How Taylor Swift's Music is Influencing an NAHB PWB Council

Taylor Swift’s music is resonating with members of an NAHB Professional Women in Building (PWB) Council thanks to a new leadership seminar diving into the deeper meanings of her lyrics.

In May, the Home Builders Association of Tulsa’s PWB debuted the "Powerful Women" event, hosted by NAHB’s senior consultant of advisory services, Donna Franza.

Thirty attendees began the evening with cocktails and by making friendship bracelets like the ones Swift’s fans made during her global sensation Eras Tour. Next, they listened to the presentation from Franza, unpacking the empowerment lessons learned through Swift’s songs like "The Man" and "Shake if Off."

"I think this event was impactful with a group of women trying to set ourselves apart in the male-dominated construction industry," said Emily Machetta, president of the Tulsa HBA PWB. "It’s not just ‘You can be a female roofer, you can be a female painter,’ but the resilient piece about when you do show up on a job site and if you’re treated differently, how you can grow."

Lessons learned through Swift’s lyrics included how to be authentic, resilient, a good team player, and tips on how to uplift others. Franza suggests that Swift’s leadership views are explained clearest by a verse in her song "You Need to Calm Down" where the singer says "You need to calm down. You’re being too loud," illustrating that effective leadership isn’t about volume, rather clarity and purpose. 

"The relationships you build at the HBA or in a PWB group will be the ones that will last a lifetime and carry you through the hard times," said Franza. "So join a council, make the friendship bracelet, sprinkle a little glitter as a leader and watch the lessons spread."

Machetta encouraged other PWBs to consider adding this event to their schedule, mentioning they’re trying to create a presentation for Tulsa’s local Girl Scouts as well.