This one caught my eye…. the Vision Award seems similar to the Image of Welding Award, and Tomboy Tools — what can I say. It’s the new tupperware! Check it out.
NAWIC’s Crystal Vision Awards celebrate the achievements of individuals with vision who help promote, expand and encourage the role of womenin the construction industry.
Janet Rickstrew (left), co-founder and CEO of Tomboy Tools, and Nancy A. Eaton (right), CCA, CDS, CIT, CFO of Par 3 Landscape and Maintenance Inc., help pave the way for women in the construction industry.
Fort Worth, TX (PRWEB) May 16, 2008 — The National Association of Women in Construction (NAWIC) is pleased to announce the winners of its 14th annual Crystal Vision Awards. The mission of the Crystal Vision Awards is to recognize individuals who promote, expand and encourage the role of women in the construction industry. Janet Rickstrew is the recipient of the Crystal Vision Award, which is awarded to a nonmember of NAWIC, and Nancy A. Eaton, CCA, CDS, CIT, is the recipient of the Crystal Achievement Award, which is awarded to a NAWIC member.
Janet Rickstrew is the co-founder and CEO of Tomboy Tools. Rickstrew, with the help of a friend, founded the company in 2000 in an effort to provide hands-on training and high-quality tools for women around the world. The mission of Tomboy Tools is to build confidence and empower women through education, quality tools and an independent business opportunity. In order to fulfill her mission to teach women the needed skills to make simple home repairs, she designed Tomboy Tools as a “party-plan” company. This structure encourages women to join the company as consultants who then reach out to their communities and teach other women the hands-on approach. Rickstrew has initiated educational processes of teaching women and promoting the idea that women can and should consider a career in the construction industry. Rickstrew has broken barriers in the “tool” community by starting Tomboy Tools and empowering others for success. She has acted as a role model and mentor to thousands of women, and even some men, by helping them conquer their fears in this home-based business. She encourages team members to get out of their comfort zone and to think outside the box in order to achieve their dreams.
Two years ago, Tomboy Tools partnered with the Susan G. Komen For the Cure Foundation. Rickstrew’s program, which included selling a “Pink for a Purpose” hammer, netted the Foundation $139,000 the first year. Tomboy Tools continues its partnership with the Foundation and will soon release its third product to continue fundraising efforts. Nancy A. Eaton, CDS, CCA, CIT, is a 22-year member of NAWIC and is currently a member of the Las Vegas, Nev., Chapter.
Eaton is the Chief Financial Officer at Par 3 Landscape and Maintenance Inc., a $26 million, multi-divisional company with 450 employees. In addition, she provides accounting oversight for four other owner-related companies. In her career, Eaton has encouraged and empowered women in construction by serving as a mentor and proponent of self-sufficiency. As Tomboy Tools consultant, she has built her team to more than 50 members, encouraging them to become self-supporting and to be creative in building their businesses. Eaton served as National President of NAWIC for the 2004-2005 fiscal year and is the current NAWIC Education Foundation (NEF) Capital Fundraising Chair. She has passed NEF exams for Certified Associate (CCA), Construction Document Specialist (CDS) and Construction Industry Technician (CIT). She continually encourages others to participate in these programs.
Eaton has been actively involved with the Las Vegas Chapter of the Associated General Contractors (AGC), participating as a board director since 2003. She continues to help develop the relationship between NAWIC and AGC. “Nancy is a tireless recruiter of AGC and NAWIC. Her efforts helped AGC to earn recognition as the fastest growing chapter among AGC’s 100 chapters. Her promotion of women in construction is unparalleled,” says Steve Holloway, executive vice president of AGC. In addition, Eaton is involved in many community projects and programs, including the local Women’s Development Center. WDC is a major provider of transitional housing and job training for single parents in the Las Vegas Valley.
Both Rickstrew and Eaton will be honored for their achievements during the 14th Annual Crystal Vision Awards Gala at NAWIC’s 53rd Annual Convention in Las Vegas, Nev., Sept. 6 at 7 p.m. More than 600 members in various facets of the construction industry are expected to attend the Convention, Sept. 3-6 at the Flamingo Hotel. Convention affords attendees the opportunity to enhance their success by attending educational seminars, attaining certifications and networking with othe women in the industry. The Crystal Vision Awards Program was established by NAWIC Past National President Susan Levy in 1995. The program recognizes individuals who promote the role of women in construction through initiatives, policies or legislation.
The Crystal Vision Award recognizes a nonmember of NAWIC, and the Crystal Achievement Award recognizes a member of the Association. Since the first visionaries were selected in 1995, this one-of-a-kind program has not only fulfilled its purpose of recognizing exemplary leaders in the industry, it has developed a reputation for honoring individuals who are committed to building a diverse work force amidst the demanding backdrops of the industry today. To schedule interviews or learn more about the Crystal Vision Program, contact Misty Hart at (800) 552-3506.
NAWIC is an international Association serving approximately 5,500 members in close to 170 chapters across the United States. It was founded in 1953 to enhance the success of women in the construction industry as “Women in Construction of Fort Worth, Texas.” In 1955, the charter was expanded to allow chapters to form across the country, and the National Association of Women in Construction was born. NAWIC’s Core Purpose is “To enhance the success of women in the construction industry.” To learn more, visit www.nawic.org.
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