What the 2025 BuildHER Retreat in Costa Rica Taught Me About Leadership, Innovation + Belonging

What the 2025 BuildHER Retreat in Costa Rica Taught Me About Leadership, Innovation + Belonging

As the President + CEO of Cottonwood Millwork + Cabinets, I spend most of my days focused on ensuring exceptional client service, creating amazing cabinetry + millwork, managing logistics + making leadership decisions that help us achieve our goals. But recently, I stepped away from the shop floor + into something just as transformative—the 2025 BuildHER Retreat in Costa Rica.

This wasn’t your typical leadership conference. It was a gathering of women in construction—builders, architects, designers, suppliers, professional service providers + amazing tradeswomen—all there to learn, grow, + support one another. What I experienced? It challenged me…on how I lead, how I build + how I show up.

The Power of Women in the Construction Industry

Women are still underrepresented in the construction industry, but that’s changing. Events like BuildHER are proof that we’re not just showing up—we’re reshaping the narrative. We’re builders, project managers, designers, engineers, entrepreneurs + tradeswomen. We’re problem solvers, collaborators + innovators…when we sit at the same table, big things happen.

At the retreat, we shared stories of challenge + triumph. We talked about…burnout, growth, business strategy + the grit it takes to thrive in our industry. In the middle of it all…vulnerability, openness, the willingness to say, “This is hard” + “Here’s how I got through it.”

That kind of honesty sparks real innovation. It invites creativity. It builds trust—+ that’s the foundation of everything, whether you’re building cabinets or a company.

Why Travel + Culture Shift Perspective

There’s something about stepping into a new environment that expands your mindset. Costa Rica—with its lush landscapes, vibrant culture + slower pace—invited us all to pause, reflect + reimagine. As leaders, we don’t always give ourselves that space. But I came home with more ideas, more focus, more appreciation for my network + even greater pride for the work we do at Cottonwood.

Perspective is a powerful tool in construction. It helps us see solutions we might otherwise miss. It challenges us to grow + think differently—whether it’s about client success, operations, design, or team culture.

Building a Better Future—Together

At Cottonwood Millwork + Cabinets, we’re committed to creating spaces that reflect quality, intention + beauty. But we’re equally committed to creating space for everyone on our team to lead, thrive + innovate.

To the women I met at BuildHER…

• Your insight, strength + openness reminded me why community matters.
• You are building more than structures—you’re building change.

To the woman wondering if she belongs in construction…

• You do.
• Whether you're on a job site, in the design studio, or leading a business, this industry needs your voice. Your ideas. Your vision.

There’s room for you here. Pull up a chair + when we need to make space for more? Don’t worry—I know a gal who can build a bigger table. 😊

Kari Kovar
President + CEO
Cottonwood Millwork + Cabinets
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