Awards

Melanie Myers holds a Master of Science in Construction Management from Eastern Michigan University and is the current Construction Management Program Coordinator for Oakland Community College (OCC) in Farmington Hills, Michigan. In her current position, she manages and writes construction management curricula while advocating, advising and teaching students on current educational and career options within construction. Prior to OCC, she was a Lecturer at Eastern Michigan University teaching undergraduate and graduate level construction management courses. Before her career in higher education, she was a construction project manager and superintendent for two Southeast Michigan contractors.

She has been a member of the Lansing Chapter of NAWIC since 1999 and served as Region 4 (now North Central Region) Director 2010-2012. Her love of NAWIC and construction education led her to NEF. She has helped NEF through revisions of their various adult programs, served on various committees/taskforces and served as a Trustee for two terms. She is currently President-Elect for 2015-2016. In early 2015, she completed work on the new NEF Construction Industry Specialist (CIS) program.

Vivian Isaak has been an active NAWIC member since 1991.  She has served at NAWIC’s chapter level as Treasurer, Director, and President.  Currently, she serves as Region 12 NAWIC Educational Foundation (NEF) Fundraising Chair, a role she has embraced since 2010.  Vivian views the challenges of fundraising as opportunities to promote community among NAWIC members and build momentum for broader NAWIC ideals.  She delights in pursuing fundraising practices that are creative, stimulating, and, of course, effective at developing resources for education.  Her memorable events include wild and peculiar auctions, inverse karaoke, the game of “6” and matching donations.  They have produced $30,000 for the NEF, even while being the source of much enjoyment and conversation among her region colleagues.

Vivian first developed her interest in promoting education scholarships some years ago when she lived in Liberia, West Africa, and was part of a unique women’s group, the American Women in Liberia (AWIL).  A key AWIL goal was to raise much needed funds for young Liberians to attend secondary school.  Vivian conceived of and organized the first AWIL 5k- and 10k-run outside Monrovia, Liberia, in 1984.  This event produced significant scholarship resources while bringing together Liberian nationals with individuals from the business community and diplomatic missions.  The AWIL 5k- and 10k-run went on to have a longevity that exceeded Vivian’s time in Liberia.

Vivian moved to Thousand Oaks, California, in 1985 after 10 years in West Africa and began working in the construction industry.  She now has extensive experience, having worked for firms dedicated to finish carpentry, design/build, and ceilings. She currently enjoys her role as Operations Manager for G & S Acoustics, Inc., in Simi Valley, California, a firm that specializes in acoustical ceilings.

Throughout her professional life, Vivian has sought to mentor young men and women who are embarking on careers in the building industry.  She looks back with pride and satisfaction on the accomplishments of several young persons she helped move along in the industry.  She is pleased to continue promoting opportunities for those seeking careers in the construction industry by raising funds for the NEF as they continue “Educating the Construction Industry Today…and Tomorrow”.  Vivian is honored that the NAWIC Education Foundation so graciously recognizes her contribution.

Pat McDonald, CCA, CIT, CBT is from the Santa Clara chapter of NAWIC. Having served as NAWIC President in 2008-2009, she is currently NEF Treasurer. Pat owns STI Trucking and they haul aggregate materials in the greater San Francisco Bay area. She has 3 kids, 5 grandkids and an awesome dog name Speeder. Hobbies include ballroom dancing, square dancing, reading, gardening and operating her railroad car (a speeder.) Mentoring and helping others in the industry is her passion.

Tamara S. Crooks is President and General Counsel of MetalMan Design/Build Corporation, a general construction firm specializing in zoological design and construction based in Dallas, Texas. She holds a B.A. in Sociology from the University of California – Santa Cruz, and a Doctor of Jurisprudence from Santa Clara University – School of Law.

Tammy is a thirteen (13) year member of NAWIC and has served in many capacities since joining the organization including President of the Dallas Chapter as well as Region 7 NEF Fundraiser. She also holds a Construction Industry Technician (CIT) certification and was recently named a trustee of the NEF Board.

Tammy is passionate about education in the construction industry. She is a member of the American Council of Construction Education (ACCE) and has been a team member of several accreditation visits. Tammy is an avid supporter of NEF and its fundraising efforts.

