Angelica Negrete is breaking barriers as Vice President of NAWIC, empowering women in construction, landscaping, and trades.
By: Nic Abelian
It was a night of pride and excitement for Angelica Negrete as she officially stepped into her new role as Vice President of NAWIC Greater Fort Lauderdale Chapter 78. Surrounded by accomplished women who have spent their careers breaking barriers in construction, landscaping, and the trades, Angelica’s journey has come full circle. From a leader in the landscaping industry to a champion of women in male-dominated fields, Angelica’s story is one of growth, empowerment, and leaving a lasting impact.
“Creating beautiful landscapes is rewarding, but paving the way for others is the real legacy,” Angelica says, reflecting on her leadership journey. Her new role with NAWIC marks a pivotal moment in her career, as she continues to lead and mentor the next generation of female leaders in industries like construction and landscaping, fields where women are often underrepresented.
The Road to Leadership: Empowering Women in Construction and Landscaping
Angelica Negrete’s leadership philosophy is rooted in purpose and inclusion. She believes in building not just projects or physical spaces but in constructing opportunities for others. Whether it’s in landscaping, construction, or any other trade, Angelica sees the work as a tool for creating confidence, respect, and meaningful opportunity for women who have historically been sidelined in these industries.
Her journey to becoming Vice President of NAWIC wasn’t one of overnight success. It was shaped by determination, the willingness to break through obstacles, and an unwavering commitment to leadership and inclusion. Angelica’s company, Royal Gardens Landscaping and Design, was built from the ground up, much like the leadership culture she fosters.
As a business owner, Angelica found that the key to success wasn’t just about creating a high-quality landscaping service, it was about creating an environment where people could thrive, regardless of gender. She set out to create a business model that championed diversity and built systems that made room for everyone, offering opportunities for leadership roles that were often inaccessible to women in the trades.
Her drive to create this kind of environment eventually led her to NAWIC, where she began her advocacy for women in construction and landscaping. “I’m excited to keep learning, growing, and opening doors for others who are ready to lead next,” Angelica shares. Her leadership journey has been built on this principle: leading by example and leaving the door open for others to walk through.
A Turning Point: Becoming Vice President of NAWIC
Angelica’s elevation to Vice President of the Greater Fort Lauderdale Chapter 78 of NAWIC is not just a personal achievement but a significant victory for women in construction. The industry has long been dominated by men, but organizations like NAWIC are changing the game. NAWIC’s mission to advance women in the construction industry resonates deeply with Angelica, who has spent years working to break down barriers for women in the landscaping and trades sectors.
“The women in this room, my colleagues, are paving the way for a future where women can succeed in the trades just as much as they can in any other field,” Angelica says of her fellow NAWIC members. “We’re not just building homes and buildings. We’re building confidence, respect, and opportunity for women.”
As Vice President, Angelica is excited to continue pushing for change, working toward creating a future where women can thrive in these industries. Her leadership will help guide the chapter’s initiatives, ensuring that women have the resources and support to take on leadership roles, from construction sites to corporate offices.
Building More Than Landscapes: Angelica’s Legacy of Leadership
While Royal Gardens Landscaping and Design is known for its high-quality landscape design, Angelica’s true legacy lies in her dedication to mentoring others. She believes that building a sustainable, inclusive workforce is the most rewarding aspect of her career. She’s driven by the idea that leadership is about more than just managing a team, it’s about empowering individuals, especially women, to reach their full potential.
Angelica’s commitment to mentorship extends beyond her business. As a member of NAWIC, she’s worked tirelessly to create networking opportunities and leadership training for women across the construction and landscaping industries. Her contributions to organizations like Women Empowering Women in Development and her involvement with national associations underscore her belief in creating pathways for future leaders.
“My journey is about showing that women can break barriers in construction and landscaping, just as much as we can in any other field,” she says. “My role is to lead by example, to provide guidance and mentorship, and to give women the resources they need to step into leadership positions.”
Her leadership extends far beyond her own company; Angelica is known for her advocacy and for being a mentor to emerging leaders. Whether it’s through one-on-one coaching, speaking engagements, or her work with NAWIC, she’s built a network of strong, confident women who are ready to take on the challenges of these industries.
What Sets Angelica Apart: Leadership with Purpose
What truly sets Angelica apart is her unwavering commitment to leadership that creates value beyond profit. She doesn’t just manage businesses; she builds inclusive environments where all individuals are empowered to succeed. Her approach to leadership is grounded in integrity, vision, and a focus on sustainable growth.
Angelica’s leadership journey is a testament to her dedication to equality in the workforce. By focusing on building strong systems, setting high standards, and fostering inclusive cultures, she has created a lasting impact not just in her own company, but across industries. She believes that the work she does, whether in landscaping, mentoring, or construction, has the power to shape the future.
“I’ve always believed that leadership is about leaving a legacy, not just creating a successful business,” she says. “It’s about paving the way for others to succeed, to lead with integrity, and to know that anything is possible.”
Join the Movement: Empowering Women in Construction and Landscaping
As Angelica Negrete continues to break barriers and inspire others, her work serves as an example of what’s possible when leadership and inclusion are placed at the forefront. Whether you’re in construction, landscaping, or any other field, her story is a reminder that leadership can change industries, open doors, and create lasting impact.
If you’re looking to learn more about Angelica’s leadership journey or want to get involved with NAWIC, follow her on LinkedIn for updates on her work and initiatives.
Leadership is about more than just building projects, it’s about building confidence, respect, and opportunity for the next generation of leaders.
