Warfel Celebrates Women in Construction Week 2025

Warfel Construction Celebrates Women in Construction Week with a Commitment to Empowering All Employees

East Petersburg, PA – In honor of Women in Construction Week, Warfel Construction celebrates its ongoing commitment to empowering women in the construction industry. Initiated in 1998 by the National Association of Women in Construction (NAWIC), Women in Construction Week highlights the vital role women play in shaping the future of construction. Warfel remains dedicated to fostering a culture of mentorship and support, ensuring that women thrive across every aspect of the organization—whether in the field, the office, or in leadership roles.

Supporting Women in the Workforce

According to a recent study by NAWIC, women make up just 11% of the overall construction workforce, with only 4% represented in the trades. Despite these numbers, women’s contributions to the industry remain invaluable. Warfel recognizes this and is committed to creating a workplace where women can excel and succeed. Over the past decade, Warfel has seen a 68% increase in female employees, underscoring their dedication to building a more diverse workforce.

“We are deeply committed to fostering an environment where every team member feels welcomed and valued,” said Conlan Swope, President of Warfel Construction. “Each of our employees plays a key role in our success, and as we look to the future, we will continue to advocate for more opportunities for women in construction.”

RISE: Empowering Women Through Connection

Warfel supports women through its internal group, RISE (Redefining Industry Standards for Equality). Open to all employees, RISE provides support and resources for those who consider themselves minorities in the construction field. The group organizes events throughout the year—ranging from community service to team-building activities—that foster personal and professional growth. RISE is instrumental in promoting community among Warfel employees, ensuring that all team members feel connected and supported.

Collaboration with NAWIC

In addition to its internal efforts, Warfel partners with organizations such as the National Association of Women in Construction (NAWIC) and Girls Inc. to further support women and girls in the industry.

During Women in Construction Week 2025, Warfel’s RISE group, in collaboration with the NAWIC South Central PA Chapter, hosted a special event for members of local construction firms. The event featured a tour of Warfel’s College Avenue project site in Lancaster, PA, offering attendees the opportunity to connect, share experiences, and strengthen their professional networks within the industry.

“Women in Construction Week is a time to celebrate and elevate the incredible women who are shaping the future of our industry,” said Rachel Quinn, President of the NAWIC South Central PA Chapter. “This year, our members truly embodied that mission by stepping into leadership roles, hosting insightful tours, and fostering valuable connections. A heartfelt thank you to our sponsors for their support—together, we’re breaking barriers, building stronger networks, and driving progress in construction.”

Celebrating Women Across All Departments

Warfel’s dedication to supporting women goes beyond recruitment. It incorporates mentorship, leadership development, and the cultivation of a workplace culture that values diversity at all levels.

“Women in construction bring fresh perspectives and innovative ideas to the table,” said Colleen Lynn, Director of Business Development at Warfel Construction. “We’re proud to support the growth of women leaders in all aspects of our business, and we’re excited to see how this impact will continue to grow.”

Looking Ahead

As Women in Construction Week concludes, Warfel reaffirms its commitment to empowering women within our organization and across the construction industry. Moving forward, we remain focused on strengthening our relationships with partners like NAWIC and continuing our efforts to build a workforce that encourages innovation and leadership for generations to come.

About Warfel Construction Company

Established in 1911, Warfel Construction is a leading provider of general contracting and construction management services specializing in senior living, healthcare, education, and commercial construction. Headquartered in Pennsylvania, Warfel proudly serves clients across Pennsylvania, Virginia, Maryland, West Virginia, and neighboring states. Discover more at warfelcc.com.

Warfel Celebrates Completion of Villas at SVWC

Winchester, VA – Warfel Construction is proud to announce the successful completion of the Villas at Shenandoah Valley Westminster-Canterbury (SVWC). This milestone not only marks the conclusion of a significant project but also highlights Warfel’s ongoing growth and commitment to Virginia, underscoring the company’s dedication to its people, culture, and long-term relationships.

