This spring, the Decorative Concrete Institute in Temple, Georgia, hosted the 4th Annual Women’s Association of Concrete Professionals Spring Retreat. Set in the rolling hills of western Georgia, DCI is one of the most respected decorative concrete training facilities in the industry. Founded by Bob Harris and Lee Ann Harris, the institute is known for hands-on education, advanced decorative concrete techniques, and training professionals from across the country.
For three days, women across the concrete industry gathered at DCI for skill-building, mentorship, networking, and community. As a proud partner of WACP, FORTA was honored to be part of an event that reflects the future of concrete: stronger, more connected, and more inclusive.
The Women’s Association of Concrete Professionals was founded in 2022 by 5 leading professionals in the industry, to support women working in concrete. Its mission is to mentor, train, support, positively impact, and empower current and future women in the concrete industry.
WACP provides members with education, mentorship, industry connections, career development resources, and events like the annual Spring Retreat.
WACP is led by experienced professionals who bring business ownership, field knowledge, education, and marketing expertise to the organization.
Lee Ann Harris, President
Co-owner of the Decorative Concrete Institute, Lee Ann has helped train concrete professionals from around the world. Through DCI, she and Bob Harris have created a hands-on learning environment where contractors, artisans, and industry professionals can refine their decorative concrete skills.
Christi Tamayo, Vice President
Owner of Select Surface Solutions in Orlando, Florida, Christi brings operational insight and business leadership to WACP.
Rebecca Fuscardo, Education Director
Owner of Fuscardo Concrete in Weirton, West Virginia, Rebecca leads WACP’s training and education initiatives.
Jenna Mills, Marketing Director
CEO of The Concrete Yedi in Tallahassee, Florida, Jenna supports WACP’s growth through marketing, outreach, and member engagement.
Together, these leaders are helping build a stronger support network for women in concrete.
FORTA has served the concrete industry since 1978, developing fiber reinforcement solutions that help concrete perform better and last longer. But building stronger concrete is only part of the story.
At FORTA, Reinforcement That Lasts™ also reflects our belief in stronger relationships, stronger communities, and a stronger future for the trades.
WACP’s mission aligns closely with that belief. By mentoring, educating, and connecting women in concrete, WACP is reinforcing the industry from within. Its work helps create opportunities for talented professionals to learn, grow, and lead.
That is why FORTA’s support of WACP goes beyond sponsorship. It reflects a shared commitment to training, inclusion, and long-term industry strength.
The WACP Spring Retreat also highlighted the importance of hands-on decorative concrete training. Hosted at the Decorative Concrete Institute, the event gave attendees access to a facility built specifically for learning, practicing, and advancing decorative concrete craftsmanship while providing a host of applications to inspire others in the industry.
For decorative concrete projects, the right reinforcement matters. FORTA offers multiple fiber reinforcement solutions that can support decorative concrete applications, depending on the project type, finish requirements, and performance goals.
MIGHTY-MONO® is just one option designed for applications where surface quality, plastic shrinkage crack control, and long-term durability are important. However, stamped concrete, polished floors, overlays, and custom decorative pours may benefit from different FORTA fiber solutions based on mix design, placement methods, and desired results.
No matter the application, fiber reinforcement can help improve concrete performance while helping preserve the finished appearance that decorative concrete demands.
WACP stands for the Women’s Association of Concrete Professionals. It is a nonprofit organization founded to mentor, train, support, and empower women in the concrete industry.
The Decorative Concrete Institute, located in Temple, Georgia, is a hands-on training facility focused on decorative concrete education. Led by Bob Harris and Lee Ann Harris, DCI teaches contractors and concrete professionals techniques used in stamped concrete, overlays, polished concrete, coatings, and other decorative applications.
WACP was officially incorporated in April 2022.
WACP’s current board includes Lee Ann Harris, Christi Tamayo, Rebecca Fuscardo, and Jenna Mills.
FORTA supports WACP as a sponsorship partner and participates in events like the Spring Retreat to encourage education, mentorship, and professional growth in the concrete industry.
For many decorative concrete applications, monofilament synthetic fibers are a strong choice because they help control plastic shrinkage cracking without compromising surface appearance. FORTA’s MIGHTY-MONO® is engineered specifically for decorative concrete performance.
The WACP Spring Retreat was more than an industry event. It was a reminder that the future of concrete depends on people, training, and community.
WACP is helping women in concrete find mentorship, education, and opportunity. FORTA is proud to stand beside them as they build a stronger, more inclusive future for the industry.
To learn more about WACP membership and sponsorship opportunities, visit wacponline.org.
