Shari Durazzano, Membership Director, WIC Week Profile 2021

The week of March 7-13, 2021 we will celebrate Women in Construction Week (WIC) and the many women who work in and make important contributions to our industry every day! We are pleased to share the stories from many of the women who work and live in NH and VT. The project was created in partnership with I Build NH and NAWIC Granite State Chapter.

Shari DurazzanoWhy construction?
My interest in construction started close to home – my dad worked in construction when I was a little girl. He always talked about the amazing and challenging structures he built and he had a great sense of pride in his accomplishments. While I don't build things in my position as a Membership Director at ABC, I do have the opportunity to hear about and see the amazing projects the members have built. Listening to member stories and hearing their sense of pride reminds me of my dad's stories when I was a little girl.

What is your education/training background?
I went to Southern New Hampshire University and earned a bachelors in business administration with a minor in marketing. I also have an associates degree in accounting from NHTI in Concord, NH. In 2020 I graduated from the ABC Future Leaders in Construction program. I have also participated in the ABC National Sales Academy and ABC National Membership Council.

How did you find yourself working in the construction industry?
Since my dad worked in construction, I found myself being drawn to construction membership. When he was in the field, he did not have access to the opportunities that ABC offers. I wanted to share ABC's resources in education, safety, training, networking, recognition, legislation, and discounts with others in the construction industry.

What do you enjoy most about your career?
As the role of a membership director, I engage with over 250 member companies in the construction industry. I enjoy seeing them at the ABC Networking Events. Our members are hard working, humble, honest and smart.

What’s the most interesting project you’ve worked on?
The Excellence in Construction Awards Ceremony is the most interesting project I am part of. It gives me an opportunity to experience the challenges and obstacles that construction companies have in creating these breathtaking projects.

What advice do you have for women who want to work in the construction industry?
Construction is a great career choice for women. Whether you work in the field or in the office, construction offers an exciting, rewarding, and financially stable career path.

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About ABC NH/VT Associated Builders and Contractors (ABC) is a national construction industry trade association representing nearly 21,000 chapter members. Founded on the merit shop philosophy, ABC and its 70 chapters help members develop people, win work and deliver that work safely, ethically, profitably and for the betterment of the communities in which ABC and its members work. ABC's membership represents all specialties within the U.S. construction industry and is comprised primarily of firms that perform work in the industrial and commercial sectors.

About I Build New Hampshire I Build NH represents the construction sector of the state through the Sector Partnerships Initiative (SPI). I Build NH represents companies involved in heavy construction like municipal water treatment systems and road building, electric and telecommunication infrastructure, civil engineering, heating/ventilation/air conditioning businesses and more.

About the National Association of Women in Construction
The National Association of Women in Construction (NAWIC) has over 115 chapters throughout the United States, including the NAWIC Granite State Chapter. NAWIC provides its members with opportunities for professional development, education, networking, leadership training, public service and more. NAWIC advocates for the value and impact of women builders, professionals and tradeswomen in all aspects of the construction industry.