As our team gears up for the 2026 International Builders’ Show in Orlando later this month, let’s shine a spotlight on some of the wonderful women who are shaping the future of the construction industry!

In this issue, we chat with Rita Mikhailova, senior brand and marketing manager for Next Stage Design + Build, about the importance of SEO and treating online reviews as a form of social media. Marnie Oursler, president and owner of Marnie Custom Homes, stops by to discuss the trend of beach homes becoming year-round residences and how she has adapted to the change, and our latest episode of the Women at WIRC podcast features a discussion with WELL Building Institute's Liz Miles on improving wellness within the home.

Also, be sure to check out our interview with Abeer Sweis, a founding partner of SweisKloss, and learn about their mission to build homes that are resilient to natural disasters.

—Tyler Rhyan, associate editor, on behalf of the WIRC editorial team