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Spring 2026Â | Chapters / Councils / Committees |Â NVBIA |
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Dear WBI Members,  As we begin 2026, I am truly honored to serve as President of Women in the Building Industry (WBI). This organization has meant a great deal to me over the years. WBI has long been a place where relationships matter, ideas are shared, and women support one another through the ups and downs of our industry--and I’m grateful to be part of that.  One of our greatest strengths is the range of perspectives we bring to the table. From those just entering the building industry to those who have shaped it for decades, WBI thrives because of the experience we share and the wisdom we pass along. There is real value in learning across generations—mentorship that flows both ways, fresh ideas paired with hard-earned insight, and a collective understanding that we are stronger together.  As we move through the year, I want to place special emphasis on communication -- especially the often-overlooked skill of listening. True connection doesn’t happen when we are simply waiting for our turn to speak; it happens when we take the time to hear one another, understand different viewpoints, and remain open to new ideas. When we listen well, we build trust. When we communicate openly, we create opportunity.  My goal for 2026 is simple: to ensure WBI remains a place where members feel heard, valued, and encouraged to engage--through programs, committees, events, and honest conversation. When we stay connected and communicate openly, we are better equipped to face whatever comes next.  Thank you for being part of this remarkable organization and for the support you bring to this community. I look forward to listening, learning, and working alongside you in the year ahead.  Warm regards,  Jana Gilbert |
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Jana Gilbert President of WBI |
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Director of Marketing, GROUPE  Years in the industry - 33 years  A fun fact you would like to share about yourself - While I grew up and am rooted here in Northern Virginia with my puppy, Aspen, my two kids live in Montana — giving me a deep appreciation for both strong foundations and wide-open spaces.  One thing you are looking forward to in 2026 while serving on the WBI board - I’m excited to carry our 2025 momentum into 2026 by creating meaningful opportunities for connection, learning, and leadership within WBI, while welcoming new voices, strengthening relationships, and supporting women at every stage of their careers. |
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Diana Milian Chair of Community Service |
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Associate Vice President & Office Director, Pennoni  Years in the industry - 15 years  A fun fact you would like to share about yourself - I love connecting people and sharing knowledge. Helping others succeed is what really energizes me. I also thrive on hands-on projects, whether it’s organizing, building, or figuring out how things work, and my brain tends to take the scenic route when solving problems (which keeps life and work interesting). At home, chasing after my kids gives me plenty of practice in creativity, patience, and problem-solving too!  One thing you are looking forward to in 2026 while serving on the WBI board - I’m passionate about advocating for women in our industry and helping create opportunities for growth and leadership. Serving on the WBI Board lets me share my experience, learn from other exceptional women, and build a network where mentorship and support flow freely. I’m excited to strengthen the network of women in our field and create more spaces where we can share ideas and solutions. |
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Jailene Romero Vice Chair of Community Service |
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Permit Coordinator, Stanley Martin Homes  Years in the industry - 2 years  A fun fact you would like to share about yourself - I’m currently fostering a five year old pup who can cuddle for days! He loves his daily walks and squirrel chasing in the yard. I hope to continue fostering even after he finds his furever home because while I may not be his final family, I’m proud to give other shelter dogs a safe, loving place to stay while they wait for theirs.  One thing you are looking forward to in 2026 while serving on the WBI board - Although I’ve attended many WBI events, I’ve always hoped to become more involved. Being given this opportunity is something I am truly and deeply grateful for. I can’t wait to play a larger role in this community and help inspire others to do the same. |
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Georgeanne Harter Chair of PR & Communication |
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Warranty Manager, Van Metre Homes  Years in the industry - 4 years  A fun fact you would like to share about yourself - I played trumpet throughout high school and college and come from a very musical family  One thing you are looking forward to in 2026 while serving on the WBI board - Serving on the WBI board means having the opportunity to turn conversations into action, influencing culture, building stronger connections, and helping redefine what leadership looks like in our industry. |
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Connie Duvall Vice Chair of PR & Communication |
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Marketing Manager, Classic Homes  Years in the industry - 2 years  A fun fact you would like to share about yourself - I am a mom to two spunky toddlers and a rambunctious Sphynx cat, so life is rarely quiet!  One thing you are looking forward to in 2026 while serving on the WBI board - I’m excited to connect with and learn from the amazing and hardworking women in the industry, while using my marketing and people-first mindset to help elevate WBI’s visibility and impact in the 2026 year! |
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Ashley Hoyt Chair of Events & Education |
