Mentorship is one of the foundational principles of the Professional Women in Building Council (PWB). The award-winning PWB Mentorship Program is currently in its third year, and we are immensely proud of the important role this program plays for PWB members within the GHBA.
Female mentorship in traditionally male-dominated industries is essential for fostering inclusive leadership and empowering women to navigate and thrive in environments where they may be underrepresented. It provides crucial guidance, representation, and advocacy, creating a pipeline of diverse talent and reshaping the culture of traditionally male-centric fields.
The PWB Mentorship Program kicks off every January with a pairing event and runs through the end of July with mentors and mentees meeting multiple times a month. The program has grown every year and currently has 12 mentor/mentee pairings.
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When asked why the mentors and mentees chose to participate in the program, many highlighted the opportunity for personal and professional growth with like-minded strong women within the industry.
“A colleague of mine participated in the program last year and had wonderful things to say about her experience,” said one of our mentors. “If I could provide any help from all my years in the industry, I wanted to do so. Lifting up and encouraging women in the industry to expand on their role and grow has always been a goal of mine and this program allows me to do that.”
We caught up with one of our past mentors from Cohort II to reflect back on her experience. “When I look back at my career, the PWB Mentorship Program has been a highlight for me. As a woman who came up in the industry at a time when there were few women in my field, I enjoyed the opportunity to give back to a woman earlier in her career. My mentee and I connected early on, as our personalities and work style were very similar. As we moved through the formal mentorship period, we worked through her goals, and by the end we worked to successfully navigate a job change and growth opportunity for her. Even though the mentorship period has ended, we stay in touch and enjoy our ongoing friendship.”
Many of our pairs don’t see this as just a seven-month commitment, but rather as the start of a long-term relationship. One of our current mentees shared, “I believe my mentor and I have not only learned valuable insights from one another and strategically developed a plan going forward, but have made a lifelong bond that will go on even after our time in the program comes to a close.”
The interest list for Cohort IV in 2026 will officially open on September 1. If you are interested, please reach out to Jennifer Boggs to become part of this life-changing program.
The PWB has a commitment to offering diverse and enriching opportunities for its members. By addressing both professional development and personal growth, the council ensures its members are well-equipped to tackle the challenges and opportunities in the building industry and beyond.