The Construction Advancement Foundation (CAF) has unveiled its Women in Construction program, an initiative aimed at empowering women leaders and inspiring the next generation to explore careers in construction. The program’s mission is to foster equity, inclusion, and opportunity for women within the industry, creating a thriving environment for both current professionals and those just starting out.

“The construction industry is full of possibilities, and we want to show young women that there’s a place for them here—whether it’s leading teams on-site or managing projects from the office,” said Amy Henningfield, from Superior Construction, in a press release. “Through mentorship, education, and outreach, we are committed to helping women of all ages see construction as a viable, rewarding career.”

Breaking Stereotypes and Promoting Opportunities

The initiative seeks to break long-held stereotypes by highlighting the wide range of career opportunities available in the construction field. The program not only promotes positions in professional roles like project management, engineering, estimating, and accounting, but also advocates for women in the building trades.

The founding members of the program are influential women from various companies, including:

• Erin Deal, Berglund Construction
• Jennifer Gough, Gough, Inc.
• Amy Henningfield, Superior Construction
• Margie Hoffman, Grimmer Construction
• Allie Komarowski, Milestone Contractors
• Lynda Niaves, Hasse Construction
• Lyndie Walton, Continental Electric
• Melody Weisberg, Construction Advancement Foundation

Program Goals and Focus Areas

The Women in Construction program will focus on several key areas to encourage and uplift women in the field:

• Engaging with schools, communities, and organizations to motivate young females to explore careers in construction.
• Building a support network to foster leadership and career growth for women in the industry.
• Creating opportunities for women across all sectors, from the jobsite to the boardroom.
• Offering workshops, resources, and mentorship to support professional advancement.
• Fostering a welcoming and inclusive environment for women to share their experiences, ideas, and successes.

Addressing Workforce Gaps and Driving Innovation

The construction industry is facing a growing need for skilled professionals, and by focusing on the inclusion of women, the Women in Construction program aims to bridge these workforce gaps. This initiative will not only help fill these positions but also drive innovation, collaboration, and diversity in the industry.

“The CAFWIC program invites women, allies, and young females across Northwest Indiana to get involved in this mission of empowerment and equity,” the program notes. “Together, we can create a construction industry where women not only thrive but also redefine what is possible.”

A Call to Action

The CAF’s Women in Construction program is more than just a professional network—it's a call to action to shape a construction industry where women have equal opportunities for career growth, leadership, and success. By supporting and inspiring young women, this initiative is setting the stage for a new era in construction, one where women redefine industry norms and set new standards for innovation and leadership.

Originally reported by Kerry Sapet in Northwest Indiana Business.