NRV Blueprint March 2025

BUILD HER DREAMS BED BUILD

In September of 2024, the New River Valley Home Builders Association (NRVHBA) celebrated Professional Women in Building Week with a community-driven event, the “Build Her Dreams Bed Build.” Hosted by the NRVHBA’s Women in Building Committee and in partnership with Sleep in Heavenly Peace - NRV, this impactful event combined career exploration with community service. It invited girls from the New River Valley to engage hands-on in the building process while supporting children in need.

With over 125 volunteers and support from local groups like the Blacksburg High School Lacrosse Team, DanceTech, and Girl Scout troops, the event saw the construction and donation of 40 beds for children in the NRV. More than 70 girls were involved in the event, gaining valuable hands on experience using power tools and learning directly from women who have careers in construction. These mentors not only guided the girls in the technical aspects of building the beds but also shared their personal stories, illustrating the diverse and rewarding careers available in the home building industry. This combination of education and community service highlights the importance of exposing young girls to construction careers, especially in an industry where women remain underrepresented. The hands-on experience allowed the girls to connect with skilled women role models who demonstrated a new perspective on construction careers. The event created an opportunity for mentorship, where participants could interact with experienced professionals and gain insight into potential career paths that they might not have previously considered. “It was a rewarding experience to see so many young girls excited to use tools and learn about construction, all while giving back to our community by helping other children,” said Gretchen Merix, a Civil Engineer with Balzer & Associates and the chair of the NRVHBA Women in Building Committee. “It was also a great opportunity for the women in the industry

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