The focus of Women in Construction (WIC) Week is to highlight women as a viable component of the construction industry. WIC Week also provides an occasion for NAWIC’s thousands of members across the country to raise awareness of the opportunities available for women in the construction industry and to emphasize the growing role of women in the industry. It is also a time for local chapters to give back to their communities.
Want to Attend more than one event?
reGister for multiple events at once!
SunDAY 3/2 @ 10 am : Soulful sunday @ The Y Bar
at The Y Bar, 347 MLK Jr Blvd, Savannah, Georgia
Kick off the week of activities with a centering yoga class with Wesley Bowers of The Y Bar. This is a chance to nourish your spirit. Class will help to cultivate mindfulness and inner peace as you connect breath with movement, finding harmony within. Class is $28 and includes a beverage at the end of class.
BOOK ONLINE AT Y BAR
MONDAY 3/3 @ 5:30pm : WIC WEEK Kick-off Cocktails
at Sandpiper Supply, 4101 Bull Street, Savannah, Georgia, sponsored by Sandpiper Supply
Join us for a chance to kick off WIC week by connecting, conversing and cocktails. Crowd voted cocktail competition between NAWIC member business signature cocktails with winner getting the NAWIC Cup for the year. Oh and LOTS of bragging rights! RSVP and ticket price includes light bites, samples of all the competing cocktails and a raffle ticket for winning one of the fabulous prizes! Thanks to our member cocktail drink competitors!
KICK-OFF COCKTAILS TICKETS
TUESDAY 3/4 @ 11 AM - United Way’s Women Who Rule Luncheon
at Savannah Convention Center, 1 International Dr, Savannah, GA 31421
(Please allow yourself enough time for parking and shuttle transport to the venue)
WOMEN UNITED® hosts their annual Women Who Rule Luncheon to celebrate working together to improve lives by providing access to safe and reliable transportation to those in need throughout the Coastal Empire. In addition to honoring the Woman of the Year, the luncheon will feature a panel of incredible women leaders highlighting stories of hope and triumph. The proceeds from Women Who Rule are dedicated to WOMEN UNITED®’s mission to improve lives and provide access to reliable transportation.
NAWIC has become a Bronze sponsor to support the efforts of United Way and we have limited seats at our sponsored table. They will go fast so don’t miss out on a chance to enjoy this amazing and inspiring event!
GET A SEAT AT OUR NAWIC TABLE
TUESDAY 3/4 @ 3 pm : City Hall Tour with Ethos Preservation
at Savannah City Hall, 2 East Bay Street
City of Savannah’s City Hall, one of Savannah’s most iconic buildings and the seat of Savannah’s government, was built between 1904 – 1906 and is located at 2 East Bay Street in Savannah. The building, a contributing building to Savannah’s National Landmark Historic District, is six stories high, rising from River Street with a basement (including an ADA accessible entrance), sub-basement, visitor/main entrance off Bay Street, and four main floors used for municipal operations.
Since original construction and beyond regular maintenance, minor repairs, and the installation of modern systems, no formal interior restoration of the building has ever been completed. There are materials that have deteriorated and been damaged over time; there are missing original architectural details; there has been some inappropriate use of space and the inclusion of non-original appurtenances. Additionally, the building has some temperature and humidity control issues.
As the lead consultant for the project, Ethos Preservation is managing the design and construction administration of the building's interior restoration. Spaces within the scope of work include, but are not limited to, the first-floor entrance lobby, the rotunda (accessible at four floors), the building’s main stairwell (accessible at six floors), Council chambers, corridors, and the west half of the first floor.
Additional project team members include Architectural Collaborative, Method Engineering, Tharpe Engineering, and Shamrock+.
Sign up for City hall tour
TUESDAY 3/4 @ 4:00pm - SBAC Construction Industry Workshop: Workforce Recruitment and Retention Strategies
at Savannah Civic Center, 301 West Oglethorpe Avenue, Savannah [Online attendance is an option]
Jenna Barzaga, Commercial and Residential Real Estate Agent at Parker Scott Properties is the guest speaker for this week’s workshop with the SBAC. This session focuses on how to learn effective strategies for building and retaining a skilled workforce, a crucial asset for any construction company aiming for growth.
REgister at the SBAC website
Wednesday, 3/5 @ 11 AM : JObSite Tour with Be Smart Home Solutions
at Adams Building, 20 Interchange Drive, Savannah
In celebration of WIC Week, we're offering a unique opportunity to tour the Floyd Adams Junior Complex, the third City of Savannah building to achieve 100% sustainability with solar power! This tour will provide a firsthand look at the newly installed solar panel system and its role in reducing the building's environmental impact.During the tour, you'll: learn about the City of Savannah's sustainability goals and initiatives, gain insights into sustainable building practices, see the solar panels up close and understand how they generate clean energy, discover the installation process and the technology behind solar power systems, hear from Nicole Lee involved in the project and ask questions. Don't miss this chance to learn about the exciting advancements in sustainable construction!
