentorship, DEI, and Professional Development Committees produce programming that takes the organization to the next level.”

Many of PWC’s board members work for companies that have been long-time supporters of RW and our mission. When RW’s Jackie Gallo and Shamar White were featured on panels at PWC events, the board at large recognized the alignment between our missions.

“Our partnership with Revolution Workshop makes sense because we have complimentary goals and bring different, yet aligned, perspectives. PWC gives people already in AEC a network and a platform to advance, while Revolution Workshop gets people from Chicago’s under-resourced communities into a construction career in the first place. 

Neither of us can build that whole pipeline alone. Together we can have a greater impact on people, our industry, and community.”

“In my role as Senior Manager of Workforce Development,” says Laticia Holbert of ComEd, “I have the privilege of meeting individuals every day who are working hard to build a better future for themselves and their families. Seeing someone gain confidence, develop new skills, land a job, or achieve a goal they once thought was out of reach is incredibly rewarding.

ComEd and Revolution Workshop connected through a shared commitment to creating opportunities for those seeking meaningful careers and economic mobility. More than two decades ago, ComEd joined a coalition of employers focused on building new pathways into technical careers. While there were workforce partners offering training in the trades, there were fewer opportunities for individuals interested in office-based technical roles. We knew that developing an innovative program would require a workforce partner with the right expertise, community trust, and commitment to success.

From the beginning, it was clear that Revolution Workshop was that partner. We were aligned in our belief that talent exists in every community and that, with the right training, support, and opportunity, people can achieve incredible things. 

Together, we helped launch Power Up Academy, creating a pathway into technical roles in the energy industry that can lead to long-term, family-supporting careers. Beyond Power Up Academy, ComEd has also been proud to support Revolution Workshop’s broader efforts to prepare individuals for careers in construction and other infrastructure-related fields.”

It takes a team of talented, motivated people coming together in support, celebration, and collaboration to sustain the kind of hope we’re building here in Chicago. We’re grateful to count PWC and ComEd among our collaborators, and to honor them with this year’s award.

“Hope has been at the center of the partnership from the start,” says Kasie of PWC. “It’s what drew PWC Chicago and Revolution Workshop together, and it’s what has deepened our connection. Both organizations recognize that we’re each leading intersectional lives and intersectional work, and that progress happens when the right people come together.”

“Our partnership has reinforced the idea that investing in people can create lasting change,” explains Laticia of ComEd. “Every graduate, every success story, and every individual who discovers new possibilities for their future represents hope in action. Seeing those outcomes year after year has strengthened our belief in the importance of this work and the impact it can have on individuals, families, and entire communities.”

On October 9th, we hope you’ll join us as we celebrate all that we’ve accomplished together in an evening of great food, all-you-can-hope inspiring stories, and well-deserved awards. 

You’ll have the opportunity to meet and learn more about this year’s honored Employer Partners, as well as our Featured Alumni speakers and so many of the donors and collaborators who make the work we do, and the hope it builds, possible.

Dress is business casual. Hard hats optional.