Shelly Higgins Receives Construction Specifier Institute President’s Award

By Anna Lockhart.  

Shelly was honored with the Great Lakes Region’s Presidents Award in recognition of her hard work and commitment to the community.  

Shelly Higgins, architectural and national accounts director for S-5!®, has been honored with the prestigious Construction Specifier Institute (CSI) Great Lakes Region’s President’s Award. This recognition is awarded to individuals who have shown great dedication and care for their region through their work and accomplishments.  

Shelly has dedicated her time and effort to various associations and councils, including sitting as a member of the board of directors for the CSI Cleveland chapter, and she has put significant focus and energy into promoting and bettering the construction industry.  

One of her great accomplishments is founding and leading the “Let’s Build Construction Camp for Girls.” This camp is a special five-day event catered to young girls ages 12-16 in the Northeastern Ohio area. Participating students are given the opportunity to learn about the trades, in addition to the vast career possibilities the construction industry offers. 

The camp is a great opportunity to shine a light on the industry for the future generations who are eager to learn and find their place in the trades. In an interview with Karen L. Edwards from RoofersCoffeeShop®, Shelly shared her thoughts on the success of the Let’s Build Camp and how fantastic the impact has been on the girls.  

“The outpouring [from sponsors] has been incredible,” said Shelly. “They have all been phenomenal. It takes a village. It’s everybody working together, pitching in and doing their part. So, I feel so blessed to be able to do this.” 

With a passion for bringing these young girls an opportunity to learn about the industry and take on construction as a future career option, Shelly has made a major difference. She shared her desire to bring more focus to the trades and the benefits of seeking out trade school education, but it starts with making change.  

“No one knows about trades because no one promotes them. I can’t complain unless I’m willing to do something about it. So, that’s why I am doing this,” she said. “This is something in my heart, my passion. I’m doing this because I believe in encouraging girls to get into the field.”  

Thanks to the passion and dedication to providing young students with the opportunity to learn about construction, camps like Let’s Build are giving the next generation the opportunity and encouragement to learn about the industry through hands-on experience and projects.