Associated Builders

Associated Builders and Contractors Women’s Council held its first meeting in 
1997 to support women in a traditionally male-dominated industry:  Construction.  
Their mission has evolved over time to reflect its commitment to promote, support, 
encourage, and provide a voice for women in the construction industry through 
education, professional development, legislative involvement, and philanthropic 
endeavors.  From diverse backgrounds, the council’s core group developed it to 
support them as they faced unique challenges and obstacles working in 
construction.

Growing nearly 70% from their first meeting, ABC Women’s Council has provided 
career development and a support network for female project managers, 
superintendents, estimators, architects, engineers, design professionals, and so 
many others in an industry that is constantly evolving.  They are fortunate to find 
so many strong, intelligent, and dedicated women to lead the organization and 
their vision is a model for their parent group, Associated Builders and
Contractors.  

This year, the Council raised scholarship money for young women pursuing 
careers in Architecture/Engineering/Construction and has organized several events 
for disadvantaged girls in Jacksonville.  The girls build social and networking
skills, gather career contacts, and develop lifelong friendships.  They see successful 
women in real-life job situations and use the skills they learn to further their
own career dreams.

For example, The Women’s Council recently invited 15 young women from The 
Bridge of Jacksonville, a school for disadvantaged children, to attend a council 
luncheon at one of the top construction law firms in our region.  Project managers, 
attorneys, estimators, and others shared how they started their careers and what 
their work and home life are like now.  The young women then toured the 
skyscraper facility which was under extensive renovations.  They were able to see 
construction and engineering in application and speak with the project managers 
about the process.  Lastly, they toured the law firm and asked questions about 
benefits, college requirements, salary expectations, and even spoke to employees 
about parking spots and window offices.  Many of the girls still stay in touch with 
the women they met that day.

The council has made a commitment through Jacksonville’s Blueprint for 
Prosperity partnership to encourage mentorship in North Florida.  Blueprint has 
determined that our county is in need of over 40,000 mentors to partner with 
children requiring one, but has less than 4000 available.  The ABC Women’s 
Council stepped up and, to date, has sponsored 30% of their members to attend 
mentor training.  They participate in one-on-one and group programs and are 
represented as mentors in groups such as Junior Achievement, Child Guidance 
Center, The Bridge, and Lutheran Children’s Service, along with many others.

ABC Women’s Council has contributed time, money, and valuable resources to a 
number of non-profit organizations such as Quigley House, AngelWorks, and Child 
Guidance Center.  Last winter, they raised money, toys, clothing, food, and 
electronics for five families facing a devastating holiday season.  Several of the 
families had multiple generations and the Council was able to provide gifts for 
every member.  They plan to support more families this year.

http://www.realtybuilderconnection.com/story.php?story_id=3696
http://www.abcjax.com/wmspage.cfm?parm1=95
http://www.abcjax.com/user-assets/Documents/2006winternewsltr.pdf
http://www.jacksonville.com/tu-online/stories/092207/bum_201782505.shtml 

Michelle Tappouni has been President of ABC Women’s Council for the 2006-2007 
year.  Not only has she built membership by 50% in her first year, but she also 
spearheaded the partnership with Jacksonville’s Blueprint for Prosperity, which 
resulted in the blossoming mentorship program.  She promotes legislature that 
supports small or disadvantaged businesses and works closely with City Council 
to ensure women take part in the Jacksonville Small and Emerging Business 
Program which provides needed resources for businesses that may face obstacles 
based on ethnicity or gender.  Her commitment to philanthropy has resulted in 
substantial scholarships for young women entering the construction industry.