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Chief Marketing Officer, Evergreene Homes  Years in the industry - 20 years  A fun fact you would like to share about yourself - I am a proud Mom to 3 daughters (13yo twins + 10yo) and 1 poorly behaved Australian Shepherd.  One thing you are looking forward to in 2026 while serving on the WBI board - Building a community of fellow women in the industry. |
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Meghan Miniello Vice Chair of Events & Education |
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Key Account Manager, Luck Stone Years in the industry - 15 years  A fun fact you would like to share about yourself - I have been hang gliding off the Swiss Alps!  One thing you are looking forward to in 2026 while serving on the WBI board - Connecting with and learning about women in our industry |
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It’s not too late to join these ladies on one of our committees! We encourage active participation in one or more of our three committees: Education & Events, PR/Communications, and Community Service. Serving as a committee member is a prerequisite for eligibility to assume a committee chair position. Scan this QR code or CLICK HERE to sign-up! |
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Please join us in welcoming Jessica Francis of Drees Homes as the 2026 Northern Virginia Building Industry Association President. Â We were proud to celebrate her installation on January 15th at the Presidential Celebration and are excited to look ahead to a year of strong leadership, fresh perspective, and continued momentum under Jessica’s guidance. Here’s to 2026 and what’s ahead! |
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2025 WBI President: Mya Tran-Harter, Intercoastal Mortgage, LLC 2025 WBI PR/Communication Chair: Jenn Keesling, Buhl Electric, Co. 2025 WBI PR/Communication Vice-Chair: Georgeanne Harter, Van Metre Homes |
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September - Great American Community Kitchen Volunteer Week |
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October - Friends of Homeless Animals |
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November - “Blueprint for Equity” Leadership Event |
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December - Future Leaders/WBI Combined Holiday Party |
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We started the year strong in 2026 with incredible momentum at the Women in the Building Industry (WBI) Kickoff Meeting on January 29, bringing together talented professionals from across the building industry for a morning focused on connection, growth, and inspiration. Â The energy in the room was undeniable as women came together to share experiences, strengthen relationships, and support one another as we step into a new year of opportunity. Our featured speaker, Megan Lautz, MS, RDN, CSCS, TSAC-F of RescueRD delivered practical and empowering insights on maintaining energy, fueling both body and mindset, and building the resilience needed to thrive through long days and ambitious goals. Her real-world approach left attendees with actionable strategies they could immediately apply both professionally and personally. Â Events like this remind us how powerful it is to be surrounded by a community that encourages collaboration, leadership, and lifting each other up. Thank you to everyone who joined us and helped make the morning such a meaningful start to the year. Â A special thank you to our sponsors for making this event possible: Patron Sponsors:Â Closet Factory, Dominion Lighting Partner Sponsor:Â GROUPE |
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Stay tuned and keep an eye on your inbox for all the exciting details and updates. Don’t forget - NVBIA’s website is your go-to spot for the latest and greatest happenings!   Women In Construction Week Happy Hour - Wednesday, March 4th  There is no cost to attend, so be sure to register today.  Morek Design Group Showroom 2824 Dorr Avenue, Suite A, Fairfax, VA 22031 Wednesday, March 4th from 4:30 PM to 6:30 PM |
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May 14th Pickleball event  June 11th Wine Networking Event featuring the HomeAid National Capital Region Diaper Drive  July 15th WBI & HCCA Happy Hour  November 5th Leadership Event  December 10th WBI & Future Leaders Holiday Party  This calendar is subject to be filled with additional awesome events, more to come. |
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Women in Construction Week starts March 3rd and we want to showcase the women who make this industry move forward. Share your action shots with us, and we’ll spotlight your hard work, leadership, and daily wins throughout the week. Let’s proudly show what women in construction look like in action. Â Send your photos to Georgeanne Harter (gharter@vanmetrehomes.com) and Connie Duvall (cduvall@classichomes.com). |
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Looking to grow your team with top industry talent? Â Each month, we’ll highlight job opportunities from our WBI members to help connect qualified professionals with companies shaping the future of our industry. If you’d like your open positions featured, please contact our PR & Communications Committee Chairs at Gharter@vanmetrehomes.com or Cduvall@vanmetrehomes.com. Â Let’s work together to open doors and create new opportunities. |
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Women in the Building Industry (WBI) exists to empower, connect, and elevate women in the building industry by supporting career growth and leadership development. Our mission is to strengthen representation and create pathways to leadership. Â Your company’s NVBIA membership includes access to WBI. Reach out to ensure you’re subscribed to our mailing list so you don’t miss upcoming events, programs, and initiatives. |
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 "Like" NVBIA's Women in the Building Industry to keep up with all our news |
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Share this newsletter with your peers! Email Jana McDonald to get on the WBI newsletter list. Let's build a more connected community together! |
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Women in the Building Industry is a committee of the Northern Virginia Building Industry Association (NVBIA). To learn more about WBI, visit here. |
