Rita Brown brings  30 years of experience, as a structural/misc. steel detailer and construction-related small business owner.  Her experience was earned through boots on the ground hands-on work punctuated by management and education initiatives;  the construction industry has provided a strong path to professional success and her work continues to influence the process and priority of an industry that traditionally is challenging to women. 

 

In addition to construction and emerging tech, Ms. Brown is a champion of innovation in engagement and workforce outreach and program development. 

 

In a volunteer capacity, Ms. Brown currently serves as NAWIC [National Association of Women in Construction] Lansing Chapter President, is the former President of NAWIC Detroit, is the State of Michigan President NOW [National Organization for Women], is a founding member of North American Professionals in Building and Infrastructure, serves as National Director for The Build Initiative [workforce and education programs for women], is an AGC National D&I Past National Chairwoman [Assoc. Of General Contractors], a former AGC MI Board member and current DEI MI AGC and AGC National Specialty Subcontractors Committee member.  She serves as Trustee and Vice Chair for MASCI, a registered apprenticeship collaborative in the state of MI, and a member of GLFEA [Great Lakes Fabricator and Erectors Association], NABWIC and a number of industry organizations. She also serves on Lawrence Technological University’s STEM Advisory Board and  former guest lecturer to Wayne State University Susan Harwood and CET Work Zone Safety Training Grants Advisory Committee.  

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Brown is also former North Central Region NAWIC Director to the National NAWIC Board and additionally worked on committees and task forces specifically targeting growth, membership, chapter development, marketing, and professional affinity groups. A particular point of pride is the path that Brown put in place for her region to thrive with significant and still in place financial resources designed to assist and support future Region Directors. Brown is a data based strategist and has brought significant income and resources to NAWIC through signature program development, new sponsorship connections and innovative packaging of existing NAWIC opportunities. She has won multiple NAWIC Founder's awards, with a Red Jacket designation, gone on to with the first recruiting necklace and been a noted star recruiter for years.  

 

This mom of five humans, gran to one adorable squishy baby and replacement mom to three canines, brings authenticity, experience, and an unapologetic claiming of space in an industry that is often challenging; she is significant.

 

Challenge manifests in many forms, but with each challenge overcome, Brown has elevated, amplified, has been intentional and relentless in recognizing, spotlighting and making room at the table for those who have been willfully repressed, unfairly maligned and discouraged from achievement.