Habitat Pinellas and West Pasco is excited to join the National Association of Women in Construction (NAWIC) in celebrating Women in Construction (WIC) Week March 6th – 12th, 2022. WIC Week raises awareness of the opportunities available for women in the construction industry and emphasizes the growing role of women in the industry. This year’s theme is “Envision Equity”. NAWIC’s President chose this theme because she wants NAWIC’s mission to not only focus on bringing equity to women, but to everyone in the industry.
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the construction industry is comprised of only 11.0% women, making it one of the most male dominated career fields in 2021. Even less than this percentage is the number of women working on the front line of the job sites – only 1 out of every 100 women. In honor of Women in Construction Week, Habitat for Humanity of Pinellas & West Pasco Counties would like to highlight one of our Hammers & Heels volunteers and supporters, Denise Peske. Our affiliate is proud to have such generous support from a woman with extensive experience in the construction field.
Denise is the Office Manager for Tibbetts Lumber Co. and is responsible for the administration side of the truss business at their Largo facility. “My role is to build a strong administrative team and implement policies and procedures to help the overall facility to grow,” Denise says. While she has only been in her current position for two months, she has worked with Tibbetts for over 26 years with various roles in different departments. “Some of my previous roles include purchasing, outside sales, retail facility manager for our Grand Cayman home center, and human resources manager for the company.” Her proudest moment in the industry is watching employees who she has trained move up in the company and earn new opportunities.
“To women considering entering the construction field:
You should know that this industry is growing with successful women. This includes women owned construction businesses, outside sales positions, in the labor and manufacturing force, senior management roles, as well as administratively.”
Denise signed up to volunteer with Habitat in 2014 to learn more about the construction side of the business through building homes while also volunteering at the same time. “Over the years, it has become more of a passion to help others have a safe and affordable home,” Denise says. Our affiliate is extremely grateful for all the time, dedication, and support she has given to our mission. Thank you, Denise, for all your hard work and dedication!
“Home means have a safe, peaceful, and happy place to be with your family.”
Interested in joining Hammers & Heels along Denise? Learn more here, and contact Development Officer, Devin West, at dwest@habitatpwp.org with any questions.