East Petersburg, PA — In recognition of Women in Construction Week, Warfel Construction celebrated the women who are helping build not only projects, but stronger teams and a stronger industry. Throughout the week, the company hosted and participated in events designed to strengthen connection, mentorship, and opportunity across the construction community.
Building Industry Connections
This year, Warfel welcomed members of the NAWIC (National Association of Women in Construction) South Central PA Chapter #386 to tour West End Place Apartments in Lancaster, PA. The event took place on Monday, March 2, 2026. The visit was especially meaningful, as the same group toured the project in 2025 and returned this year to see the building nearing completion.
The event brought together women from across the construction community, including representatives from Thaddeus Stevens College of Technology, ASA Central PA, Barry Isett & Associates, Inc., Brubaker Inc., EMK Media Solutions, Penn Waste, Mainline Excavating, Waste Connections, The Mula Group, and Tri-Boro Materials, and more. The gathering created space for conversation, shared learning, and continued relationship-building among industry partners.
Advancing Mentorship Through Education and Dialogue
Warfel also partnered with NAWIC Philadelphia Chapter #145 for Level Up: Building Strong Mentorships, an interactive panel discussion and educational session held at Immaculata University’s Great Hall. This event took place on Wednesday, March 4, 2026.
The event focused on the power of mentorship and practical strategies for building strong mentor-mentee relationships that drive long-term success. Panelists included leaders from Warfel Construction, Immaculata University, and Gillespie Electric, and the session encouraged meaningful dialogue centered on growth, connection, and leadership development.
Intentional Growth
These events reflect progress not only across the industry but also within Warfel itself.
Today, women represent 18% of Warfel’s workforce, compared to the construction industry average of 11%. Over the past decade, that represents a 121% increase in female representation at Warfel. In 2016, Warfel employed 24 women; today, that number has grown to 53. Ten years ago, Warfel had no women working in field positions. Today, 10 women serve in field roles across the organization.
That progress has been intentional — rooted in a long-standing commitment to creating opportunities, removing barriers, and building a culture where every team member feels valued and supported. This commitment has also been recognized externally: in 2025, Warfel Construction received the Central Penn Business Journal Empowering Women Award for companies leading the way in supporting women in the workplace.
“At Warfel, growth happens when people are given opportunity, support, and the confidence to lead,” said Conlan Swope, President of Warfel Construction. “We are proud of the women who are building our projects, strengthening our culture, and mentoring the next generation of leaders within our organization. Their leadership and expertise continue to shape who we are as a company.”
Investing in Development and Leadership
Warfel’s internal development initiatives play a key role in that growth. Programs such as Elevate — Warfel’s employee development initiative — provide opportunities for team members across all departments to grow both professionally and personally. The program reflects Warfel’s belief that professional development and personal growth go hand in hand, equipping participants with skills that extend beyond the workplace, including navigating challenging conversations, building trust, motivating, and influencing others, and strengthening emotional intelligence.
In addition, Warfel encourages and supports participation in community-based leadership programs such as Lancaster Leadership and the Lancaster Chamber’s Discovering Paths Program, further expanding opportunities for women to contribute, collaborate, and grow throughout the region.
A Commitment That Extends Beyond Women in Construction Week
Women in Construction Week provides a meaningful opportunity to recognize this progress. But at Warfel, the commitment to developing people and creating pathways for growth continues every day. By investing in diverse perspectives and strong mentorship, the company strengthens collaboration, innovation, and the quality of work delivered to clients and communities.
As Warfel looks ahead, it remains focused on building strong teams, investing in mentorship, and supporting the next generation of women entering the construction industry — in the field, in the office, and throughout the community.
About Women in Construction Week
Women in Construction Week, a nationwide initiative founded by the National Association of Women in Construction, brings together national webinars, local chapter events, and regional programs to spotlight the contributions of women in the industry. Programming covers industry trends, ethical workplace practices, career advancement, and negotiation strategies, providing professionals across the construction field with actionable tools. Learn more at https://nawic.org/.
About Warfel Construction
Warfel Construction is a full-service construction management firm based in East Petersburg, Pennsylvania. The company serves clients in senior living, healthcare, higher education, and commercial sectors across Pennsylvania, Virginia, Maryland, West Virginia, and surrounding states. Guided by a people-first culture and a mission to build Clients for Life®, Warfel delivers complex projects with collaboration, innovation, and integrity. Learn more at warfelcc.com.
