Home Page Banner

NEF President's Message

Where has the time gone?  This is my final “President’s Report” as my term is coming to an end very soon.  It’s been a busy year for NEF and it’s only the beginning.

NEF is excited to offer its CIT Course Review and Exam event virtually on August 11th.  Good luck to all who have signed up for this event. We will also be holding the annual NEF Raffle Extravaganza on a virtual platform. This is NEF’s biggest fundraiser each year and this year we are able to reach those who typically are unable to attend NAWIC’s Annual Conference. Please be sure to share the link with your family and friends. We are excited to be able to reach so many more people this year!

It’s time for me to say goodbye and pass the gavel to Laura Herron. Thank you to all who donated to their Ladder Club accounts over the past year as I challenged everyone to Climb the Ladder of Success. As NEF is a 501 (c)(3), we depend on donations to develop and maintain our programs. We even added new “steps” and pin styles for those who were already at the top of their ladder!

I would also like to thank the 2019-2020 NEF Board of Trustees and all Chapter, Regional and National Chairs for their dedication to NEF. We continued the advancement of the Foundation and I know that President Herron will strive to do the same with her board.

NEF is always looking for new Trustees. The application can be found on the NEF website and is due to the NEF office by December 15th. The current and incoming boards are putting together information and training for liaisons, fundraisers and trustees. If you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to contact me or the NEF office.

Thank you to American Council for Construction Education (ACCE) for continuing to recognize our programs. This recognition allows our programs to stand out from others that are available but not recognized by ACCE.

Finally, I want to thank each of you for being active participants in NEF, whether it be through construction education programs, K-12 programs, volunteering your time in other ways, etc. NEF needs each of you! Congratulations to all who successfully passed a NEF course exam and good luck to all who have purchased an exam for future testing. It’ s been a great year and I look forward to continuing to serve with the NEF board.

Best wishes,

Wendy Jarred, CBT, CCA, CDS, CIT, EIT, LEED AP BD+C
NEF President 2019 – 2020

NEF Spotlight Corner

Laura Herron
NEF President 2020-2021

One of five daughters that grew up doing everything boys did. Yes, my dad wanted a boy and he got 5 girls that acted like boys. Whether it was helping to build our new addition or to making sure we could change a tire and oil by ourselves. My parents set us up to do and be what we wanted to be.

I started in the construction industry in 1986. Male dominated and boy did I get a lesson in my first year. Having bosses, managers or supervisors that had the mindset that women bring value and knowledge to the work force was more important than money.

In 1987 I started working for GEM Industrial, the work environment was educational. The management at GEM was about team and inclusiveness even back then. The 14 years I was with GEM every year my mind and abilities became better. NAWIC played a big part in learning my own worth in the construction industry. Education would be a key component of growing and promoting myself in the construction industry.

In 2003 I started working for RMF Nooter, my boss was a man named Roger Schiedler. Roger was pro knowledge and he financially supported my travels to be involved with both NAWIC and NEF. In my growth as a valuable employee, Roger would say “Man I wish I had more workers like you.” I started getting interested in in NEF through Deb Lesar and Nancy Eaton. I began my NEF journey as the Region 4 Fundraiser, explaining the courses and why money was needed to keep them relevant and certified – this became my second career. Sometime during my Fundraising years Deb said, “Hey why don’t you become a NEF trustee?” As you have guessed the rest is NEF history.

NAWIC and NEF gave me Mentors that supported me and gave me my voice. Not only is education (Books, College, Trade Schools) important but experience in the workplace is just as needed for both personal and business growth. I thank NAWIC and NEF for giving me access to women who openly share their life experience with honestly and humor.

NEF News

  • Click here for NEF’s Raffle Extravaganza!!!  Raffle site is only open 8/10/2020 and closing on 8/14/2020!  Don’t miss out on some great raffle items!!
  • NEF’s Website Calendar shows upcoming events and important dates.  Check it out here: https://nef-edu.org/events/
  • Have you checked out the NEF Digital Bookstore?!?  What are you waiting for?!?  NEF courses are now available in hardcover and e-book formats.  Start your educational journey today! https://nefedu.directfrompublisher.com/
  • NEF is recognized as a quality education provider by the American Council for Construction Education (ACCE).
  • NEF is solely funded by donations and sponsorships so your contributions will continue to assist in the efforts to provide quality construction education.
  • Did you join NEF’s Ladder Club of Success yet? Get started today. Contact NEF’s office for details.
Join Ladder Club