Wilkin of Bradford Contruction honored by the National Organization for Women of New York City

Sandra Wilkin, president and CEO of Bradford Construction Corp. of New York, was honored by the National Organization for Women of New York City. Wilkin was presented with the 2013 NOW Women of Power and Influence Award for her dedication to breaking the "concrete ceiling" and lighting the way for women in the male-dominated construction industry. "When people think of construction, visions of men in hardhats often come to mind. However, I am proof that women can also succeed in this ever-evolving industry, and I strive to be an example for others," said Wilkin. "Females being the minority in the construction industry may appear to be a woman's issue, but it affects everyone. Each and every one of us bears the responsibility of helping to make New York the model for the rest of the country by coming together to successfully move forward. I am honored to be receiving the National Organization for Women's Women of Power and Influence Award, and I am proud to join my voice and effort to theirs as together we strive to create a more just society." Since founding Bradford Construction in 1989, Wilkin has become of the region's leading women in construction. Wilkin is co-founder and president emeritus of the Women Builders Council, where she conceived the campaign to "break the concrete ceiling." She is the co-founder of The New Agenda, a broad-based coalition of longstanding leadership organizations in the Minority and Women-Owned Business Enterprises (MWBE) community. Through her work with The New Agenda, Wilkin played an instrumental role in the creation and passing of Local Law 1-2013, which improved opportunities for MWBEs by eliminating the $1 million cap on program eligible contracts set forth by Local Law 129 of 2005. Additionally, Wilkin serves on Governor Cuomo's Minority and Women-Owned Business Enterprise Team, Mayor Bloomberg's Committee on Construction Workforce and Contracting Opportunity, and was the first woman on the Board of Governors of the New York Building Foundation. The National Organization for Women of New York City 2013 Women of Power and Influence Awards Dinner will take place Wednesday, June 19th, to honor women who have not only forged a clear path of success for themselves, but who have actively contributed to paving the way for others. Honorees include Sandra Wilkin, Kimberley Harris, Lauren Hochfelder Silverman, Ellen J. Rosenthal, and Joan Solotar.