Inaugural board named as new chapter joins national NAHB network
The Collier Building Industry Association (CBIA) has announced the formation of its Professional Women in Building (PWB) Council, a chapter of the National Association of Home Builders’ PWB Council. The council held its inaugural event, Women Who Build, on Sept. 15 and already has more than 80 members.
The event featured a panel of industry leaders: Dianne Beaton, owner of 2DiFore Marketing Solutions, who brings more than 40 years of marketing and business management experience and serves as a 2026 NAHB PWB Trustee; Michaela Reiterer Henning, Hlevel Architecture Principal Architect, a LEED Green Associate, who co-founded the Naples firm in 2010 with a focus on modern, sustainable architecture; and Alexa Warner, co-founder of Fuse Specialty Appliances & Plumbing, who brings more than 28 years in the appliance industry and helped grow Fuse into one of Florida’s premier destinations for luxury appliances and plumbing. The panel was moderated by Cali Clardy of Refined Builders, who brings more than 25 years in the building industry and serves as chair of the CBIA Professional Women in Building Council and CBIA Immediate Past President.
The national PWB Council has been the voice of women in the building industry for more than seventy years. CBIA’s chapter is one of nine PWB chapters across Florida.
The local council will raise funds in support of the Collier Building Industry Foundation. Plans for the year ahead include a She Speaks series, online events and in-person networking events. The council will also introduce its first Woman of Distinction recognition at CBIA’s annual Holiday Happening, honoring women making an impact and contribution within the organization.
“With more than 80 members in our first month, the appetite for this council is clear,” said Cali Clardy, PWB Council Chair. “Our mission is simple: to build careers, connections and confidence for women in our industry.”
“Women have always been central to CBIA and its members,” said Tatiana Gust, CBIA President. “Becoming part of the national PWB network gives their work a stronger platform, and I could not be prouder of this group.”
Inaugural Board of Directors
- Cali Clardy, Refined Builders, Chair
- Jessica Schneider, Visual Comfort & Co, Vice Chair
- Kim Schiller, Fuse Specialty Appliances & Plumbing, Secretary
- Tatiana Gust, Elite Permits, CBIA President
- Kathy Smart, PBS Contractors
- Blanca Vasquez-Zurawskyj, VCC Contracting & Roofing
- Peggy Wilson, Wilson Creative Group
For a list of council members, visit https://www.cbia.net/about/councils/pwb-council/. Additional national context on the value of a local PWB council is available at nahb.org.