INDUST RY SUMMI T S


Inside of AGC CEF’s 2026 Industry Summits – and Why They Matter


BY CAROL EATON M


ore than five dozen companies, 150-plus individuals, and 63 educators and career coun-


selors representing 14 different California schools and non-profits came together for two unique AGC Construction Education Foundation (AGC CEF) Summits in 2026, demonstrating the power of cross-sector connection and engagement to sup- port construction career pathways and industry education and growth. The 2026 Women Build California


Summit on March 11 in Santa Clara and the Educators Build California Summit, held at the Southern California Laborers’ Training Center in Azusa on April 29, drew industry and education leaders from across the state. Their common purpose: to connect, collaborate, and expand opportunities for learning and growth within California’s construction industry.


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CALIFORNIA CONSTRUCTOR SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2026


Both inaugural events by AGC CEF


were supported by the California De- partment of Industrial Relations’ ERiCA grant and other AGC industry partners.


JJ Albanese Shows Commitment Contractor Joseph J. Albanese, Inc. was one of the AGC of California member partners that stepped up to sponsor the Women Build California Summit. Pres- ident and CEO Phil Albanese said it was an easy decision to participate, given the company’s strong support for women in the construction workforce. He credits Melinda Berge, a senior


project manager at the company who is an active member of the AGC of Califor- nia South Bay District Board and on the Emerging Leaders Steering Committee, for sparking his interest in the event. “Melinda deserves a lot of credit as she has become a passionate advocate


for our industry and more particularly women’s deservedly growing role in the built world,” Albanese said. “She knew supporting women in construction mat- ters to us. Over the last 15 years here at Joseph J. Albanese, I have been amazed at the increased interest from women wanting to be in the industry and the impact women have made with our team. Hosting the summit was a no brainer; I am proud of the work Melinda and our team did to make it a successful day.” Their objective in supporting the summit was simple, Albanese added. “We wanted to get the right people in one room: industry leaders, employers, unions, and the advocates doing the work to open doors for women in construction.” He noted that it went even better than expected. “People made real connections and had conversations that mattered, and it pulled together a network of people who care about changing things. Te whole industry wins when talented women can build a career here, in the field or in the office.”


Attract, Develop and Retain Women in the Workforce Dome Construction, another event spon- sor, is also a strong and active AGC of


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