March is a significant month for recognizing and celebrating the contributions of women, particularly in fields where they have been historically underrepresented, such as construction. This year, Women’s History Month carries the theme “Moving Forward Together! Women Educating & Inspiring Generations,” emphasizing the collective strength and influence of women dedicated to education, mentorship, and leadership.
Coinciding with this observance is Women in Construction (WIC) Week, celebrated from March 2-8, 2025. Established by the National Association of Women in Construction (NAWIC), WIC Week aims to highlight and promote the role of women in the construction industry. This year’s theme, “Together We Rise,” focuses on empowering women to take on leadership roles, embracing emerging technologies, and fostering a culture of mentorship and equity.
At Home Builders Institute (HBI), we are committed to empowering women entering the construction trades. Our programs provide the necessary skills and support to thrive in this dynamic industry. In alignment with the themes of Women’s History Month and WIC Week, we are proud to share the stories of female students who have embarked on successful careers in construction.
Women’s Careers In Construction
Tiffany Devezin: Expanding Her “Tool Belt” in Carpentry
Tiffany Devezin, a May 2024 graduate of HBI’s BuildStrong Academy of Greater New Orleans, discovered her passion for carpentry through an unexpected source—her mom.
“I learned about the program from my mom. She knew that I was in a place of transition and was looking for a way to expand my ‘tool belt,’ so she began to do some research and found BuildStrong through a Facebook post.”
Before joining HBI, Tiffany worked as a subcontractor for an assembly company. But she knew she wanted to do more, learn more, and build a lasting career in construction. Through HBI’s program, she gained hands-on training, industry knowledge, and the confidence to step into a rewarding trade.
Her story reflects the reality that many women face: the desire to enter skilled trades but not knowing where to start. With support from her family and the right training through HBI, Tiffany is now on a path to success in carpentry, a field that welcomes skilled professionals eager to make an impact.
Amanda Morrison and her Instructor, Fernando Ramirez
After enduring unimaginable hardships—including losing her home to the 2007 Harris Fire, facing homelessness, and escaping an abusive household—Amanda knew she needed to take control of her future. Determined to find stability and financial independence, she turned to HBI’s Job Corps program, believing it could offer the opportunities she desperately needed.
During her time in HBI’s Plumbing Program, Amanda’s dedication and resilience shined. She became a mentor and inspiration to fellow students, earning Student of the Month and being recognized by instructors as one of the program’s top students. However, despite her qualifications, she faced rejection from multiple employers who hesitated to hire a female plumber.
Undeterred, Amanda pivoted to HVAC, enrolling in an HVAC Install Apprenticeship at Anderson’s Plumbing Heating and Air. She quickly fell in love with the trade, earning a full-time role as a Service/Maintenance Technician before advancing into Inside and Outside Sales. Today, Amanda has secured a dream job as a Comfort Advisor/Design Consultant at Bill Howe Plumbing Heating and Air, proving that with determination and the right training, success is within reach.
Amanda’s journey is a powerful reminder that women belong in the trades—and they thrive in them.
HBI Scholarship Award Winner Christina Chelata: From Hardship to Triumph in the Trades
HBI’s 2024 Shirley McVay Wiseman Award winner, Christina Celata, embodies the resilience and determination that Women in Construction Week celebrates.
When Christina first arrived at HBI’s Benjamin Franklin Career Center in Boston, MA, she carried the weight of nearly a decade of homelessness, the loss of her children, and a struggle with addiction. Despite having 25 years of experience in construction, she had lost confidence in herself and her abilities. But with the support of her instructor, Chris Tylutki, and a network of strong women in the trades, Christina found her voice again.
Through HBI, Christina was encouraged to step into leadership, take charge of her class, and rebuild her self-belief. With hard work and determination, she achieved her goal of joining the Carpenter’s Union, secured stable employment, and ultimately regained custody of her children. Today, she not only has an apartment for her family but also dreams beyond what she once thought was possible.
Christina’s story is a testament to the power of support, skill-building, and perseverance. As a woman in a male-dominated field, she leads by example, proving that women belong and excel in the trades.
These narratives exemplify the impact of education, mentorship, and determination. They also highlight the importance of organizations and initiatives that support women in construction. As we celebrate Women’s History Month and WIC Week, let us continue to encourage and empower women to pursue and excel in careers within the construction industry.
For more information on how HBI supports women in construction, please visit our Empowering Women in Construction page.
To learn more about Women in Construction Week and how you can participate, visit the NAWIC website.nawic.org+2nawic.org+2nawicmidwestregion.org+2
Together, we can build a more inclusive and diverse construction industry, honoring the contributions of women past, present, and future.
