Originally called: National Coalition of Black Women in Construction (NCBWC), NCBWC was established in 1998 and traces its origins back to a small group of Tennessee black women in construction and business owners.  The women met informally to talk about how to gain access in the construction industry as “a means of approaching, utilizing, and increasing growth.”   As a result NCBWC was organized by Maggie Bowens (now Maggie Freeman) after managing a small family owned General Construction firm in the 80’s and 90’s. Ms. Bowens had a strong desire to help other women gain access to the male dominated construction industry.  She decided to teach her daughters the skills they needed in order to create a succession plan that will benefit women in construction for years to come.  

Mrs. Bowens' daughters, Gnoria Bowens and Kareema Ali,  were both members of the International Operative Plasters and Cement Mason’s Local 502 Apprenticeship program in Bellwood, Illinois. They graduated to journey level status. Both had great exposure to the industry along with being mentored by Chicago Women in the Trades.

In June of 2002, the two sisters relocated NCBWC along with the Construction business (CECI Services) to Metro Atlanta recognizing the tremendous opportunities offered in Georgia.  The organization was re-established in 2008 and was renamed: The National Coalition for Women of Color in Construction (NCWCC). The mission now is to establish a place in the construction and contracting  industry for women of color including, but not limited to those of African descent, American Indian, Asian, Native Hawaiian, Pacific Islander, and give them a seamless and systematic voice.