Join the Tour!
WEDNESDAY, 3/5 @ 5:30 PM : Wine Down Wednesday
at Oak36, 5500 Abercorn Street, suite 36
Our Wine Down Wednesday event has gotten better with age! This year we welcome four panelists and our moderator with the theme of Blueprints for Her Future : Women Shaping Space + Story. This event is co-hosted with IIDA GA Coastal Empire City Center and Habitat for Humanity.
Moderated by Chelsea Phillips. Confirmed panelists are : Christina Gonano, Sarah Ward, Ashley Scott and Esma Dengiz Olin.
About our Moderator
Chelsea Phillips
Chelsea Phillips isn’t just one of Savannah’s hardest-working real estate pros—she’s a true advocate for her clients and community. She believes real estate isn’t just about buying and selling; it’s about making smart financial moves that align with your goals.
Real estate runs in her blood—growing up with two Atlanta brokers as parents, Chelsea developed a passion for the industry early on. She sharpened her skills at the University of Georgia, earning degrees in Marketing, Psychology, and Real Estate, giving her a unique edge in understanding both markets and people.
Her expertise extends beyond traditional sales—she has a deep understanding of construction, renovations, and new developments, making her an invaluable partner for buyers, sellers, and builders alike. Whether helping clients navigate the complexities of a new build, assessing the value of a renovation, or marketing a development for maximum return, Chelsea’s insight ensures a seamless process.
Her dedication has earned her a loyal client base, the title of Savannah’s Best Real Estate Agent (Connect Savannah Magazine) for the past 12 years, and a spot in the prestigious Distinguished Sales Society. Beyond business, Chelsea is all about giving back. She leads an incredible real estate team that delivers top-tier service while also making a difference—donating a portion of commissions to local nonprofits.
When you work with Chelsea, you’re not just getting an agent—you’re getting a knowledgeable, trusted partner who truly cares.
About out Panelists
Christina Gogano, IIDA, ASID, RID, NCIDQ
Christina Gonano is a Registered Interior Designer in the state of Georgia, bringing extensive leadership experience and academic expertise to the field. As a Past President of the IIDA Georgia Chapter, she has demonstrated her commitment to advancing the interior design profession through strategic initiatives and community engagement. Currently serving as the IIDA Georgia Coastal Empire City Center Director, Christina continues to foster connections among design professionals and strengthen the design community in the Savannah area.
In addition to her professional leadership roles, Christina shares her expertise and passion for design as a Professor of Interior Design at the Savannah College of Art and Design (SCAD). At SCAD, she helps shape the next generation of interior designers by incorporating real-world experience and industry insights into the classroom.
Her dual roles in professional practice and academia uniquely position Christina to bridge the gap between design education and industry demands, ensuring that emerging designers are well-prepared for the evolving challenges of the profession.
Sarah Ward, AICP, LEED AP
Sarah Ward is the President and Preservation Principal for Ward Architecture + Preservation. She specializes in historic building assessments, rehabilitation plans, historic preservation tax credits, review of local and national preservation standards and guidelines, documentation and research. Sarah has over 25 years of experience in historic preservation in the Southeastern United States.
Originally from Tennessee, she moved to Savannah in 1999 to attain her Masters degree from the Savannah College of Art and Design. She fell in love with the city and aspired to move back to Savannah in 2005 where she began work as a planner and later Director of Historic Preservation at the Chatham County-Savannah Metropolitan Planning Commission. She now works with her husband and a great preservation team for firm she helped create in 2010 working on select projects throughout the region.
Sarah is a registered member of the American Institute of Certified Planners (AICP), local, state and national preservation organizations, and serves on the Preservation Grant Committee for the Fox Theatre Institute. She is a mom to two amazing high schoolers and plays as much tennis as possible.
Esma B. Dengiz Olin
Esma’s career background has been a mixture of teaching and lighting design consultancy. After graduating with a master of science degree from The School of the Art Institute of Chicago, she taught at the Savannah College of Art and Design’s (SCAD) interior design department in Savannah, GA for fifteen years. During 2019-2022 while living in Ankara Türkiye, she joined Bilkent Üniversity as a faculty member and lecturer in the interior architecture & environmental design department, where she is also an alumni. After returning to Savannah, she continued teaching at Georgia Southern University’s interior design department ın Statesboro GA. In 2024, she turned her full time focus into her freelance practice in lighting design consultancy, which she had been practicing along with her teaching career. Esma also serves as the International Association of Lighting Designers’ (IALD) Education Trust’s scholarship committee chair, helping the organization fund talented graduate and undergraduate lighting students around the globe. Esma has two children, and has a passion for painting, art, education, nature walks, traveling, and reading.
