Judy Dinelle, building ambassador at 84 Lumber, received the 2025 WIRC Woman of the Year award at the Women in Residential Construction conference in Austin, Texas. The event took place Sept. 24-26, marking her recognition in an industry she has shaped over nearly four decades.
Dinelle joined 84 Lumber in 2003 and has spent more than two decades working with home builders associations at local, state, and national levels. Her career spans roles across the building industry, from advocacy to leadership. She is a founding member of the WIRC conference, which she helped create after a decade of persistence.
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As past chair of the National Association of Home Builders’ Professional Women in Building Council, Dinelle expanded the group by forming 10 new councils and increasing membership by 20%. She has earned multiple industry designations and awards for her work promoting women in construction.
In her speech, Dinelle recounted how twelve years ago, she told her good friend Tony Mancini that she had a dream; a dream to create the largest women’s conference in the world. So, while it didn’t exactly go as she planned, it took a little bit longer, it was okay. But she never let him forget about it. So
She credited her team at 84 Lumber for their partnership over the years.
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Dinelle emphasized the importance of community and mutual support among women in the industry. “You’ve shown me that unstoppable leadership is not about fitting into someone else’s mold,” she said. “It’s about defining our own path and living with courage and authenticity.”
Her speech closed with a call to redefine success and leadership. “We have an incredible opportunity to build something unstoppable,” she said. “We are ready, we’re together, and we’re building something unstoppable.”
Dinelle’s career reflects a commitment to advancing women in construction. Her work with WIRC and the Professional Women in Building Council has created opportunities for thousands. She continues to advocate for inclusivity and growth within the industry.
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84 Lumber, where Dinelle has worked since 2003, is a woman-owned company. The firm’s support of her initiatives shows its commitment to gender equity. Dinelle’s leadership has influenced both the company and the broader construction sector.
The WIRC conference, now in its tenth year, has grown into a major event for women in residential construction. Dinelle’s vision, realized through years of effort, has transformed it into a platform for empowerment and innovation.
