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Elizabeth "Liz" Kahler, Carpenter

OCP Employee Liz Kahler Participates in Cleveland NAWIC Panel for Women in STEM 

On March 11th, OCP employees including Nicole Aveni, Siccorah Martin, and Jenni Harris attended a panel discussion hosted by Cleveland NAWIC supporting women in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics honoring WIC Week 2021. The event was open to high school women as well as industry professionals.

OCP’s very own Carpenter Elizabeth “Liz” Kahler was one of the panelists.

Liz explained the importance of surrounding yourself with a support group such as Cleveland NAWIC. Liz encouraged the attendees to recognize that they have a voice and deserve to be heard.

Designed to create a platform of support for women in the industry, the panelists provided tips for overcoming challenging situations. Project Assistant Jenni Harris recalled some of the best advice shared, “If someone has a problem with women being in the industry, that is their baggage to address, not yours. Do not let it hold you back.”

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Jenni Harris, Project Assistant

Jenni noted that in her twenty-plus years at OCP Contractors, she has felt incredibly supported by the team.

“I’ve only been in my most recent role for less than a year. They know I am learning and are very patient. The project managers are helpful and willing to share their expertise. It’s important to be confident in your abilities and know where there is room for growth. WIC Week is important to celebrate because it both recognizes how far we’ve come and how far we need to go. Women have unique skills that they bring to construction in general. Our unique abilities work well together.”

Additional panelists included Margaret Hewitt, Director of Planning, Design, and Construction at The MetroHealth System, Laura Pirosko, Chief Financial Officer for Warren Roofing & Insulating Co., Morgen Cost, the President and owner of Cleveland Building Restoration, LLC, and Jessica VanGelder, Redwood’s Senior Vice President of Product. Annie Morino, Business Development Manager for Regency Construction, was the Moderator.

To learn more about joining NAWIC Cleveland, visit https://www.nawiccleveland.org/become-a-member

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