CEC Women (CECW) has always been rooted in a simple but powerful belief: when women have space to connect, lead, and lift one another up, the entire organization grows stronger. As we look ahead this year, we’re entering a new chapter—one shaped by fresh leadership, an energizing new theme, and a renewed commitment to supporting women across every office and every stage of their careers.
Honoring the Journey and the Leaders Who Built It
CECW’s story began in 2017, when a small group of women gathered in Pittsburgh to imagine what a women’s employee resource group could mean for CEC. Their vision became reality in 2018 with the launch of CECW—an ERG designed to create opportunities for women to network, collaborate, and grow.
Over the years, the group has been shaped by leaders who have poured their time, passion, and strategic insight into building something meaningful. Outgoing Chair Britney Barnes reflects on this evolution with deep gratitude. She credits the mentorship of leaders like Deanna Bobak, whose early guidance propelled CECW forward, and the support of colleagues such as Mary Guinee and Jennifer Ciccone, who helped her navigate and grow through her own leadership journey.
Britney’s message is one of appreciation and forward momentum. Leading CECW, she shares, has been both a professional and personal milestone—one that allowed her to witness the growth of emerging leaders, strengthen connections across offices, and help expand the ERG alongside CEC’s own rapid growth. As she steps forward into her next chapter, she leaves behind a legacy of expansion, empowerment, and community.
Welcoming New Leadership: Kristen Weis Steps into the Chair Role
As we turn the page, CECW is thrilled to welcome incoming Chair Kristen Weis, a thoughtful, strategic, and quietly powerful leader whose voice, as Britney notes, “should have a microphone.”
Kristen’s journey with CECW began in 2022 when she joined the Steering Committee. What started as an opportunity to learn from visionary women leaders quickly became a transformative experience. It has shaped her professional path and deepened her commitment to CECW’s mission.
Stepping into the leadership role, Kristen brings a mindset grounded in adaptability, authenticity, and collective growth. She emphasizes that the 2026 theme—Flex Forward: Embracing a Year-Long Journey of Growth, Adaptability, and Leadership—is a call to action for every member of the CECW community to embrace change, support one another, and take ownership of their development. Kristen’s vision is one of collaboration, expanded programming, and new opportunities for connection across CEC’s footprint.
Introducing Incoming Vice Chair Eleni Knight
Joining Kristen in leading CECW into its next chapter is incoming Vice Chair Eleni Knight, whose long-standing dedication to CECW has made her a trusted and influential voice within the community. Eleni has been involved in CECW’s evolution over the years, consistently showing up with a commitment to strengthening connections, elevating women’s experiences, and advancing the mission. She brings a fresh perspective shaped by her ability to truly listen, creating space for every idea, every voice, and every level of experience. Her collaborative approach and thoughtful leadership style make her a natural fit for this role, and her presence on the leadership team ensures that CECW’s future direction will continue to be shaped by inclusivity, curiosity, and a genuine appreciation for the diverse perspectives across CEC.
Flex Forward
The 2025 Annual Planning Summit, held in Pittsburgh and attended by Steering and Executive Committee members both in person and virtually, marked a pivotal moment for CECW. With unprecedented growth over the past two years, the group used this time to reflect, realign, and plan for the future.
The result is a bold, energizing direction for 2026.
Flex Forward captures the spirit of continuous learning, adaptability, and leadership at every level. It reflects CECW’s commitment to:
- Supporting women through every stage of their professional journey
- Encouraging flexibility in how we grow, lead, and collaborate
- Creating space for authentic leadership and intentional development
- Embracing change as an opportunity rather than a challenge
To bring this theme to life, CECW will introduce a new structure designed to expand involvement across all offices. These changes reflect CECW’s long-term objectives: to recruit and retain talented women, foster leadership growth, and build a collaborative network that supports women both inside and outside of CEC.
A Company-Wide Commitment to Women
CECW’s mission is deeply aligned with CEC’s broader commitment to supporting its female employees. As the company grows, so does its investment in creating spaces where women can lead, learn, and thrive.
From mentorship and professional development to networking and community-building, CECW continues to serve as a catalyst for empowerment. The ERG’s evolution, new leadership, and 2026 initiatives demonstrate CEC’s dedication to fostering an inclusive environment where women’s voices are heard, valued, and amplified.
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