Join SMPS Nashville for an evening dedicated to empowering women in the Architecture, Engineering, and Construction industry. 

This special event will feature keynote speaker and author Dr. Gretchen Gagel, a renowned executive leader and advocate for advancing women in AEC. Drawing from decades of leadership experience and her recent book, Building Women Leaders: A Blueprint for Women Thriving in Construction, Dr. Gagel will share her professional journey, the lessons that shaped her career, and the advice she would offer women navigating the industry today. 

Whether you are an emerging professional, established leader, or somewhere in between, you'll gain valuable insights on leadership, resilience, career growth, and creating meaningful impact in the AEC community. 

Following the keynote, attendees are invited to a networking happy hour highlighting Nashville's women-owned architecture, engineering, and construction businesses, as well as women-focused professional organizations that are helping shape the future of our industry. This is a unique opportunity to build relationships, exchange ideas, support local businesses, and celebrate the achievements of women across the AEC sector. 

Come be part of an afternoon of inspiration, connection, and empowerment as we champion the women who are building our communities and shaping the future of AEC.

Learn more about Gretchen:

Gretchen’s father telling her she could not attend engineering school because “girls don’t study engineering” inspired her to complete a degree in mechanical engineering and fueled her passion for inclusivity. After a successful career as Ralston Purina’s first female manufacturing operations manager, Gretchen transitioned to advising large construction, engineering, mining and energy firms as a Director at FMI and later as President/CEO of Continuum Advisory Group. She has provided strategic advice on the delivery of billions in construction with clients such as GM, Intel, Procter & Gamble, Dominion Energy, Newcrest Mining, and TYLin. Gretchen holds an MBA and in 2018 completed her doctoral studies in leadership, organization culture, and change/agility. Gretchen is a member of the National Academy of Construction (US), past Chair of Brinkman Construction, and currently serves on the GHD Engineering Risk Committee and Kahua Advisory Board.

Gretchen’s move to Australia in 2018 led to an opportunity to create successful women’s and first-time leader programs in the pipeline and crane industries and inspired a career shift to developing the future leaders of our industries. Her book, Building Women Leaders: A Blueprint for Women Thriving in Construction (Wiley US), is available on Amazon.com, and you can find her leadership podcast, Greatness, on all major streaming platforms. Gretchen is the Founder of the International Institute for Women in Construction, created to lead and fund collaborative stakeholder efforts to advance women in construction and related industries. Gretchen divides her time between Australia and the US and enjoys time with her family, traveling, and playing as much golf as possible!

Sponsors: 

Thank you to ESa for hosting. 

Event Partners: