Floor SpeechCeremonial2025-03-10

HONORING THE 40TH ANNIVERSARY OF WOMEN CONSTRUCTION OWNERS AND EXECUTIVES

Context

On 2025-03-10, Representative Sharice Davids (D-KS-3) delivered a floor speech titled "HONORING THE 40TH ANNIVERSARY OF WOMEN CONSTRUCTION OWNERS AND EXECUTIVES" in the House.

Full Text

Congressional Record, Volume 171 Issue 44 (Monday, March 10, 2025) [Congressional Record Volume 171, Number 44 (Monday, March 10, 2025)] [Extensions of Remarks] [Page E196] From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [ www.gpo.gov ] HONORING THE 40TH ANNIVERSARY OF WOMEN CONSTRUCTION OWNERS AND EXECUTIVES ______ HON. SHARICE DAVIDS of kansas in the house of representatives Monday, March 10, 2025 Ms. DAVIDS of Kansas. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to congratulate Women Construction Owners and Executives, or WCOE for short, on the organization's 40th anniversary. Forty years ago, a group of forward- thinking women construction entrepreneurs came together to help each other succeed in a competitive and male-dominated industry. Their goal was to promote business opportunities for each other and, as a result, formed WCOE. Today, WCOE is recognized as a leading national voice advocating for women business owners and executives in the construction industry. From its humble beginnings as a small group of women entrepreneurs, WCOE has developed into a powerful and influential nationwide network of local chapters. True to its goal of supporting women in the construction industry, WCOE members continue to mentor each other, sharing their knowledge, experiences, and resources to help one another thrive. This culture of mentorship has been instrumental in fostering a strong sense of community and empowerment among women construction professionals. Through various programs and initiatives, WCOE provides its members with the support they need to succeed, from business development and networking opportunities to educational resources and industry insights. WCOE has also been at the forefront of advocating for policies that recognize women in construction and promote equal opportunities within the industry. For example, WCOE was at the forefront of a hard-fought effort to mitigate fraud in the Women-Owned Small Business Program by eliminating self-certification. WCOE was also an early supporter of the Smithsonian American Women's History Museum to recognize the women who helped build this Nation, literally and figuratively. I applaud this strong group of women, who continue to be a resource and an inspiration to other women in the industry. Their dedication, resilience, and vision have paved the way for future generations of women in construction. As we celebrate WCOE's 40th anniversary, let us recognize and honor the remarkable achievements of this organization. Together, we can build a brighter and more inclusive future for women in the construction industry. ____________________

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HONORING THE 40TH ANNIVERSARY OF WOMEN CONSTRUCTION OWNERS AND EXECUTIVES Congressional Record, Volume 171 Issue 44 (Monday, March 10, 2025) [Congressional Record Volume 171, Number 44 (Monday, March 10, 2025)] [Extensions of Remarks] [Page E196] From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [ www.gpo.gov ] HONORING THE 40TH ANNIVERSARY OF WOMEN CONSTRUCTION OWNERS AND EXECUTIVES ______ HON. SHARICE DAVIDS of kansas in the house of representatives Monday, March 10, 2025 Ms. DAVIDS of Kansas. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to congratulate Women Construction Owners and Executives, or WCOE for short, on the organization's 40th anniversary. Forty years ago, a group of forward- thinking women construction entrepreneurs came together to help each other succeed in a competitive and male-dominated industry. Their goal was to promote business opportunities for each other and, as a result, formed WCOE. Today, WCOE is recognized as a leading national voice advocating for women business owners and executives in the construction industry. From its humble beginnings as a small group of women entrepreneurs, WCOE has developed into a powerful and influential nationwide network of local chapters. True to its goal of supporting women in the construction industry, WCOE members continue to mentor each other, sharing their knowledge, experiences, and resources to help one another thrive. This culture of mentorship has been instrumental in fostering a strong sense of community and empowerment among women construction professionals. Through various programs and initiatives, WCOE provides its members with the support they need to succeed, from business development and networking opportunities to educational resources and industry insights. WCOE has also been at the forefront of advocating for policies that recognize women in construction and promote equal opportunities within the industry. For example, WCOE was at the forefront of a hard-fought effort to mitigate fraud in the Women-Owned Small Business Program by eliminating self-certification. WCOE was also an early supporter of the Smithsonian American Women's History Museum to recognize the women who helped build this Nation, literally and figuratively. I applaud this strong group of women, who continue to be a resource and an inspiration to other women in the industry. Their dedication, resilience, and vision have paved the way for future generations of women in construction. As we celebrate WCOE's 40th anniversary, let us recognize and honor the remarkable achievements of this organization. Together, we can build a brighter and more inclusive future for women in the construction industry. ____________________