Building a Brighter Future
As we embrace the month of March, we not only celebrate the advent of spring but also honor the remarkable contributions of women throughout history. March is not just any month; it’s Women’s History Month, a time to recognize the pivotal roles women have played in shaping our world. And what better way to celebrate than by spotlighting the remarkable women who are breaking barriers and making waves in the construction industry?
Women In Construction Week™
From March 3-9, we celebrate Women in Construction Week™ (WIC Week™). It’s a time to celebrate and promote the invaluable and growing role of women in construction. During this week, we pay homage to the women who defy stereotypes, overcome challenges and excel in what has traditionally been a male-dominated field. This year, WIC Week celebrates, ‘Keys to the Future’, and the strength and knowledge of women and the vital role they play in shaping the future of the construction industry.
HBI is helping women break barriers in construction! Home Builders Institute is dedicated to empowering individuals through free education, training and placement in promising careers in building and construction. HBI recognizes the importance of diversity in the construction industry and is committed to fostering an environment where everyone, regardless of gender, has equal opportunities for success.
In 2023, 17% of HBI’s students were female – far above the industry average – and promotes gender diversity, inclusivity and women empowerment within the construction workforce. HBI is dedicated to breaking down barriers and opening doors for women in construction.
As of October 2022, approximately 14% of construction workers in the United States were female, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. While this number has been steadily increasing over the years, there is still much work to be done in bridging the gender gap in the construction industry. HBI is accepting the challenge and is actively working towards creating a more diverse and inclusive workforce.
Why Women Choose a Career In Construction
So, why is it essential to recruit more women to the building and construction industry? There are many benefits for women who choose a career in construction.
- First, increasing gender diversity fosters innovation and creativity, as diverse perspectives lead to better problem-solving and decision-making.
- Second, there is a skilled labor shortage currently plaguing the construction industry. By tapping into a broader talent pool, we can ensure a steady supply of skilled workers to meet the industry’s growing demands.
- Third, empowering women in construction has far-reaching socio-economic implications. By providing women with opportunities for meaningful employment and career advancement, we not only enhance their financial security but also contribute to the overall economic prosperity of our communities.
5 Groundbreaking Women In Construction
If you can see it, you can be it – and that includes becoming a woman builder! Women have a small but mighty history of innovation and leadership in the American construction industry!
- Lillian Gilbreth was an early working mother of 10 who in the early 1900s combined the fields of psychology and industrial and mechanical engineering to pioneer work in time and motion studies. She even found time to write books about her life and career – and her story was made into a movie, Cheaper By The Dozen.
- Emily Warren Roebling was an engineer who secretly took over the building of the iconic Brooklyn Bridge in 1892 after her husband became ill.
- Linda Alvarado is a Mexican-American entrepreneur and the founder of Alvarado Construction, Inc. She is the first Hispanic woman to own a major league baseball franchise and is recognized for her significant contributions to the construction industry. Alvarado is a passionate advocate for women and minorities in construction, dedicating herself to breaking barriers and building opportunities for underrepresented groups in the field.
- In 1979, Elizabeth Diller co-founded the architecture firm Diller Scofidio + Renfro. She is celebrated for her innovative designs of cultural spaces, which have become iconic landmarks globally. Among her notable projects are the Institute of Contemporary Art in Boston, various buildings at Brown University and Stanford University, significant contributions to New York’s Metropolitan Museum of Art (MoMA), and transformative renovations to Lincoln Center. In 2018, Elizabeth Diller earned a spot on Time magazine’s prestigious list of 100 most influential people for the second time, making her the only architect to achieve this distinction.
- Cheryl McKissack Daniel, President and CEO, McKissack & McKissack, runs the oldest Black-owned, woman-run construction company in the United States. Her family’s business was started in 1905 by her great-great grandfather.
As we celebrate Women in Construction Week™ and Women’s History Month, let’s all commit to creating a more inclusive and equitable construction industry. Together, we can build a future where everyone, regardless of gender, has the opportunity to thrive and succeed.
Join us in honoring the women who are reshaping the landscape of construction and paving the way for future generations of builders, architects and engineers. Together, we can build a brighter, more inclusive future for all.For more information on Women in Construction Week™, visit National Association of Women in Construction.
Are You A Woman Ready to Build A Career In Construction?
Are you a young woman interested in a career in construction and building? HBI Academies offers free training, industry-recognized certifications and job placement assistance to kickstart your journey in this in-demand field. Don’t miss out on this opportunity to build a piping hot future with us! Contact HBI today to learn more and take the first step towards a rewarding career in construction. Let’s build together!
