Making a Difference: Rancho Mesa’s Amber Webb and Anne Wright Volunteer at Camp NAWIC

Author, Megan Lockhart, Media Communications and Client Services Coordinator, Rancho Mesa Insurance Services, Inc.

On Wednesday, June 22, Rancho Mesa team members, Amber Webb and Anne Wright volunteered at Camp NAWIC, at AGC’s Apprenticeship Training Facility in Lakeside, CA. 

Camp NAWIC is a week-long summer camp for girls in grades 9 through 12 that teaches them basic construction skills while promoting an interest in a career path in the construction industry.

Campers learn construction skills through hands-on activities in disciplines such as electrical, plumbing, sheet metal, surveying, and heavy equipment operation. Returners complete a construction project as a team and mentor first year campers.

“This year, I volunteered with NECA for the electrical trade day and we were able to show the girls how to wire up a circuit with a switch and light bulb, bend pipe, install solar panels, learn about careers in the electrical industry and do some ladder safety,” Webb said.

Camp NAWIC is put on by the Future Construction Leaders Foundation of San Diego, an organization set up by NAWIC San Diego to run its outreach programs. NAWIC Chapters all over the country host these camps which facilitate friendship and teamwork while encouraging construction careers for women.

“I have been volunteering for Camp NAWIC since 2015 and it is such an amazing week,” Webb said. “The girls show up for camp on their first day and are scared and timid, but by the last day of camp, they have new friends and the confidence to take on new projects with the trade skills they learned.”

Many Rancho Mesa clients are also involved in this event, namely Melinda Dicharry, the former President of the foundation and the owner of Paradigm Mechanical Corp. Victoria Friar of Chula Vista Electric Co. and Sunrise Bobcat’s Tiffany Carapella and Tosha Carapella were also involved this year.

Rancho Mesa is a proud contributor to the NAWIC mission and its support of women’s careers in the construction industry, and we value our team aiding this cause through their volunteer work.

“Witnessing the exposure that these young ladies had to the creative process that is construction was so enjoyable,” Wright said. “Not many summer camps can actually lead you to a productive career path. NAWIC does an amazing job with this, year after year.”

About Future Construction Leaders Foundation of San Diego
The Future Construction Leaders Foundation of San Diego is dedicated to the advancement of programs focused on educating youth about career opportunities in the construction industry and encouraging them to pursue careers in this field. We work to influence our educational systems, students, and parents to place more emphasis on, and resources toward, vocational education that connects directly to construction industry jobs.

About NAWIC San Diego
NAWIC has over 115 chapters throughout the United States that provide its members with opportunities for professional development, education, networking, leadership training, public service and more. NAWIC continues the vision of its founding members by advocating for the value and impact of women builders, professionals and tradeswomen in all aspects of the construction industry.

Employee Spotlight: Alyssa Burley Joins NAWIC Board of Directors

Author, Lauren Stumpf, Media Communications & Client Services Specialist, Rancho Mesa Insurance Services, Inc.

On Tuesday, June 14, 2022, Alyssa Burley was elected to one of six director positions on the National Association of Women in Construction (NAWIC) San Diego chapter Board of Directors for the 2022-2023 term.

Since joining NAWIC in 2017, Alyssa has been a dedicated member, spending countless hours serving as the Newsletter Editor, Golf Committee Member, WIC Week Committee Member, and Professional Development & Education Committee Chair. Last year, she was proudly presented with the NAWIC Member of the Year Award for her ability to take on multiple leadership roles within the organization, all while being a leader for her department within Rancho Mesa.

"I am so excited to be on the NAWIC San Diego Board of Directors and look forward to supporting the chapter this coming year," says Alyssa.

Alyssa is not the only Rancho Mesa employee that is part of the NAWIC San Diego Chapter. Account Executive Amber Webb is heavily involved in NAWIC, serving on the board of directors for the past four years and chapter President from 2020-2021. Rancho Mesa’s Surety Relationship Executive Anne Wright has also been a long-time NAWIC San Diego Chapter member.

Rancho Mesa is proud to support its leaders within the community and women in construction!

Rancho Mesa Celebrates Surety Superstar Anne Wright Joining the Team

Author, Megan Lockhart, Media Communications and Client Services Coordinator, Rancho Mesa Insurance Services, Inc.

On Wednesday, December 1, the Rancho Mesa family excitedly welcomed Anne Wright, a veteran of the San Diego surety industry, to the team.   

Anne will serve as Surety Relationship Executive in the Surety Group, continuing to manage her current accounts as well as new opportunities.

Throughout her 30+ tenure as a surety professional, Anne has worked as a surety underwriter and served multiple executive roles, and even owned her own insurance agency. She is proud of the relationships she has created over the years through these positions and feels joining Rancho Mesa is the perfect next step for her career.

Anne is an impressive contributor to both the surety community and the construction industry. She is continually active in local trade associations including serving as chairperson, and ultimately president of the American Subcontractors Association of San Diego, and was a founding board member of the Women’s Construction Coalition.

She has also held board positions with the Surety Association of San Diego and served as their president for a term. She continues to be active with the ASA of California in the ABC San Diego chapter, and is also well known for working with local public agencies and general contractors in their outreach efforts to emerging businesses.

“Anne has an extensive career in Surety and is highly admired for her expertise and professionalism. We are so fortunate not only to gain her industry expertise and clients but someone who shares the same values as all of us here. She will be a great addition to an already strong family feeling that we all share,” Dave Garcia, President of Rancho Mesa, said.

In her free time, Anne enjoys spending time with her retired husband Jim, their Beagle Gracie, and their grandkids, neighbors, and friends. She enjoys gardening and began a Monarch butterfly habitat this last year. In addition, Anne enjoys playing the piano, bike riding and has recently taken up painting.