CADC Alumnae Found North Alabama Chapter of NAWIC

Wilcox, a 2004 graduate of the McWhorter School of Building Science, has been named the chapter’s first President. She currently leads the North Alabama office of Brasfield & Gorrie as Vice President and Division Manager. In 2021, she was named to the Birmingham Business Journal’s Top 40 Under 40 class.

Simpson is a 2005 graduate of the School of Architecture, Planning and Landscape Architecture and will serve as a director for the chapter. She is Director of Market Development for turnerboone, which specializes in conceptualizing, procuring, installing and maintaining furniture and modular building products for commercial, healthcare and educational interiors. Simpson is the Vice President of the Alabama Council of the American Institute of Architects (AIA) and will serve as AIA Alabama’s first black President beginning in 2025.

Founded in 1953 and based in Fort Worth, Texas, NAWIC provides its members with opportunities for professional development, education, networking, leadership training, public service and more. The organization serves 120+ chapters across the United States and includes international affiliates in Australia, Canada, New Zealand, South Africa and the United Kingdom.

“This is a great organization to broaden and further develop females in the construction industry in North Alabama,” said Wilcox, whose role will encompass assisting in the formation of committees, overseeing leadership training and professional development and leading monthly meetings, which she aims to leverage as hubs for relationship-building and industry insights. One of her primary objectives is enhancing membership by 50% by January 2025. Wilcox hopes to encourage participation from a range of women within the construction community, ranging from subcontractors and general contractors to consultants, architects, engineers and developers.

Simpson is equally optimistic about the chapter’s founding and is excited to reconnect with a fellow CADC alumna on such an important initiative. As one of the chapter’s directors, she will play a role in numerous aspects of chapter business, including chapter finances, vacancies on the Board of Directors, meeting initiatives and more.

“It’s truly exciting to be part of the inception of the new chapter in North Alabama,” Simpson shared. “Leading by example and leaving a lasting legacy are core values of mine. I’m hopeful that the chapter will thrive, fostering stronger bonds and camaraderie among women in the construction industry. And to be able to sync back up with Sara Beth and do this with her, that was a real treat.”