From Internal Connections to Industry Impact: Building Each Other Up Through Networking

By: Jill DiClementi

In an industry built on relationships, some of the most valuable connections go beyond the projects we work on together. They’re the connections that help us learn, grow, share ideas, and navigate our careers.

Networking is often thought of as something you do to advance professionally and drive business but it’s also about building authentic relationships. A simple conversation can lead to a new perspective, an introduction, a solution to a challenge, or a lasting professional connection. When people come together to share experiences and learn from one another, everyone benefits.

At Spiezle, networking is one of the five pillars of our Women’s Leadership Development Committee, alongside wellness, mentorship, professional development, and community impact. Through networking workshops, speed-networking opportunities, and firmwide initiatives, we encourage women to build the confidence and relationships that support both personal and professional growth.

Until now, our focus has been primarily on fostering connections within our own organization because let’s be honest, networking can feel awkward.

For many people, the word alone brings to mind forced conversations, uncomfortable introductions, and the pressure of having to “work the room.” Our goal has been to change that perception by creating welcoming, low-pressure opportunities where women can simply get to know one another. Through speed networking, workshops, and team-building activities, we’ve shown that networking doesn’t have to feel intimidating. It can be enjoyable, genuine, and incredibly valuable, providing insights into career growth, leadership opportunities, and the diverse experiences of colleagues across the firm.

As those internal connections grew stronger, I began thinking about what could happen if we expanded that experience beyond our own organization. The idea was simple: bring together women’s groups from across the AEC industry and create space for meaningful conversations, new relationships, and shared learning. By connecting with women from partner organizations, we have an opportunity to broaden perspectives, exchange ideas, and strengthen the professional networks that help all of us succeed.

That vision came to life recently during a joint networking event with women’s groups from Spiezle, Bala Engineering, Langan and Norwood Construction. Hosted by Bala Engineering, the gathering brought together more than 40 women from participating organizations for an evening focused on connection, conversation, and community.

We kicked off the evening with an icebreaker where everyone shared a little about themselves. One activity involved passing a ball of twine from person to person to visually represent the connections forming around the room. While it sounded great in theory, the twine quickly became a tangled mess. Thankfully, it also became the perfect metaphor for networking. Relationships don’t form in neat, straight lines. They overlap, intersect, and grow in unexpected ways, creating a network that’s often stronger than we realize.

The networking continued through a game of bingo that encouraged attendees to meet new people, discover shared interests, and spark conversations. There was plenty of laughter along the way, but there were also meaningful discussions about career journeys, leadership experiences, and opportunities.

What stood out most was how quickly the room shifted from a group of strangers to a community of professionals genuinely interested in connecting with and learning from one another.

As Serena Williams once said, “The success of every woman should be the inspiration to another. We should raise each other up.” That spirit of connection was reflected throughout the evening. Participants exchanged ideas, shared experiences, discussed career journeys, and built relationships that will hopefully continue long after the event ended.

Events like this are a reminder that professional growth rarely happens in isolation. It develops through the conversations we have, the relationships we build, and the willingness to learn from people with different experiences and perspectives.

What started as an effort to make networking feel less intimidating within our own organization has grown into an opportunity to connect with professionals across our industry. By bringing people together, sharing experiences, and creating space for meaningful conversations, we’re building stronger relationships that benefit not only our individual careers, but also the partnerships and projects that make our industry successful.

We are grateful for opportunities like this to connect beyond our own organizations, expand our networks, and strengthen the sense of community within our industry. The evening was a great reminder that some of the most valuable opportunities begin with a simple conversation.