National Association of Women in Construction

 Kelly Phelan

I nominate Kelly Phelan for recognition as Member of the Year. I have had the pleasure of mentoring Kelly. And I’m so proud of her desire and commitment to take on the role of President in two years! Board service comes with its own challenges, and Kelly has not shied away or complained when things got tough. Kelly has served on our WIC Week Committee for the past two years and helped plan wonderful events that brought together all sectors of our construction industry. She plans to continue her WIC Week role and bring back the I4 Tour, giving members and prospective members the opportunity to see the amazing progress. She also serves as Chair of our Attendance Committee, and was previously co-chair.  She also understands how to use the programming/back end of our website to promote events, plan registration, coordinate with the venue for dinner meetings and more. She volunteered at Block Kids this year, and judged the 5th grade entries. She loved that event! Really, where didn’t we see Kelly?!

Her goal for 2020-2021 is to support the organization and especially Nancy Massingill through planning the installation dinner and help make this coming year a success for our entire chapter.

Pat Walker

Pat Walker was one of two ladies who invited me to join NAWIC. She has as much “NAWIC FIRE” in her blood as any member I’ve met.  She exudes passion for NAWIC and, as a member since 1989, she knows the parliamentary rules as well as the history of our chapter and the organization as a whole.  She has keen insight into what makes our chapter a success. She is a gracious winner and also a formidable opponent when need be. I can’t think of any meeting, event, forum, annual planning conference, or AMEC I have attended that Pat wasn’t there from start to finish.  She was the NAWIC Education Foundation President years ago, and I’ll never forget the introductory speech she gave, titled “Wisdom of the Geese:” She encouraged “Formation Flying,” to create uplift for those behind us; sharing the importance of “Accepting and Giving Help,” allowing everyone a chance to lead (“Everyone Leads”), to find our own rhythm and voice as we “Honk and Encourage;” and to stay together in “Good Times or Bad,” helping each other until the end, no matter the journey. 

THIS IS PAT WALKER. In total, Pat embodies THE ESSENCE OF NAWIC--she has been an amazing leader--and follower--of the Chapter 73 “flock,” and I can’t think of anyone more deserving than her to win the Member of the Year award.

Let’s not let her retire without receiving this much-deserved recognition!

Cathy Hotaling

I would like to nominate Cathy Hotaling for Rookie of the year. Cathy steps up to every challenge that she is given and is positive about everything she does in NAWIC. She stepped up to a board position, chaired the eNewsletter, has assisted with attendance and helped plan the WIC Week Social at Mills and Nebraska. Cathy is a wonderful member of the NAWIC Orlando Chapter!

Laurie Soleim As soon as Laurie became a member of the Greater Orlando Chapter, she became an incredible asset. Laurie immediately stepped in to help anywhere she could: photographing monthly membership dinners, capturing our annual Block Kids Competition and numerous other events, and compiling those moments to create our Chapter’s annual video contest for National consideration. It never fails that wherever our Chapter goes, Laurie is there. Her positivity and smile is contagious and her dedication is admirable. I can’t wait to see what the future holds for her as a member of the Greater Orlando Ch. 73!