Pam Dullum, PE, CCA is a Forensic Engineer at Gervasio & Associates, Inc. As such, Pam analyzes civil design and construction related problems in residential, commercial, industrial and public facilities. She acts as an Expert Witness in claims and litigation regarding disputes among the various parties in construction – owners, developers, contractors, subcontractors, and Government agencies. She provides facility damage assessments and recommendations for remedial repair. She reviews contracts and compiles cost estimates in conjunction with forensic cases.

A native of Chicago, Illinois, Pam attended the University of Minnesota Institute of Technology where she earned a Bachelor of Civil Engineering degree and earned a Masters of Science in Civil Engineering at the University of Illinois.  Pam served twelve years on active duty in the United States Navy. She has career experience in contracting, construction operations, facility maintenance and repair throughout the United States and overseas.  After spending time in San Diego, CA; Diego Garcia, BIOT; New London, CT; Denver, Salt Lake City and Seattle; she moved to Arizona.

A Registered Professional Engineer, Certified Construction Associate, member of the American Society of Civil Engineers (ASCE), the American Council for Construction Education (ACCE), and the National Association of Women In Construction (NAWIC).

Pam has been involved in the ACCE Register of Visitors for over 10 years. In this capacity she has helped evaluate various undergraduate Construction Management programs for compliance with ACCE accreditation standards.

Pam has been a frequent speaker on Strategic Planning, Time Management, career development, Blueprint Reading and various motivational topics. Pam is a frequent volunteer on Habitat for Humanity Women Build®. While she loves being an engineer, one of her goals is to be a professional (paid) speaker. In a perfect world, Pam would be a stand-up comic.

Frances Jackson joined NAWIC in June 1969 as a charter member. She has held every office in her chapter many times. She has been “WIC of the Year” three times and has chaired Annual Planning Conferences and Annual Forums.

McDonald Lumber Co., Inc. in Fayetteville, NC as Controller/DP Manager in 1989. Her responsibilities have included installing and maintaining a new computer system, preparing financial statements, insurance, payroll and safety programs.

Frances was awarded a Bachelor’s degree in Business from Methodist College in 1984 and attended the MBA program at Campbell University. She received the Professional Women of the Year award in 1994, served as President of the Cumberland County Mental Health Auxiliary and a member of the American Business Women Association (ABWA) for twenty-five years.

From 1995-1997 Frances served Region 11 as Director and traveled to chapters in North Carolina, South Carolina and Virginia and loved every minute! In 1998-1999 she served as National Professional Education Chairman and in 2000-2001 served as National Construction Industry Chairman.

NEF is one of her greatest “joys”. Education is extremely important and NEF is an excellent vehicle for NAWIC members to participate in the Certification programs. Frances has been the NEF liaison for Region 11 for many years and has raised over $180,000.00 for NEF since 1996. She has served NEF as Trustee, Executive Committee Member, Secretary/Treasurer, Vice President and was NEF President 2003-2004. In 2012 she chaired the Friday Night Fundraiser at Convention.

A Registered Professional Engineer, Certified Construction Associate, member of the American Society of Civil Engineers (ASCE), the American Council for Construction Education (ACCE), and the National Association of Women In Construction (NAWIC).

Pam has been involved in the ACCE Register of Visitors for over 10 years. In this capacity she has helped evaluate various undergraduate Construction Management programs for compliance with ACCE accreditation standards.

Pam has been a frequent speaker on Strategic Planning, Time Management, career development, Blueprint Reading and various motivational topics. Pam is a frequent volunteer on Habitat for Humanity Women Build®. While she loves being an engineer, one of her goals is to be a professional (paid) speaker. In a perfect world, Pam would be a stand-up comic.

Karen E. Long is the President of Amethyst Environmental, Ltd., (Amethyst) located in Lee New Hampshire. Karen is a graduate of the University of New Hampshire and Tufts University. She holds the following certifications: Construction Industry Technician, Certified Hazardous Material Manager, Certified Environmental Inspector, Certified Environmental Consultant and Certified Environmental Trainer. She is a member of the National Environmental Training Association (NETA) and is Past President of Granite State Chapter #218, National Association of Women in Construction. She was the NAWIC Tradeswoman of the Year in 2005. She is the 2015-2016 President for the NAWIC Education Foundation.