Ready to make an impact?
PWC Chicago is powered by seven member-led committees, which are essential to delivering our mission and programming. Each committee is dedicated to maintaining an inclusive culture rooted in mutual respect, collaboration, and professional growth.
PWC Chicago members are invited to get more involved by joining a committee. When you join a committee, you gain hands-on experience building professional skills, expand your network to connect with peers and industry leaders, and help ensure the long-term success of our chapter.
Learn more about the work of each committee below.
Why Join a Committee?
LEADERSHIP DEVELOPMENT
Gain hands-on experience and build professional skills, from public speaking and relationship building to strategic planning and advocacy.
NETWORKING & COLLABORATION
Connect with peers and industry leaders while contributing directly to the vibrant community that defines PWC Chicago.
DRIVE OUR MISSION
Help us create impactful programs, support diverse representation, and ensure the long-term success of our chapter.
The Communications Committee serves as the voice of PWC Chicago, managing the website, social media, newsletters, event invitations, and press releases. The team ensures members, sponsors, and the broader AEC community stay engaged and informed while maintaining a consistent, professional brand. By developing materials that support events, highlight achievements, and promote membership growth, the committee strengthens PWC’s visibility and impact across the region.
Christine McGrath Breuer
Valerio Dewalt Train
The DEI Committee advances diversity, equity, and inclusion through intentional programming that includes both the Candid Convo Series and Meet the Primes events. The Candid Convo Series fosters intimate, meaningful conversations that deepen understanding and support around DEI topics, while the Meet the Primes events are designed to intentionally uplift and empower Minority, Women, and Disadvantaged Business Enterprises (MWDBEs). Together, these initiatives create a dynamic foundation for fostering connection, growth, and equity within the construction community.
The committee partners with other committees to brainstorm and evaluate their initiatives through a DEI lens, ensuring that inclusivity is embedded thoughtfully throughout the organization’s efforts.Â
Jenny Keuther
Syska Hennessy Group
Jen Vogel
The Membership Committee’s initiatives focus on fostering an inclusive and engaged community, broadening outreach efforts, and re-engaging past members. Throughout the year, the committee hosts Prospective Member events designed to expand and diversify the organization's membership base and welcome to new participants to PWC.
The committee supports efforts to build meaningful connections and promotes active involvement by preparing new member welcome kits and engaging in personal outreach to welcome new & engage renewing members. The Membership Committee attends many PWC events, fostering a culture of sustainable growth, strengthened connections, and active participation across the organization.
Megan Kane
Langan
Kathy MacIntosh
HorizonWorks
The PWC Chicago Mentorship Committee works to promote women in the trades, construction, architectural, and engineering industries by providing ways for experienced and emerging professionals to engage in meaningful relationships that foster growth and confidence.
This committee is organized into subcommittees that focus on specific endeavors to promote & advance women in the industries. They engage PWC Members and the larger community through formal mentorship programs, Pop Up Happy Hour events, K-12 and college engagement, and professional peer-to-peer volunteer, support, and networking.
Hannah Lux
The Professional Development Committee is focused on curating high-quality educational programming for PWC Chicago members. The committee supports career advancement by offering industry specific trainings and hands-on workshops. Courses fall into three areas of advancement: Professional Skills, Industry in Focus, and Executive Development.
By evaluating member interest and engaging active member and sponsor companies, the Professional Development Committee provides courses that meet the industry's needs, helping members grow confidently while developing a well-rounded understanding of the industry. The committee plans and hosts the Professional Development courses seasonally.
Sarah McLain
HOK
The Programs Committee is at the heart of PWC Chicago's mission-driven events, designing programming that brings members, guests, and the public together for networking, professional development, and industry education. With a focus on topics that resonate with the local AEC community, the committee ensures that each event delivers value, fosters connection, and reflects the priorities of our members. From panels and socials to specialized gatherings, the committee plays a key role in creating opportunities for meaningful engagement.
This team leads all aspects of event planning, from securing dynamic speakers and selecting venues to coordinating catering and shaping event schedules. The committee is committed to introducing fresh programming formats, strengthening partnerships with industry leaders, and continuing to highlight timely issues and innovations. By blending educational content with networking opportunities, the Programs Committee ensures that PWC Chicago events remain relevant, impactful, and reflective of the needs of our growing community.
Michelle Koclanis
Cullen Construction Management
Vicki Lezon
SPONSORSHIP COMMITTEE
The Sponsorship Committee plays a vital role in advancing the mission of Professional Women in Construction by cultivating relationships and securing the resources needed to sustain impactful programming, networking opportunities, and career development initiatives. Through strategic partnering efforts, the committee ensures that sponsors not only contribute financially but also become active partners showing their support in promoting equity, inclusion, and growth across the industry.
Supporting women in construction at every stage of their careers—from students and emerging professionals to seasoned leaders—is essential to building a stronger, more diverse, and innovative industry. The committee’s initiatives help remove barriers, celebrate achievements, and create pathways for women to thrive in all areas of construction and the built environment. Each sponsorship dollar raised directly empowers women to connect, lead, and shape the future of the industry in the Chicagoland area.
Julie Lardenoit
Stantec