Celebrating the Trailblazing Women in Construction this Women’s History Month

March is Women’s History Month—a month dedicated to commemorating women’s contributions to history, culture, and society. In the construction field, especially, women have steadily challenged norms and expanded their presence despite longstanding barriers. Though men have dominated the construction industry, women have made significant contributions to the industry throughout history—shaping the industry and paving the way for future generations.  

 One of the most significant moments for women in construction was during World War II. As men fought overseas, women stepped into construction and manufacturing roles. In fact, by 1944, the U.S. Department of Labor reported that women made up nearly 10% of the construction workforce by war’s end.  

Today, roughly 1.36 million women work in the construction industry, representing a 45% increase over the past decade. In addition, 37% of women in construction are in leadership roles. These strides are a huge win for the construction industry and women, as a career in construction offers employees competitive compensation, specialized training opportunities, and immediate health benefits.  

Let’s hear from some of BMWC’s trailblazing women on how to build your career in the construction industry:  

“Gain perspective and don’t let fear rule your decisions. Nothing good ever came from ease. Fear will do nothing but hold you back, even if the discomfort in the moment seems so great that it feels impossible to move forward. All the great people in history learned to live outside of their comfort zone and were rewarded for their different perspectives in the long run.” —Sadie Park, Project Manager 

“To level up your career, you must transition from being a “silent high performer” to a visible, strategic leader who advocates for her own growth. Speak up in meetings and communicate powerfully by eliminating minimizing language like “I may be wrong” or apologizing unnecessarily.” — Stacy Cline, Superintendent  

“As a woman in the trades, my advice to those looking to level up is simple: push forward, ask the difficult questions, and embrace visibility. Our most impactful contribution is the support we offer one another. My ultimate goal is to pay it forward, fostering the same positive impact on the next generation of tradespeople that my mentors provided for me.” — Stephanie Newlin, Orbital Welder/Pipefitter Apprentice  

 This month, and every month, let’s celebrate the contributions made by women past and present in the field.