Women in Construction Week shined a light on the importance of celebrating and promoting women in the construction industry. Its roots can be traced back to the National Association of Women in Construction (NAWIC), which was founded in 1953, to support women working in construction and has played a crucial role in advancing women’s careers in the industry.
Historical Milestones for Women in Construction
In an industry historically seen as the domain of men, the grit and prowess of women are transforming the construction landscape. Here are a few of the key historical milestones that paved the way for women in the construction industry:
Emily Roebling managed the construction of the Brooklyn Bridge, which opened May of 1883, when her husband, William, fell ill. Instead of being the go-between for her husband, she quickly realized the importance of understanding the work and took it upon herself to study the technical risks, learned about the strength of materials, stress analysis, and developed an extensive knowledge of the engineering used in bridge building.
The First World War saw women stepping into construction to fill the workforce void left by enlisted men.
Lillian Gilbreth, has been referred to as the “mother of modern management”, along with her husband Frank, combining their knowledge of construction and industry management and psychology to detail productivity and efficiency practices. Their research and innovations focused on enhancing productivity, reducing human error, and creating safer and more satisfying work environments for employees.
In recent years, there have been seismic shifts with more women than ever in construction management roles. While the present statistics show that women make up 14% of the construction industry, that number climbs every year!
Our Female Trailblazers are Changing the Construction Landscape
Over the past century, more and more women are joining construction professions, inspiring others to join the industry through their remarkable contributions and resilience. At The Wesson Group over 24% of our employees are women.
Trailblazing Leaders:
Our women in construction are redefining leadership in construction at every level. Their strategic thinking and inclusive approach foster work environments where diverse talents thrive.
One of our most tenured women, Karen Jones, remarked, “I’ve been in finance and accounting from my first construction job with Delaney Construction in 1997. Before that, I was actually producing video shows so construction was a whole new thing. Joining this new company brought fresh challenges and opportunities, reuniting me with past colleagues from Delaney and Tetra Tech days. The Wesson Group not only provided me with growth but also introduced me to amazing people with very different backgrounds from myself whom I've built strong relationships with. As I prepare to retire in June, I am grateful for the years of learning, collaboration, and growth at The Wesson Group, hoping that my contributions have left a positive impact on the team.”
While Sue Groff, our contract authority, says, “Exploring contracts and documents has always been my passion - I’m a self-proclaimed ‘contract nerd’! Unraveling complexities and gaining insights has been a lifelong source of happiness. Joining The Wesson Group felt like a natural step forward, providing opportunities to work with people with incredible diversity of thought and experience. Each person on the team has expanded my construction industry knowledge in unique ways and enhanced my expertise by merging past experiences with fresh perspectives.”
Pioneering Field Team:
Meanwhile, our women in the construction field and in project management roles continue to prove their prowess. They balance tough deadlines with precision and manage large teams with a blend of strength and empathy.
One of our current trailblazers, Kelly Kilgallen, Field Engineer, states “I chose to pursue a career in construction because every day can have different tasks, projects, and challenges that keep me curious and wanting to learn more. I would tell anyone looking to join construction to have confidence in yourself and your abilities. Don’t feel discouraged if the people around you seem to know more, build your knowledge from others in the industry”.
Another all-star, Casey Rawleigh, Administrative Specialist, says, “No two days are the same, and no two people either, and that is something I love about working in the construction industry. In the field office, I advocate for my team members, leading the charge in bridging the gaps in communication between the main office and field offices. I handle the day-to-day office responsibilities, complete employee onboarding, and communicate closely with payroll to ensure our team is taken care of so they can focus on the job at hand”.
These trailblazers are not just excelling; they're also actively mentoring the next generation, ensuring that the path they've forged continues to grow. Their stories inspire confidence that a career in construction is as rewarding for women as it is for men.
In celebrating the spirit and achievements of women in construction, we recognize the remarkable women shaping our present and future at The Wesson Group. Women at TWG contribute across diverse fields within the industry, challenging stereotypes and breaking barriers. As we honor the legacies of trailblazers like Emily Roebling and Lillian Gilbreth, we salute the women who contribute to make their mark, driving innovation and excellence in every aspect of their work.
To join our growing team of women in construction, check out our open roles!
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