Bend architect Heidi Slaybaugh was often met with a request. Male colleagues in leadership positions would reach out to ask if she would mentor their female staff. “The male leaders couldn’t address the questions they were hearing from female colleagues,” recalled Slaybaugh, principal at Cole Architects. “Most architecture firms are run by men, and they needed help responding to questions about what it takes to be a successful woman in this industry. Women needed to hear tips and tricks from another woman.”
Over these conversations, a common theme emerged — locally, there was significant demand for female mentorship in architecture firms. Rather than meet that need one mentorship at a time, in 2024, Slaybaugh, along with BBT Architects Project Architect Genevra Obregon, founded the community group Central Oregon Women in Construction (COWIC). Initially focusing on women in architecture, the group quickly expanded after a kickoff meeting. “It became clear that there was a need for support for women in design firms, engineering and construction, as well,” said Slaybaugh. “We decided, let’s include any woman in these careers.” Obregon added, “We wanted to empower women in this broader industry dominated by men.”
Two years later, Central Oregon Women in Construction has a member list of 137, formed mainly by word of mouth, and holds various monthly events. Some events are social meetups, or roundtable discussions. Others are outings, like site tours to construction projects, either those in progress or recently completed. “It’s helpful to see sites at different phases, to learn about hard choices made to accomplish goals, to see other’s work,” said Slaybaugh. “Women can be more nervous to ask questions in a male-dominated group. A mostly female tour creates a safe space to ask anything.” Last year, the group toured the new Sisters Elementary School, Mid Oregon Credit Union and the renovated historic post office, now The Westman Hotel.
Obregon and Slaybaugh brought different perspectives and strengths to the group. They met while working together at BBT Architects; Slaybaugh was established in her career while Obregon was still seeking licensure. Together, they offered perspectives from various points on the career path.
While direct mentoring emerged as the initial demand, Obregon reported that simple networking has become just as important. “People in smaller firms, people who just moved here, they just want to meet others,” she said. “You come to one of our events and you know you’ll meet someone in the same industry, and that you’ll connect with someone over something relatable.”
While the group is female-centric, men in architecture, engineering and construction are not excluded. Men who have expressed interest in understanding how they can support women in the industry have also benefitted from the group outcomes. “Men may not even realize that they are doing something that a female colleague might find intimidating,” said Obregon. “We like to start conversations with women, so as not to put men on the spot, but then invite men into the conversation later.” A recent topic was workplace safety. “We began with just the women and heard about unique safety challenges a woman might face on a construction site. Then we opened up a roundtable conversation to everyone so that women could share with the group ways to help everyone feel safer.”
Obregon and Slaybaugh both said that desire to give back fueled them to launch this group, and member feedback has been the most rewarding aspect of the work. COWIC, they said, has helped women in the industry feel less alone, to understand “I’m not the only one out there.”
COWIC membership is free and informal; the leadership team is ad hoc and driven by interest—who wants to help, or host an event. “We continue to gain traction, and to see more involvement,” said Slaybaugh. “It’s great to be giving back, to give more than I got early in my career.”
Central Oregon Women in Construction has a LinkedIn page and Slaybaugh and Obregon welcome interested parties to contact them directly.
For more information:
Heidi Slaybaugh: heidis@colearchitects.com
Genevra Obregon: gobregon@bbtarchitects.com
COWIC LinkedIn: linkedin.com/groups/14719622
Discussion on Barriers & Safety for Women in Construction
Thu, March 12, 4:30–6pm
Kirby Nagelhout Construction Company
20635 NE Brinson Blvd, Bend
RSVP: HeidiS@colearchitects.com
This article appears in the Source February 26, 2026.
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What a thoughtful piece on community support! It reminds me of my experience trying to rally friends and neighbors for a local art initiative. The way connections can blossom through shared goals is truly powerful. It’s inspiring to see efforts like these making real waves in Bend! Geometry Dash Lite