Good news for women in construction! While the percentage is still a significantly low number, women in construction made a significant gain last year, now representing a little more than 14% of the construction workforce (Source: Construction Dive). The Washington Post reported in a November 2022 article, “According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the share of women in construction has hit a record high. Women surged into the industry starting around 2016, even as the number of men in construction lagged.” Recognizing women in the field is one way to recruit and retain more women into positions in the construction industry. Here’s a rundown of the different ways women are being recognized across the industry.
METAL CONSTRUCTION ASSOCIATION RECOGNIZES LEEANN SLATTERY
At their recent Winter Meeting held in January, the Metal Construction Association presented its annual Patrick R. Bush Service Award to LeeAnn Slattery, recognizing her as an individual from an MCA member company who has made a significant volunteer contribution to the Metal Construction Association. LeeAnn’s contributions to the MCA development committee have led to many significant improvements to MCA’s efforts including launching the Metal Architecture Academy on Architectural Record’s Continuing Education Center, expanding MCA’s social media and reimagining the monthly MCA e-newsletter to attract more architects. Slattery was also named to the MCA board serving as secretary. Out of more than 400 submissions, these 31 women stand as examples of how intuition, dedication and intelligence are shaping the industry.
CONSTRUCTION DIVE’S CONSTRUCTION CHAMPIONS 2023
Construction Dive has announced their Construction Champions for 2023, Out of more than 400 submissions, they selected 31 women who stand as examples of how intuition, dedication and intelligence are shaping the industry. These women are making the industry a more diverse, productive and welcoming place for all. A team of six Construction Dive editors examined each woman’s depth of experience in the construction industry, as well as her commitment to leadership and mentorship of both women and men. The finalists are divided into the following categories: Rising Stars, Up-and-Coming Leaders, Mentors, Tradeswoman Leaders, Industry Veterans.
CONSTRUCTION BUSINESS OWNER OUTSTANDING WOMEN IN CONSTRUCTION 2022
In its fourth year, Construction Business Owner’s Outstanding Women in Construction celebrates industry-leading females and their skills, achievements and contributions to the construction industry. This year’s contest drew nearly 100 nominations from across the United States and many sectors of construction, including representatives of leading associations and organizations. Meet the nine women who are helping to build the industry today and shape the next generation of construction professionals. The finalists were selected for their everyday dedication to excellence, growth and leadership, and their involvement in their respective companies, industry and communities. They include: Erika Anderson, Culture of CARE Manager at Associated General Contractors of America, Colorado, Jessica Bowlin, Building Construction Program Teacher at Auburn High School, Mindy Colden, Vice President, North Carolina at Faulconer Construction Company, Nancy Novak, Chief Innovation Officer at Compass Datacenters, Libby Mendiratta, Executive Vice President at G.E. Frisco Company, Inc, Consuelo Lockhart, Executive Director & Founder at Latinas Welding Guild, Inc., Robyn Artis Lawler, Construction & Design Integrator at Clayco, Amanda Gentle, Project Manager at Roman E&G Corp, Sarah Dunn, Senior Vice President at CG Schmidt
About Women in Construction Week
WIC Week™, or Women in Construction Week™, celebrates and promotes the role of women in the construction industry. NAWIC held the first WIC Week in 1998 and it has grown and expanded each year since.