By Nick Williams, ASA of Colorado
In an industry known for hard hats and jobsite intensity, something important is taking shape across Colorado. It is being built on connection.
The American Subcontractors Association of Colorado’s Women of Construction Committee recently partnered with CREW Denver to host the Cabernet & Construction event, bringing
together professionals from construction, design, real estate, and architecture for an evening centered on networking, storytelling, and community. The goal was straightforward. Create space for meaningful connection in an industry that rarely slows down long enough to allow it.
And it delivered.
Cabernet & Construction was not just a social event. It was an intentional effort to strengthen the industry by investing in people. The event highlighted the growing influence of women across all sectors of the built environment while creating an atmosphere where conversations felt natural and barriers came down. Relationships were formed that will extend far beyond a single evening.
The Women of Construction initiative is rooted in empowerment, professional growth, and support. Its purpose is to elevate women in the industry by creating opportunities for connection, education, and advancement. This event brought that mission to life in a practical and visible way.
The impact goes beyond professional development. The construction industry is facing real challenges. Workforce shortages, burnout, and the need for stronger culture and leadership continue to surface across the state. Events like this respond to those challenges in a direct way. When people feel connected, they are more engaged. They collaborate better. They contribute to healthier job sites. That sense of belonging has real value.
What stood out most from the evening was the authenticity. Conversations were not transactional. They were genuine. Women shared experiences, challenges, and successes. Allies showed up with intention. There was a clear sense across the room that this was about more than individual advancement. It was about collective progress. That matters for the future of construction.
Industry change does not happen through policy alone. It happens through people. It happens when trust is built and when individuals feel seen, heard, and supported. Cabernet & Construction created that kind of environment. The takeaway is simple. When we invest in connection, we strengthen the entire industry.
If this event is any indication, the future of construction in Colorado is being shaped by a more inclusive, collaborative, and connected community.
About the author:
Nick Williams is the CEO of both R.I.S.E LLC and the American Subcontractor’s Association of Colorado. He has chaired the AGC Mental Health Working Group since 2021. He is the Vice Chair of the non-profit training company Recovery Friendly Leader. He holds a graduate certificate in Total Worker Health from the Colorado School of Public Health. He loves traveling the world with his wife and son, is almost always with his Westies named Pacey and Joey, and is an avid consumer of all things pop culture.
Part II
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