Join Portland CSI JEDI Committee in partnership with NAWIC 54 and DBIA NW for a Women in Construction Panel Discussion!
Women in Construction Week® taking place March 2nd-6th, 2026 is a nationwide initiative founded by the National Association of Women in Construction, offering events and programs to spotlight the contributions of women in the industry.
This year’s panel will discuss perceptions of femininity and how this plays a role in our every day interactions and ways we can balance our strengths and show imposter syndrome the door!
Be part of the conversation to discover ways to build up women in the AEC industry.
This event proucly supports women-owned businesses! Rae Loft is a women-owned venue and Artemis Foods is a women-owned catering company.
Member Price is for CSI, DBIA, and NAWIC Members
Schedule
4:30 PM - 5:30 PM Happy Hour and Networking
5:30 PM - 6:30 PM - Panel Discussion
Meet our Panel!
Moderator/Subcontractor Owner: Erin Huffard is a community advocate, electrician, CEO, and mother. She purchased Squires Electric in 2023 after nearly 12 years as an employee. She was hired by the previous owner as an electrician in 2011 and was quickly promoted through the ranks to help build the sales and project management teams. She obtained Women-Owned Business Certification for the company in 2023 and 2024 for Oregon and Washington, respectively. She serves on the Board for the Metropolitan Business Association, SW Washington Contractors Association and the Board of their non-profit, SWCA Foundation. She has been nominated for the Greater Vancouver Chamber of Commerce’s Iris Award and twice for the Building Industry Association’s Trailblazer Award. She is dedicated to creating a space in the electrical industry for people of all walks of life to thrive and grow themselves personally, professionally, and economically.
Electrician Tradeswoman: Robin Greene is a Senior Electrician and Preventative Maintenance Coordinator with more than 25 years of hands‑on experience in the electrical trade. She is a licensed journeyman electrician, OSHA certified, and trained in NFPA 70E electrical safety. Robin currently serves as President of OSHE (Oregon Society of Healthcare Engineers), where she focuses on safety education, mentorship, and supporting technicians and engineers across the state. Robin has spoken at conferences, sharing practical knowledge on electrical systems, safety practices, and career development. She is passionate about helping new electricians build confidence, and is especially committed to encouraging more women to explore and thrive in the trades. What drives Robin most is the combination of problem‑solving, safety, and the opportunity to make a real impact on the people she works with every day.
Contractor: Ebony Johnson began her career in construction after graduating from the pre-apprenticeship program at Tongue Point Job Corps Center, where she became the glazing program’s first female shop lead in 2009. She went on to complete and earn journeyman status through a union apprenticeship with the United Brotherhood of Carpenters, working on major public infrastructure projects for Sound Transit, the Washington State Department of Transportation, the City of Seattle, and the Overlook Walk along Seattle’s waterfront. During her apprenticeship, Ebony earned an Associate’s degree through Mt. Hood Community College, before completing her Bachelor’s degree in Construction Management at Rowan University. Now a Project Engineer with Walsh Construction, Ebony has delivered projects for the City of Hillsboro and the City of Portland. She is passionate about mentorship, workforce development, and expanding pathways for women in both the trades and construction leadership
Architect: Cathy Pack is a Principal at SmithGroup and co-chair of the NW DBIA Small Business Engagement & Growth Committee. With a strong belief in the power of collaboration and craft, she is most energized when she’s on the construction site—where design intent becomes reality and partnerships with builders deepen the quality of the work. With more than 25 years of experience as a project architect, Cathy leads the delivery of complex projects across scales with a focus on integrated design, team health, and client-centered outcomes. Her background in history and classical archaeology gives her a wide-frame perspective of built, social, and natural environments. A hands-on designer and humanist, she aims to charm, delight, and instigate curiosity through her work.
Trade School Teacher: Angela Wright has taught at Sabin Schellenberg Professional Technical Center as the Building Construction CTE teacher since 2018. Before teaching, Wright worked as a Residential GC design/builder, furniture maker and boat builder. Formally trained professionally as an architect, she is able to offer high schoolers insight into all phases of construction. She is constantly blown away by how much High Schoolers do SHOW UP and can ACCOMPLISH, if only, one provides the space and opportunity for them to feel seen, respected and valued. The Building Construction Program of Study offers High school students to take up to 4 levels during their four year Highs School experience. In the course, students learn basic woodworking, cabinetry and carpentry concepts. In the upper levels (2,3 & 4th year) they learn more about residential construction systems including foundations, floors, walls, roofs and electrical and plumbing. They learn while in the classroom "lab" at stations as well as real projects they plan and complete for the community. Such projects have been full cabin remodel and bunk design build at Camp Westwind, playhouse for the Education department on campus, a new roof extension at the Land lab, Picnic tables, benches and garden boxes for the Clackamas Service Center. Students graduate from the program with the opportunity to gain College Credit, their OSHA 10 & 30 certificate and Industry Recognized Credentials with Career Connections.
Subcontractor Owner: Stephanie Carkin is a construction industry professional with a focus on workforce development, recruiting, and strategic marketing within the mechanical and plumbing sector. Working with HydroTemp Mechanical, she partners closely with field leaders, engineers, and VDC/BIM teams to help build and support a highly skilled workforce while advancing the company’s presence across the Pacific Northwest. Stephanie is passionate about connecting people to meaningful careers in the trades, strengthening industry partnerships, and promoting innovative delivery methods that bridge construction and technology. Stephanie is current Vice President of Portland NAWIC chapter and 2026 Chair for Associated Builders and Contractors. She is strong advocate for mentorship and community engagement, is dedicated to expanding opportunities for the next generation of construction professionals and supporting initiatives that elevate women and underrepresented groups in the industry.
