NAWIC Dakota Prairies Chapter Celebrates Second Anniversary, Championing Safety, Mentorship, and Community Impact
- Steve Jurrens
- Nov 17
- 2 min read
Northeast Radio SD News - Henry, SD - The National Association of Women in Construction (NAWIC) Dakota Prairies Chapter 394 recently hosted its anniversary banquet, celebrating two years of immense growth and community impact while engaging in a candid discussion about the future of the construction workforce.
The event, themed "Leveling Up Together," featured opening remarks by Northeast Radio SD co-owner Steve Jurrens and a welcome from Chapter President Rebecca Heustess…
The awards ceremony was led by Della Ray, President of NAWIC Central Missouri Chapter 341. The chapter recognized four individuals and businesses for their dedication and support:
Award | Recipient | Significance |
Changemaker Award | Lana Gardner | Founding member and current Vice President, honored for her steady leadership and compassion. |
Rising Star Award | Leann Jungen | Recognized for her enthusiasm and involvement after just eight months. |
Spirit Award | Alyssa Halling | Honored for her growth and commitment, having served on the board and volunteered tirelessly. |
Ally in Action Award | Codington County Title | The inaugural recipient of this business partnership award. |
National Perspective and Safety Discussion
Jodi Wiemerslage, National President-Elect of NAWIC, addressed the audience, celebrating the local chapter's success…
She delivered a heartfelt message on safety following the recent murder of a tradeswoman, Amber Czech, noting her personal outreach to city leadership to seek ways to improve job site safety for everyone. She encouraged the audience to always "see something, say something."
President Heustess highlighted the chapter’s extensive activity over the past year, showcasing a high level of dedication and community giving...
· Fundraising and Charity: The chapter is planning its annual Turkey Bingo event, which last year raised over $6,000 for the Beacon Center, a non-profit assisting victims of domestic violence. This year, they expanded their efforts to include CASA, aiming to raise over $8,000 to support children in need during the holidays.
· WIC Week: Heustess reminded attendees that Women in Construction (WIC) Week in March was created by NAWIC 27 years ago. Last year, the chapter secured three different proclamations and hosted its popular PPE and Women's Work Grip Fashion Show.
· Networking: The chapter saw active participation in regional and national conferences, sponsored the Watertown Area Chamber of Commerce's Limitless Women Rising Together conference, and attended the Thursday Night Live Manufacturing Night series to engage the public.
The speakers—including Grazzini Brothers’ Jason Moore—stressed the importance of recruiting talent directly from high schools, with Moore reiterating that companies are prepared to "pay you to learn" the trade…
NAWIC Dakota Prairies Chapter 394 Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61551077190981
