Hilti North America, one of 
WiOPS treasured supporters, recently sponsored the MARC (Men Advocating for Real Change) Leaders Workshop in Orange County. This two-day workshop was designed to enable emerging and senior male leaders to develop critical inclusive-leadership strategies; sharpen awareness of inequalities, unconscious biases, and privilege; and hone skills to make a lasting impact. Additionally, the workshop provides participants with tools to put into practice at their companies and within the construction industry.
Traci Wincup, Division Manager at Hilti North America, attended the event along with other executive leaders from several construction firms who came together to learn more about how to be advocates for change within our organizations and our industry.
“The MARC workshop was an eye-opening experience for all attendees – men and women alike,” says Wincup. While she explained that the workshop provided insight into the challenges many women face while trying to advance their careers, it also came as a shock to her that there are many challenges she doesn’t even recognize herself, although she has been in the industry for more than 15 years.
“The workshop was a good reminder of how I can get more actively involved in supporting other women who face similar challenges,” explained Wincup. “The strategies I took away from the event underscore the importance of groups like WiOPS, which play a key role in mentoring and educating women, as well as give us [women] a stronger voice in the industry.”
Traci’s wish is that we all come together to make the construction industry a much more attractive place for women to both start careers and grow into executive leadership positions. “I also hope that this workshop and others like it lead to an ongoing conversation where we can support each other’s efforts and learn from our experiences along the way,” she concludes.
Learn more about MARC Workshops put on by Catalyst, as well as their other services that promote workplaces that work for women here: Catalyst