The Villas at SVWC

In April 2022, Warfel opened its Virginia office to support the Villas project, a $110 million expansion of SVWC’s existing Continuing Care Retirement Community (CCRC). This project adds 97 independent living apartments to the Winchester community, consisting of ten Villas that offer an elevated lifestyle for residents. The Villas feature modern amenities, including open floor plans with abundant natural light, large patios, energy efficiency, personal garages, and scenic views of ponds, meadows, and trails.

A Commitment to Community, People, and Quality

“Our mission, Clients for Life, extends beyond the projects we work on,” said Steve Davis, Vice President, Virginia at Warfel Construction. “The Villas at SVWC reflects our dedication to delivering high-quality construction while fostering lasting relationships with our clients and communities. We’re proud to be part of this significant development in the Shenandoah Valley.”

At Warfel, community involvement is fundamental to the company’s culture. As part of the Clients for Life mission, Warfel is committed not only to the projects they undertake but also to building strong relationships with the communities they serve. Warfel takes pride in creating a lasting impact by contributing to local initiatives and becoming active members of each community long after the construction is complete. This approach underscores Warfel’s deep commitment to the regions where they build, fostering environments where clients, partners, and residents can thrive.

Growing in Virginia

What started as a team of five has grown to over twenty-nine employees in Warfel’s Virginia office. Located at 112 N Loudoun St. in Winchester, the office has transformed from a vacant space into a vibrant hub that has played a pivotal role in supporting the Villas project and building local connections. This expansion is a clear reflection of Warfel’s long-term investment in Virginia and its commitment to hiring local talent.

“We don’t just build buildings; we build relationships,” said Steve Davis. “Our employees have become like family to the residents of SVWC. We take our people-first approach seriously—whether it’s with our team, clients, or the residents we support. We’re proud of the trust and mutual respect we’ve earned in Virginia.”

Giving Back to Shenandoah Valley

In addition to providing senior housing, Warfel’s team has actively engaged with the local community. They’ve sponsored events such as the United Way and the Apple Blossom Festival and contributed to various non-profit fundraising initiatives, reinforcing Warfel’s commitment to the region.

Building Trust and Lasting Partnerships

Jeannie Shiley, President and Chief Executive Officer at SVWC, shared her appreciation for the collaboration: “Warfel did an amazing job for us. We trust them, respect them, and they trusted and respected us in return. That’s why we have such a great project completed. Over the last 5 years, I’ve made many good friends, and I believe we’ve earned the respect of our board through this project. It was huge for us, and I know we’ll be their Clients for Life.”

Looking to the Future

“We’re proud of what we’ve accomplished with the Villas project, but even prouder of the relationships we’ve built here,” said Sheila Snyder, Senior Project Director, involved with the project. “Winchester is a close-knit community, and we have been fortunate to experience that firsthand. This project is just the beginning of our long-term commitment to Virginia and its residents. We treat our work as more than just a job—it’s an opportunity to make a lasting impact on people’s lives.”

With the completion of the Villas project, Warfel is continuing to expand its footprint across Virginia, with several projects underway in Winchester and surrounding areas. The company’s commitment to the region remains strong, and Warfel looks forward to contributing to the growth and prosperity of the Shenandoah Valley for many years to come.

“Opening our office in Virginia was a key milestone in our journey, and seeing it flourish is a testament to the hard work and dedication of our team,” said Conlan Swope, President of Warfel Construction. “We are incredibly grateful for the relationship built with Shenandoah Valley Westminster-Canterbury, and we’re excited for the future and the positive impact we’ll continue to make in the community.”

About Warfel Construction Company

Established in 1911, Warfel Construction is a leading provider of general contracting and construction management services specializing in senior living, healthcare, education, and commercial construction. Headquartered in Pennsylvania, Warfel proudly serves clients across Pennsylvania, Virginia, Maryland, West Virginia, and neighboring states. Discover more at warfelcc.com.