Professional Development & Education Committee Co-Chair

Meet Emily Walls, NAWIC Atlanta’s Professional Development & Education Committee Co-Chair. With more than seven years in the construction industry, Emily believes growth comes from taking chances, surrounding yourself with a strong community and getting comfortable with being uncomfortable.

Career Journey

Emily has spent more than seven years in the construction industry, building her career and learning the value of continuing to challenge herself along the way.

That mindset has shaped both her professional journey and the advice she shares with other women considering a career in construction: don’t be afraid to bet on yourself.

Leadership

For Emily, good leadership is about two things: empowerment and example.

She believes strong leaders empower the people around them while demonstrating through their own actions the qualities they hope to inspire in others.

It’s an approach that pairs naturally with her role as Professional Development & Education Committee Co-Chair, helping create opportunities for NAWIC Atlanta members to continue learning and growing throughout their careers.

Industry

Emily’s advice for women considering a career in construction is simple:

“Take the chance on yourself!”

She encourages women to seek out organizations like NAWIC, where they can discover just how many other women are building careers in the industry and create a community and support system along the way.

And perhaps most importantly, she encourages them to get comfortable with being uncomfortable.

New opportunities don’t always feel comfortable at first, but being willing to step outside of what’s familiar can lead to some of the greatest professional and personal growth.

Why NAWIC?

One NAWIC Atlanta experience that Emily won’t soon forget is Block Kids 2026.

The event gave her an opportunity to see firsthand just how creative and capable young minds can be.

“It really opened my eyes to how brilliant the young minds are and how important it is to give them opportunities at a young age.”

The experience became one of her favorite NAWIC events and reinforced the importance of introducing the next generation to the possibilities available within construction.

Beyond Construction

Emily’s favorite motto is one that keeps her grounded through whatever comes next:

“Let go & let God.”

It’s a simple reminder to trust the journey, something that pairs pretty well with her advice to take a chance on yourself.