Women in Construction Anglia (WICA) has officially become a non-for-profit – and has held its launch board meeting.
WICA was set up by Clare Friel in 2024 to champion women in the industry, supported by founding partners Suffolk Chamber of Commerce, Anglia Ruskin University and West Suffolk College.
The organisation aims to provide visible role models and opportunities for women, breaking down barriers to entering the sector.
The new board met at Milsoms in Kesgrave on Monday April 14 to discuss the new non-for-profit’s ambitions over the next 15 years.
Founder Clare Friel said: “Becoming a not-for-profit is an important step forward for Women in Construction Anglia and our important work providing opportunities and for women wanting a career in construction.
“We want WICA to make a real impact in championing diversity and to do this we need a strategic approach to realise our goals.
“We have a brilliant board, all of them passionate about making an immediate and long-term impact in the industry and I’m excited about what we can achieve .”
Women in construction Anglia is committed to promoting equality and inclusion across the industry and creating opportunities for women and under represented groups to enter the sector.
The new board includes an array of expertise from across the industry, including specialists in law, education, business, architecture, housebuilding and the nuclear power and charity sectors.
Among WICA’s new directors is Amanda Ankin from Suffolk Chamber of Commerce.
She said: “Suffolk Chamber has proudly partnered with WICA from its inception – it’s the perfect fit for us.
“Businesses are not necessarily doing anything to actively prevent women getting into the industry but it’s crucial we provide pathways and female role models to act as a bridge between business and education.
“With the construction industry it’s a case of “see it, be it”.
“If we can show women the opportunities and career routes in the sector, and examples of women thriving, we can make a real difference in creating a more diverse workforce to meet the needs of the industry in the future.”
For more information on Women in Construction Anglia and its new board members, see womeninconstructionanglia.com/meet-the-team
