Level Up, Build Strong! 2026 Winter Newsletter
President's Report
Happy New Year, NAWIC Philadelphia Chapter 145 Members!
As we step into this new year, I want to begin by wishing each of you a happy, healthy, and successful New Year. I am truly excited about what lies ahead for our chapter and the opportunities we have to continue growing, learning, and supporting one another as Women in Construction.
As we move forward, I want to be very intentional about encouraging member engagement and leadership. Our chapter’s success depends on all of us stepping up, sharing our talents, and getting involved. We need members to join committees, lend their voices, and help drive the work of the chapter.
NAWIC Philadelphia is strongest when we work together — and we truly cannot do this work alone.
I encourage each of you to make the most out of your NAWIC experience. Whether that means joining a committee, attending meetings regularly, participating in events, or stepping into a leadership role, there is a place for everyone to contribute and grow.
Please note the following meeting information for the year ahead:
* Chapter meetings will be held on the 2nd Thursday on a bi-monthly basis (starting next month)
* Meeting times will alternate between 8:30 AM and 3:00 PM
*A calendar invite will be sent out to ensure you can plan accordingly
This structure is designed to provide flexibility while maximizing participation, and we look forward to seeing strong attendance and engagement throughout the year.
Thank you for your continued commitment to NAWIC Philadelphia Chapter 145. I am confident that together, we will make this a year of impact, connection, and progress.
Here’s to a powerful year ahead — let’s Elevate The Experience in 2026 and get to work!
Welcome New Members
Dear New Member,
On behalf of the members of NAWIC Philadelphia Chapter 145, we are thrilled to welcome you to our community! Your decision to join us is the first step in what we know will be an enriching and empowering journey in the construction industry.
Our new Membership Chairperson is Abby Weinberg. Abby is diligently working behind the scenes to develop a more robust onboarding process for our new members. If you are interested in joining to Membership Committee, please reach out to Abby at [email protected]
We Value Your Support and Ideas We are excited to have your support and can’t wait to see the unique perspectives and ideas you bring to the table. Your voice matters, and we encourage you to share your thoughts, participate in discussions, and contribute to our collective mission of empowering women in construction.
Connect and Collaborate: NAWIC is all about building strong connections and fostering a supportive network. Take advantage of the many opportunities to meet fellow members, exchange knowledge, and build lasting relationships. Whether it’s through our events, meetings, or community projects, there are countless ways to get involved and make meaningful connections.
Join a Committee in 2026: We highly encourage you to enhance your experience by joining one of our committees. Whether your interest lies in finance, membership, professional development, events, communications, or community outreach, there’s a place for you to make an impact. Committee participation is a fantastic way to develop your leadership skills, collaborate on exciting projects, and play an active role in shaping the future of our chapter.
Looking Ahead: As we embark on an exciting year filled with opportunities for growth, learning, and service, we are grateful to have you with us. Together, we will continue to break barriers, support each other, and lead the way in the construction industry.
Thank you for joining NAWIC Philadelphia Chapter 145. We look forward to seeing you at our upcoming events and working alongside you to achieve great things!
Chapter Updates & Highlights
To recap the end of the year, we held our installation dinner in October, which welcomed several new individuals to the Board of Directors. Those individuals include Ali Keyser, Jackie Erley, Nanette Holland-Rowsey, and Mary Fisher. Our closing event for the year was the holiday party.
With a new year, comes a new set of energy and we are excited for the events we have planned!! The Chapter has created an action pack for Women In Construction Week. WIC Week will have a variety of events that include a Kick-Off Breakfast, a partnership with the Princeton Chapter, a mindset workshop, a volunteer opportunity, a mental health seminar, a mentoring Q&A, and a happy hour.
In this newsletter, we wanted to highlight some accomplishments and events that were attended by our members.
Jenn Kopsie recently completed and passed her Certified Safety Professional. Jenn has been excelling in her new position as Director of Safety at Lily Project Services.
In August, several members of our chapter attended NAWIC Annual National Conference in Boston. In September, another member attended the Tradeswomen Build Nations (TWBN) Conference in Chicago.
