Women in Concrete Alliance Announces Winner of 2012 Woman of Distinction Award

LAS VEGAS, Nev. —The Women in Concrete Alliance has announced the winner of its Woman of Distinction award. Kilah Engelke, apprenticeship coordinator for Milwaukee OPCMIA Local 599, was voted the winner of the award for dedication to her craft and commitment to her crew. She has been a concrete finisher with the Operative Plasterers" and Cement Masons" International Association for the past 11 years. Prior to completing an apprenticeship as a finisher, Engelke spent three years as a laborer on a slipform concrete paving crew, where she began her career in concrete.

“For well over a decade, I have literally shed blood, sweat and even sometimes tears in my ongoing quest to gain and maintain the respect of my crew and to be successful in this nontraditional position,” said Engelke. “Part of the beauty of the construction industry is that a little heart goes a long way, and I am so thankful that I have had the chance to prove myself and what’s in my heart through my passion for concrete.”

In her nomination, it was noted that, as a woman in a predominantly male industry, Engelke exemplifies what it means to work and succeed in construction and that quality is proven by her day-to-day commitment to her crew and to her trade. She is highly respected by the people she works with and for, as she has worked very hard to be a valuable and important part of her crew.

In October 2011, Engelke was hired as the first apprenticeship coordinator for the Milwaukee OPCMIA Local 599. Her passion for concrete and for her job was recognized as a needed catalyst for the future success of the growing and respected program.

“I look forward to continuing to share my love for my work through my position as apprenticeship coordinator in Milwaukee,” said Engelke. “I am truly excited for the challenge I have ahead of me now to uphold the title of Woman of Distinction in Concrete 2012, and to continue to prove that women can succeed in the world of concrete.”

The Women of Distinction Award was voted on by the participants of the Women in Concrete Luncheon and Forum at the World of Concrete in January. Honorees of this year's award include Kimberly Corwin, president, A.H. Harris & Sons, Inc.; Amy Miller, senior resource director, National Ready Mixed Concrete Association; Sherri Casilio, president, 4 Winds Concrete, Inc.; Kari Yuers, CEO and president, Kryton International, Inc.; Dana Horstmeier, customer service coordinator, Champion Precast, Inc.; and Kristen Braden, P.E., construction project manager, H. R. Gray, Inc.

For more information, visit www.womeninconcrete.org.