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National Women in Construction Week is March 3 -9th and celebrates how young women all over are being empowered to pursue a career in the construction industry.
Of all the people working in the construction industry, only 10.9% of them are women according to the US Department of Labor Statistics. Women currently working in the industry are paving the way for young women to join the field.
Women In Construction Week: 4 Major Supporters
As the industry becomes more accessible, we’d like to share some professional organizations available for women in construction.
Inside the Blog
1. National Association of Women in Construction
The National Association of Women in Construction (NAWIC) was founded in 1953 by sixteen women working in the industry in Forth Worth, Texas. It has become the premier association for women in construction. The founders created the organization to provide a network for women working in a male-dominated field. There are over 115 chapters nationwide. NAWIC provides members with opportunities for professional development, networking, leadership training, and more.
2. Professional Women in Construction
Professional Women in Construction (PWC) seeks to promote diversity in the architecture, engineering, and construction industries while helping advance and connect women. PWC has eight chapters across the country, with the newest being in Chicago.
3. Women Construction Owners & Executives USA
Women Construction Owners & Executives USA (WCOE) is focused on helping to grow its members’ businesses. WCOE provides a network of professional women in the industry for mentorship, peer-to-peer assistance, information, and support.
4. Association of Women Contractors
The Association Of Women Contractors (AWC) serves women business owners and professionals in the Minnesota construction industry. Members trust one another for professional guidance and assistance. Since being founded in 1995, the organization has had over 200 members.
APX Construction Group is dedicated to a diverse future.
We had a chance to talk to Taylor Theisen who is in her final semester at Minnesota State University Mankato for Construction Management. Theisen is the founder and past president of the Construction Management Women’s Association, and she serves on the Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion subcommittee for the CMSA.
Theisen’s college career started with a focus on Civil Engineering. After being encouraged by a professor she made the switch to the Construction Management program. Theisen has already accumulated quite a resume, with internships as a Field Engineer and Assistant Project Manager.
When asked what she would say to other young women considering a future in the construction industry, Theisen said with a laugh, “Do it.” She continued, “If you like problem-solving and being involved in your community, there’s not a better field to be involved in than construction.”
As for the future of women in the construction industry, it’s not a topic Theisen shies away from.
To encourage more women to take an interest in construction, the industry needs to work towards better community building and promote diversity in a way that isn’t ‘fluffy’. There needs to be a focus on helping men in the industry understand they are supporting women like they would want their own sister supported.
Taylor Theisen, Construction Management Student, Mankato State University Mankato
After graduation, Theisen will begin full-time work as a Field Engineer for a construction company in their Hawaii location. Considering her ticket to paradise is already booked, it felt silly to ask about what her ‘dream job’ would be. But Theisen’s dreams don’t end with the sun and sand. She told us that someday she’d love to run a nonprofit organization that promotes the trade industries to young people.
As we celebrate this Women in Construction Week, we invite you to take a moment to reflect on the history of women in construction, the challenges they have faced, and how they have overcome them. As well as the bright future of women in construction that lies ahead.
