Breakfast4Success (Feb. 2024) - Powerhouses: Women in Male-Dominated Fields - Feb 5, 2025

Breakfast4Success - February 2025
All the traditions you know and love about breakfast with the Greater Reading Chamber Alliance! Announcements about upcoming events & opportunities, recognition of new members, and time to network. Most importantly, Breakfast4Success features topic-driven presentations designed to inspire you to achieve your goals, both personally and professionally.

Powerhouses: Women in Male-Dominated Fields

Did you know that only 6.2% of construction workers in the U.S. are women?
(Source: Construction Employers Association)

Join GRCA’s Breakfast4Success in collaboration with Women2Women for a powerful and inspiring event that shines a spotlight on the experiences and achievements of women thriving in male-dominated industries, with a special focus on the construction field.

This engaging panel discussion will feature exceptional women leaders from Berks County who have defied odds, challenged stereotypes, and paved the way for others in construction and related fields. These trailblazers will share their journeys, discuss challenges and opportunities, and provide actionable advice for navigating and excelling in traditionally male-dominated professions.

What to Expect:

Inspiring stories and strategies from women leaders breaking barriers
Insights into the evolving landscape of male-dominated industries
Networking opportunities with professionals across various fields
Practical tips to empower you in your personal and professional journey

Whether you’re an industry veteran, aspiring leader, or simply curious about how women are reshaping the workplace, this event offers a unique opportunity to celebrate achievements, gain valuable insights, and connect with a supportive community.

Don’t miss this chance to be inspired and empowered—register today!

Meet our Speakers:
Sarah Phillips | Irish Creek Construction

Sarah Phillips, President of Irish Creek Construction, is a second-generation Family Business Owner. She leads the Irish Creek Team and provides specific oversight of the General Construction and Construction Management Divisions, ensuring that the mission of finding the ideal Solutions through Construction always remains paramount throughout the Project lifecycle. She also develops and implements Marketing and Business Development initiatives and oversees Human Resources, Finance Operations, Field Operations and all other daily business operations of Irish Creek. Under Sarah’s leadership, Irish Creek has grown over 150%, has been Federally Certified as a Women Owned Small Business and has been recognized on the Inc. 5000 list of Fastest Growing Privately Heald Companies in America as well as one of the GRCA’s Top 50 Businesses.

Sarah graduated from The Ohio State University with a Bachelor’s Degree in Construction Systems Management and re-joined Irish Creek in 2017, becoming President in 2022. Outside of work, Sarah is an avid golfer and fitness enthusiast and enjoys various outdoor activities with her two dogs, Jade and Sass, and volunteering time to community organizations such as the Salvation Army of Reading, SAFEberks, Yocum Institute for Arts Education, the Berks County Building & Codes Association, the Tulephocken Future Farmers of America (FFA) Agriculture Advisory Committee, the Emerging Leaders United and the Berks County Planning Commission.

Pam Blickle | Burkey Construction

Pamela Blickle is the Director of Office Operations & Corporate Officer (Secretary) at Burkey Construction. She joined the Burkey team in 2018, after serving 21 years in the manufacturing business in various roles from Director of Finance & Sales to Vice-President.

A true Pennsylvania girl, Pam is a proud graduate of Susquehanna University where she earned a BA in English and Business. In addition, she has a Paralegal General Practice degree, is a graduate of Leadership Berks, and a current member of the SHRM Berks County Chapter.

Pam has authored several 500-page (Kitchen Design, Installation & Remodeling, Bathroom Design, Installation & Remodeling) and edited many technical books (ranging from the Roofing Handbook, Residential Steel Framing, etc) all published by McGraw-Hill Publishers. She has written throughout the years for different other publications (including our own amazing Berks County Living) and stays current by volunteering as an ARC reader for a local author.

Charitable giving, community, and leadership have all been very near and dear to Pam’s heart. With over three decades of community volunteering, she has held various board positions with The Junior League of Reading, Lancaster County Career & Technology Center, is an active member of the Business Advisory Council for Penn State Berks, and is in her 6th year serving as a School Board Director for Cocalico School District. To name just a few, she spends time supporting the Greater Reading Chamber Alliance, volunteering for the Reading Symphony Orchestra League and Mary’s Shelter of Reading. Her latest endeavor is as a member under her 16-year-old son’s leadership for the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society’s Student Visionaries of the Year campaign!

To relax, Pam enjoys being with friends, reading, travelling, and spending time at the beach with her husband, Rob, and son, Max!

Maureen Dolan | Dolan Construction

Maureen Dolan is the Treasurer and Owner of Dolan Construction Inc., a design build general contractor. She holds a BS in Accounting from DeSales University and an MBA from St. Joseph University. She has been at Dolan for 36 years and an Owner for the last 25 years with her brother, Patrick Dolan. She is currently a GRCA FBA Council Member and Board Member of the Home Builders Association of Berks County. She has previously served on The Reading Public Library, Construction Financial Management (Berks - Lehigh Chapter) and Co-County Wellness Services Inc. Board of Directors.

Welcome New Members!