Recent Meetings and Key Takeaways
The Board of Directors met on January 7, 2026 to discuss the 2025-2026 program year. There will be more events and activities this year and the Board members are committed to soliciting help from members to develop the Chapter’s committees.
Calendar of Events
All events will be on a rotational schedule in an attempt to benefit our membership. For more information about upcoming events, please visit the website and see what we have planned. NAWIC Philadelphia Event Page
- Chapter Meeting- February 12, 2026 @ 3:00pm (Virtual)
- 1st Quarter Breakfast Series is on February 19, 2026 at 7:30am. Please visit our website to register
- Virtual workshop- Spring 2026
- Professional Development – Spring 2026
- Chapter 145 Annual Boot Ball- September 2026
WIC WEEK Events
Please visit our website for more information on events and activities.
Please contact Jenn Kopsie at jkopsie@lilyprojectservices.
Member Spotlight
Ali Keyser
Manager, Marcum LLP, Construction CPA
Ali is a Manager at Marcum LLP. Ali began her career in public accounting at KPMG in 2016 and started specializing in construction in 2022. A native of Ocean City, Ali attended Rutgers University, where she played field hockey.
When asked what she enjoys most about working in construction, Ali shared that her clients see her as a trusted advisor and that she loves working with numbers tied to tangible projects Outside of work, Ali enjoys spending time with her husband, their dogs, and their one-year-old son. They love being outdoors, and you can often find Ali on the golf course with her husband.
Project Spotlight
Transforming Tradition into Modern Elegance: Nanette Holland-Rowsey’s Center City Renovation
Owners Rep Inc, serving as Construction Manager, partnered with Project Manager Wanda Ortiz of PRDR Inc and Designer Emily Oleaga-Talley of Floss Barber Inc to deliver a remarkable renovation of a stately Center City residence. Contracted by Nanette Holland-Rowsey, the project reimagined classic spaces with modern sophistication.
Highlights include the complete transformation of a traditional Walnut Kitchen—taken down to the bare frame and rebuilt into a sleek, high-end culinary space. In the Primary Bath, a dated four-person jacuzzi tub and shower gave way to a spa-inspired retreat featuring heated floors, a custom vanity, stone enclosures, and
a private commode area.
The living spaces were opened by removing the wall between the Living and Dining Rooms, with a new arched entryway echoing the home’s accented bookcases, creating a warm and inviting flow. Additional updates included new Red Oak hardwood flooring, refreshed powder and guest baths, and modern lighting
throughout.
This collaboration showcases how thoughtful design and precise construction can breathe new life into historic architecture—balancing timeless character with contemporary comfort.
Nanette Holland-Rowsey
Owners Rep Inc.
Before
After
Committee Corner
We are excited to announce our committee chairs for 2026!
As the new year is upon us, so is the opportunity to become further involved with the NAWIC Philadelphia Chapter 145. Each individual brings their own valuable skills. With your interaction, our chapter can become stronger than what it already is!!
The different committees of the chapter are listed below:
- Awards & Contest
- Chapter Development
- Diversity, Equity, & Inclusion (DEI)
- Emerging Professionals
- Legislative & Industry Issues
- Marketing
- Membership
- Professional Development & Education
- Safety & Health Awareness
- Sustainability
- Tradeswomen
If you are interested in joining please reach out to the following, please reach out to any board of director.
Marketing Chair – Janice Brasher - Chairperson ([email protected]) and Mary Fisher - Chairperson ([email protected])
Membership Chair – Abby Wienberg - Chairperson ([email protected])
Tradeswomen Chair – Jackie Erley - Chairperson ([email protected])
PD&E Chair – Ali Keyser - Chairperson ([email protected])
Northeast Region News Corner
NAWIC Northeast Region Spring Forum
This annual event brings together professionals, business leaders and industry partners from across the region for education, networking, and the celebration of women in construction.
Get Involved
Your NAWIC experience is what you make it.
Join a committee!
Attend meetings!
Volunteer for initiatives!
Share our expertise!
Let’s continue to Elevate the Experience—together.
Stay Connected
Website: NAWIC Philadelphia Chapter 145
Email: [email protected]
Social Media: Instagram : nawic_phillychapter145
LinkedIn : (70) NAWIC Philadelphia Chapter: Overview | LinkedIn