About the Founder
Herlema Owens
Herlema Owens is a nationally recognized workforce development leader, pioneering tradeswoman, and founder of a workforce and business development network dedicated to expanding access to high-quality careers.
With nearly four decades of experience in the construction industry, she has broken barriers in traditionally male-dominated spaces while building scalable pathways for others to follow. Her work focuses on connecting women, minorities, and underserved populations to careers in construction, safety, clean energy, technology, and professional services.
Through innovative programming—including pre-apprenticeship training, OSHA certifications, and direct-entry employment pipelines—she has helped reshape how workforce systems operate, ensuring they are more inclusive, responsive, and aligned with today’s economic demands.
A longtime resident of New York with roots in Virginia and Philadelphia, she is also a former fashion model and television producer end host whose diverse background informs her dynamic approach to leadership, storytelling, and community engagement.
Her mission is clear: to ensure that those historically left out of opportunity are positioned at the forefront of building the new green economy.
The Association of Women Construction Workers of America, Inc. (AWCWA) is dedicated to transforming lives through careers in construction. We believe in the power of the industry to foster self-worth and offer second chances. Founded in 2006 by Herlema Owens, AWCWA has a rich history of advocacy and education. In 2011, we expanded our impact by launching "Build Successes with AWCWA" in collaboration with Education Director Joi Beard. By 2015-2016, we had developed pre-construction trade training programs with Nassau BOCES Adult Education. Our extensive industry connections provide access to a wide range of job opportunities, while our personalized training programs cover skills such as safety technology, renewable energy, and advanced construction techniques. Our professional development services help members enhance their expertise in project management and leadership. We are dedicated to providing ongoing support and guidance, fostering success and growth in the construction field. We strive for excellence in empowering women in construction, building a well-informed workforce, and creating meaningful opportunities for all.
With nearly four decades of experience in the construction industry, she has broken barriers in traditionally male-dominated spaces while building scalable pathways for others to follow. Her work focuses on connecting women, minorities, and underserved populations to careers in construction, safety, clean energy, technology, and professional services.
Through innovative programming—including pre-apprenticeship training, OSHA certifications, and direct-entry employment pipelines—she has helped reshape how workforce systems operate, ensuring they are more inclusive, responsive, and aligned with today’s economic demands.
A longtime resident of New York with roots in Virginia and Philadelphia, she is also a former fashion model and television producer end host whose diverse background informs her dynamic approach to leadership, storytelling, and community engagement.
Her mission is clear: to ensure that those historically left out of opportunity are positioned at the forefront of building the new green economy.
The Association of Women Construction Workers of America, Inc. (AWCWA) is dedicated to transforming lives through careers in construction. We believe in the power of the industry to foster self-worth and offer second chances. Founded in 2006 by Herlema Owens, AWCWA has a rich history of advocacy and education. In 2011, we expanded our impact by launching "Build Successes with AWCWA" in collaboration with Education Director Joi Beard. By 2015-2016, we had developed pre-construction trade training programs with Nassau BOCES Adult Education. Our extensive industry connections provide access to a wide range of job opportunities, while our personalized training programs cover skills such as safety technology, renewable energy, and advanced construction techniques. Our professional development services help members enhance their expertise in project management and leadership. We are dedicated to providing ongoing support and guidance, fostering success and growth in the construction field. We strive for excellence in empowering women in construction, building a well-informed workforce, and creating meaningful opportunities for all.
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