Professional Women in Building Council

PWB Board of Officers

Cheryl Lee
PWB Chair, CL Design-Build

Cheryl is the President and owner of CL Design-Build, President of NIHBA in 2024 and 2025 who is currently enjoying her Immediate Past President Status, and is also a NIHBA NAHB Delegate.

Colleen Lyons

Vice President, Old Second National Bank

PWB Vice-Chair

Annie Maffeo

Showroom Manager, Ferguson Home

PWB Treasurer

Patti Peltier

Owner & Designer, Peltier Designs

PWB Secretary

Rosie Millen

Owner & Senior Designer, Heritage Cabinetry & Design

PWB Immediate Past Chair

Mission & Goals

PWB is dedicated to promoting, enhancing & supporting home building and women within the industry through advocacy, awareness & community involvement.

Cultivate strong, collaborative relationships among PWB members and professionals within the building industry to enhance networking and mutual support.

Empower and develop women leaders in the building industry through mentorship, education, and professional development opportunities.

Champion the interests and advancement of women in the building industry through active advocacy and representation.

Celebrate and acknowledge the achievements and contributions of women professionals in the building industry and in our communities.

Inspire and support the next generation of women to pursue careers in the building industry through outreach and educational initiatives.

Increase diversity within the building industry by encouraging the inclusion of individuals from varied backgrounds and experiences.

By joining the NIHBA Professional Women in Building Council for $100 annually, you also become a member of the National Association of Home Builders Professional Women in Building Council.

NAHB PWB offers many benefits to its council members and can be seen here.

PWB Annual Events

Community Engagement

The Northern Illinois Home Builders Association (NIHBA) Professional Women in Building (PWB) Council hosts readings of The House That She Built, an award-winning children’s book that introduces young readers to the many career opportunities available in the residential construction and home building industry. The program supports workforce development and career exploration by showcasing professions in home building, construction management, architecture, design, and the skilled trades.

Written by women working in the building trades, the story follows a young girl as she learns about the teamwork, talent, and dedication required to build a home. Through engaging illustrations and real-world examples, the book celebrates women in construction while highlighting the diverse career paths available within the home building industry. The program helps inspire the next generation to explore construction careers, skilled trades opportunities, and leadership roles in residential building.

To schedule a reading for your classroom, library, or community event, or to learn more about the program, please contact the NIHBA PWB Council.

Professional Headshot Renewal

Each February, the Northern Illinois Home Builders Association (NIHBA) Professional Women in Building (PWB) Council hosts its annual Headshot Event, providing women in construction, home building professionals, and industry partners with high-quality professional photography. Designed to support professional development and business growth, the event helps participants strengthen their personal brand, enhance their online presence, and update marketing materials, company websites, and social media profiles.

A favorite among members, the Headshot Event also serves as a valuable networking opportunity, bringing together professionals from across the residential construction industry in a welcoming and supportive environment. By combining personal branding with relationship-building, the event helps attendees expand their professional networks and elevate their visibility within the home building community.

Friendsgiving Networking Event

Now entering its third year, the Northern Illinois Home Builders Association (NIHBA) Professional Women in Building (PWB) Council Friendsgiving has become a valued tradition that brings together women in construction, home building professionals, and industry partners for networking, community engagement, and charitable giving. The event provides an opportunity to strengthen professional relationships, celebrate the home building community, and support meaningful causes during the holiday season.

As part of Friendsgiving, attendees are encouraged to make charitable contributions benefiting Metropolitan Family Services, helping provide critical support and resources to local individuals and families in need. By combining industry networking with community service, Friendsgiving reflects the PWB Council’s commitment to leadership, connection, and giving back throughout Northern Illinois.

Charitable Partners

Metropolitan Family Services
https://www.metrofamily.org/

The NIHBA PWB Council proudly supports Metropolitan Family Services, a nonprofit organization that provides comprehensive services including counseling, early childhood education, domestic violence support, employment assistance, and financial empowerment programs for individuals and families across the Chicago metropolitan area.