Women in CemCo Americas Sparks the Inclusion Movement Where It’s Needed Most 

Atlanta, GA – April 4, 2025 — The Women in CemCo: International Congress Americas wrapped up its two-day hybrid event with meaningful conversations, bold perspectives, and a sense of shared momentum. Hosted on April 3–4, the congress brought together women leaders and allies across the cement and construction sectors—first in person at the Kimpton Sylvan Hotel in Atlanta, then virtually with an expanded global audience on day two. 

More than just a professional gathering, the event created a safe, inclusive space for open dialogue and real connection. It spotlighted women shaping the future of a sector still grappling with gender imbalances, offering both technical insight and lived experience to inspire a more sustainable and equitable industry. Beatrice Ene, Managing Director and Head of Events at Industry Link, opened both days with inspiring welcome speeches, setting the tone for a collaborative and forward-looking agenda. 

Day One: In-Person Connection in Atlanta 

On-site sessions kicked off on April 3 with energy and focus. Marta Diez Country manager, Spain & Portugal at CFP Energy, opened the stage, setting the tone for a day of substantive discussions. She was followed by Dr. Carolina Montano-Owen, Technical Lead for Sustainable Buildings at the World Green Building Council, who offered a powerful reminder that progress in sustainable construction is never achieved in isolation. Reflecting on the collective knowledge and groundwork laid by those before us, she emphasized how collaboration across generations, disciplines, and geographies is key to advancing truly sustainable built environments. 

Building on this momentum, Carolina Prieto-Gómez from Grupo Cementos de Chihuahua challenged attendees to rethink what empowerment looks like in practice. Instead of simply boosting numbers, she urged the industry to leverage the full range of talent and perspectives that both women and men bring to the table. Her talk was a clear call for purposeful inclusion as a driver of innovation. 

The afternoon sessions kept the energy high. Kimmons Kisia, Technical Services Manager at Roanoke Cement—Titan North America, spoke about the role of employee resource groups in building supportive ecosystems for women in cement and concrete. She emphasized how allyship can be a game-changer—not just a talking point. Next, Sofía Cintrón, Technical Advisor at Cementos Progreso, offered a personal account of her journey in the industry. She reflected on how women’s voices shape more empathetic and balanced workplaces, offering a compelling vision of leadership rooted in resilience, adaptability, and collaboration. 

Day Two: A Global Virtual Stage 

On April 4, the conversation moved online, broadening its reach and welcoming global participation. Monika Shrivastava, Head of Sustainability at JSW Cement, kicked off the virtual sessions by exploring how women can lead the push for a more inclusive and sustainable cement sector. Her insights positioned gender equity not as a side issue—but as essential to building the future. Continuing the dialogue, Christine Lemaitre, Chief Executive Officer of the German Sustainable Building Council, shared lessons from years of collaboration in green construction. She advocated for integrated approaches to the built environment, grounded in partnerships and shared responsibility. Janet Greenwood, Global Lead for Sustainable Infrastructure at KPMG UK, followed with reflections on her three-decade career in the built environment. She spoke candidly about the importance of self-belief, mentorship, and daring to “go for it”—especially in spaces where women are still underrepresented. 

The final set of sessions turned the focus to actionable strategies for leadership and balance. Lilian Pachon, Environmental and Optimization Manager at Lafarge Canada, shared how the Women in Lafarge Leadership (WILL) initiative is helping women connect, grow, and lead with confidence. Her talk highlighted how internal networks can be powerful tools for empowerment. Then, Verónica Climent Vicedo, Industrial Performance Expert at Holcim Spain, spotlighted how diversity drives innovation in both technology and sustainability. She reminded attendees that inclusive teams make smarter, more forward-thinking decisions. 

Closing the event, Claudia Bustamante, Sustainability and Investor Relations Manager at Cementos Pacasmayo, offered a refreshing perspective on work-life integration. She spoke about aligning purpose with profession and the value of setting personal boundaries—arguing that true fulfillment doesn’t come from choosing one life over another, but from living both with intention. 

Breaking Ground, Building Forward 

The Women in CemCo Americas congress succeeded in doing more than sharing expertise—it fostered a collective energy around change. With a format that combined face-to-face engagement and virtual reach, the event connected voices across borders, generations, and roles. 

One message echoed throughout: empowering women is not a side issue. It’s central to building a stronger, more resilient cement and construction industry—and to creating spaces where innovation and equity go hand in hand. 

Looking Ahead – Join Us in Bucharest and Beyond! 

The conversations don’t end here. Join us this October in Bucharest and be part of the movement toward a more sustainable and inclusive industry. Discover what’s next in cement innovation, best practices, and decarbonization at our upcoming flagship events—where leaders meet to shape a greener world. 

Mark your calendars!

Explore our exciting event lineup:
• CarbonZero Global Conference and Exhibition 2025 – October 15-16, Bucharest, Romania
• Women in CemCo International Congress EMEA 2025 – October 16-17, Bucharest, Romania

• Women in CemCo International CongressAmericas 2026– Dallas, TX, USA, date to be announced shortly

 

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