June 2024 Luncheon


 

Michele Daugherty
President/CEO
Associated Builders and Contractors in Central Florida (ABC CFC)

 

 Michele Daugherty embodies the Champions of Progress Award, as she has been a leader who has been empowering others and advocating for change for the past 25 years. In 2023, Michele was ranked #37 in City and State’s Florida Construction Power 100, which features major construction companies, government officials, advocates, and thought leaders who are driving progress in the construction industry. Michele's dedication to increasing representation and empowering women in the industry makes her a shining example.

Michele's journey began in the 90s when she started her career on a construction crew for a Gold Mine in rural Nevada. As one of the few women in the workforce, she experienced firsthand the underrepresentation of women in the industry. Recognizing the need for advocacy, Michele realized she could make a difference by championing for greater representation.

After a few years, Michele took a break from the industry to pursue her degree and became the Director of the University of Nevada, Reno College of Business Advising Center. During her time there, she played a crucial role in supporting the creation of the Construction Management Program at Western Nevada College, aiming to attract underrepresented groups into the construction industry. Michele also served as the collegiate advisor to Future Business Leaders of America-Phi Beta Lambda (FBLA-PBL), where she encouraged young women to take on leadership roles in business.

Driven by her passion for education, safety, diversity, and inclusion, Michele returned to the construction industry in 2005, teaching for Associated Builders and Contractors in Nevada (ABC Nevada). She became a Master-Trainer for the NCCER, inspiring and guiding students to pursue careers in construction. Michele's tenure at ABC Nevada was marked by her efforts to develop pre-apprenticeship programs for at-risk youth, reentry individuals, and underserved communities. She worked closely with the Urban League to create leadership tracks that diversified job sites and boardrooms.

Michele's expertise and dedication were recognized by the Governor of Nevada, who appointed her multiple times to the State of Nevada Apprenticeship Council. In this role, she worked with apprenticeship programs to increase female apprenticeship opportunities and ensure inclusive environments. Additionally, Michele served on the Nevada Board of Plumbing Examiners and the Silver State Governors' Safety Committee, contributing to the improvement of industry standards and practices.

During her tenure, Michele was actively involved in promoting career and technical education. She served as the Nevada State Competition Contest Chair for SkillsUSA and was a Board Member and Chair of ACE High School, a renowned career-focused public high school in Reno, Nevada. Her initiatives during the economic downturn in Nevada led to the design and delivery of significant workforce grants and craft training, providing opportunities for advancement to individuals who would have otherwise been overlooked.

In 2014, Michele assumed the role of President/CEO of Associated Builders and Contractors in Northern California (ABC NorCal), representing over 500 construction firms, suppliers, and associates. She led daily operations, authored op-eds and white papers on workforce development, and advocated for diversity, equity, and inclusion. Michele actively engaged with various community organizations, such as CA Human Development, Goodwill, and the Salvation Army, to provide training and reentry programs that transformed lives.

Since the end of 2021, Michele has been serving as the President/CEO of Associated Builders and Contractors in Central Florida (ABC CFC). In this role, she continues her mission to create career and advancement pathways for others. Michele is committed to educating Central Florida's workforce, particularly the youth, about the benefits of careers in construction. She actively participates in Construction Girls Camps and NexGen programming, working to make the industry more inviting to non-traditional employees. She also advocates for safety, total human health initiatives, and suicide prevention training in the industry.

 

Save the date for the following programs:

  • July 9th: Field Trip!
  • August 13th: Latria Graham, President and CEO of GLB Media Group
  • September 10th: Hope Newsome, Chair of the African American Chamber of Commerce
  • October: Women's Achievement Awards Event
  • November 12th: Investing in Her Story! Meet some of the Scholarship Recipients, The answer to WEC’s “WHY?”, WEC Elections
  • December: WEC Member Holiday Party

Council Luncheons
Women's Executive Council monthly Luncheon Meetings are for members and open to guests.

  • The payment method is required in advance with a valid credit card to secure your reservation and meal selection.
  • Lunch Meeting is $45.00 for all Members and Guests before the deadline of NOON on Friday prior to the Tuesday Luncheon.
  • Based on the recent luncheon rate increase, there will be no late fee for guests and members who reserve after the deadline, we just appreciate knowing the number of confirmed attendees as soon as possible to notify the Citrus Club. 
  • All luncheon reservations are final.  No-shows will be invoiced.
  • * Seating is LIMITED to reservations.  Late reservations and those who arrive without a reservation, will be placed on a standby list to see if we are able to offer you a seat. 

 

Citrus Club Parking

  • GUESTS: Parking options are streetside with meters and in the Citrus Club parking garage for $3.00 / hour
  • WEC MEMBERS ONLY: Your fee includes your lunch and two (2) hours of complimentary parking. Additional parking time is paid for by the member.

2024 Guest Speakers

Women's Executive Council monthly Luncheon Meetings are for members and open to guests.

2023 Guest Speakers

Women's Executive Council monthly Luncheon Meetings are for members and open to guests. 

2022 Guest Speakers

2021 Guest Speakers

2020 Guest Speakers