Ashley Scott
Ashley Davis Scott is from Richmond, Virginia, but resides in Savannah, GA. She received a Bachelor’s and Master’s from Georgia Institute of Technology in Building Construction. Currently, Ashley is president of SDG Construction Services, Inc. SDG has completed successful projects providing general construction, project management and project controls in the southern region. Prior to the start of SDG Construction Services, Inc., Ashley spent over 20 years working for large general contractors, building large multi-family, commercial and healthcare projects. Over the years, she has gained extensive experience and has been able to successfully manage projects ranging in cost of over $50M.
Ashley credits her passion for construction and accomplishments to her parents and husband, Langston R. Davis Sr., Beverly B. Davis and Eric Scott Jr. for giving her the unconditional love, strength and guidance to continue on the journey as an African-American woman in the construction industry. Having her father as a role model as he ran one of the oldest commercial construction company in the Mid-Atlantic, presenting over 100 years of continuous and exceptional service was a true honor and blessing for her to witness.
Ashley’s hobbies are reading books, and going to the beach with her daughters, Hannah and Hailey. Watching her daughters laugh, smile and enjoying life brings tremendous joy to her heart. Ashley is also a part of three (3) women's construction groups – NAWIC (National Association of Women in Construction), GWC (Greater Women's Council) and NABWIC (National Association of Black Women In Construction).
Wine Down Wednesday TICkets
Thursday, 3/6 @ 10 AM : hard hat tour with AIA Savannah
at The Manger Building, 7 East Congress Street, Savannah
Choate Construction with the vision of Left Lane Hospitality Group is transforming Savannah’s Manger Building, into the flagship property for its newest brand, Recess Hotel & Club. Set to debut in early 2026, Recess will be a new kind of lifestyle hotel and clubhouse—a coveted 221-room hideaway for members, locals and guests, complete with co-working spaces, a rooftop pool and bar, circuit-based spa and fitness facility, two-story event space, classic French brasserie and more.
Please wear closed toe shoes, safety vest, hard hat and safety glasses.
Architect : Lisa Pinyan of LS3P
RSVP for Choate hard hat tour
Friday 3/7 @ 2 pm : Repurpose Volunteer Day
at RePurpose Yard, 2302 East Gwinnett Street, Savannah
Repurpose is a small crew and depend on our volunteers for support to keep historic Savannah out of the landfill. We have volunteer opportunities that include denailing old growth wood, processing historic doors, and more at the Yard! Come to bond with your NAWIC sisters while helping at one of our member businesses for a couple hours. Learn about the work of RePurpose at their beautiful marsh side lumber yard and workspace.
Reserve your VOLUNTEER SPOT!
Friday, 3/7 @4:30 PM : Pack attack with Blessings in a bookbag
at The Y Bar, 347 MLK Jr Blvd, Savannah, Georgia
Join us at the Y Bar to help stuff backpacks for those kids in our community with food insecurity. We will be packing up healthy meals and snacks with Blessings in a Bookbag. Founded by Weslyn “Mahogany” Bowers in 2011, Blessings in a Book Bag (BIBB) is a 501c3 non-profit organization based out of Savannah. BIBB feeds over 100 students and families at Otis Brock Elementary school and families throughout our city. It is designed to feed elementary school children whose families have little or no food to eat on the weekends. The organization serves by feeding over 130 at-need children every Friday. Blessings In A Book Bag also serves as a local pantry for those in the community that is in need of food services. Additionally, the organization provides school supplies, school uniforms, and other necessities for school. This allows kids to enjoy being kids and focus on schoolwork with a little less worry.
JOin us for the Pack Attack!
Saturday, 3/8 @ 9 AM :Touch a Truck Event with Savannah Junior League
at The Oglethorpe Mall,
Touch-a-Truck is a family-friendly, hands-on event that offers opportunities for children to explore, climb and touch trucks of all kinds, including emergency response vehicles, heavy machinery, and other equipment.
Your little ones will also have the opportunity to meet the personnel who protect, serve, and build our community. Learning will come alive when children connect these gigantic vehicles to our local economy and possible careers like farming, manufacturing, construction, and public service.
TOuch a TrucK Tickets Coming Soon!
OTHER MARCH EVENTS :
Tuesday 3/25 @ 11:30 AM : Scholarship LunchEON
at Savannah Golf Club, 1601 East President Street, Savannah, Georgia
Join our group for networking + lunch. We will be presenting scholarship checks and launching our NAWIC Grant Program for members. We will also be highlighting the credential programs offered by NAWIC.
We will be doing our annual Women In Business profile photo immediately following the meeting at 1 pm. Every May./June issue of Savannah Magazine features a special advertising feature called Women In Business. For years, NAWIC has purchased a full page profile to highlight our group and the women in business from a construction perspective. Each participant pays for a portion of the full page profile to help cover the hosts of the advertisement. The profile language features information about NAWIC. All participants are identified on the photo with first and last names as well as your company’s name. See last year’s profile HERE for an example.