The first week of March marks the start of Women in Construction Week 2025, a nationwide celebration of the increasing participation of women in the construction industry. From March 2 to 8, various events across Wisconsin will showcase the talent and contributions of women in the field, fostering connection, education, and networking opportunities.

Celebrating Women in Construction: A Growing Industry

‍Women have increasingly made their mark in the construction industry, and according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, 1.18 million women worked in private construction as of January 2025. That accounts for 14.3% of the workforce, with more women entering the trades each year. The National Association of Women in Construction (NAWIC) began celebrating this week in 1998, and since then, it has continued to grow, bringing more visibility to women’s achievements in this traditionally male-dominated industry.

‍EmpowHER's "Connecting to Build" Event

‍EmpowHER, along with the Building Trades Council of South Central Wisconsin, will host the "Connecting to Build" event on March 4 at The Tributary Hub in Madison. Starting at 4 p.m., the evening will feature a keynote speech from Lauri Rollings and honor South Central Wisconsin’s 2025 Ally of the Year. Madison Mayor Satya Rhodes-Conway will also provide remarks, and the event promises an exciting atmosphere with food, drinks, and networking for women and allies in the construction field. Registration is available through EmpowHER’s website.

NAWIC Milwaukee Chapter’s Week of Celebrations

‍In Milwaukee, NAWIC will launch the week’s events with a fun and social Music Bingo night on March 3 at Cleveland Pub & Grill in New Berlin, starting at 6:30 p.m. Attendees can also participate in a tour of the Milwaukee Repertory Theater on March 6, followed by a happy hour at Vault in Milwaukee. The event will feature a raffle with proceeds supporting the professional development of NAWIC Milwaukee Chapter members. Event tickets for the tour and bingo are available via Eventbrite.

C.D. Smith Construction and Marian University’s Women in Construction Event

‍On March 13, C.D. Smith Construction and Marian University will present Women in Construction 2025 at Marian University’s Stayer Center in Fond du Lac. This free event will include a presentation from Ana Kraft, the founder and CEO of Xena Workwear, along with a panel discussion featuring industry leaders. A catered lunch will be provided, and attendees can engage with leaders in the field. Those interested are encouraged to register before March 6.

‍Construction Industry Career Fair

‍To further encourage participation, Operation Fresh Start, WRTP | BIG STEP, and the Urban League of Greater Madison will host a career fair on March 6 from 1-4 p.m. at Operation Fresh Start in Madison. Open to all genders, this event provides a unique opportunity to explore careers in the construction industry, meet employers, and learn about the many paths available in the trades.

BuildX Conference: Empowering Women in Construction

‍On March 5, the Madison Area Builders Association, Milwaukee Metropolitan Builders Association, and NARI of Madison will present BuildX, a one-day conference designed to empower women in the construction industry. The event will feature motivational speakers, breakout sessions, networking opportunities, and vendor booths. The conference will take place at Sheraton Milwaukee Brookfield, starting at 9:30 a.m. Registration for BuildX is open for $150 per individual.

Women at Work Open House Showcase

‍For those interested in celebrating the achievements of women through art, Northeast EmpowHER will host the Women at Work Open House Showcase on March 7. This event will feature a photography exhibit highlighting women in the construction industry, with images from the Women at Work Photo Project. The event will take place from 4-7 p.m. at the Schieg Center in Appleton, offering an evening of stories, food, and drinks. Attendees can RSVP online.

Fostering the Future of Women in Construction

‍Women in Construction Week not only recognizes the progress made in the field but also emphasizes the importance of creating pathways for future generations of women. By offering educational events, career fairs, and opportunities for networking, Women in Construction Week fosters an environment of growth and advancement for women in the industry. As more women enter the construction workforce, these events serve to inspire and empower the next generation of builders, tradespeople, and leaders.

This week-long celebration is part of a larger movement aimed at closing the gender gap in the construction industry. From mentoring programs and scholarships to advocating for equal pay and leadership opportunities, Women in Construction Week is a testament to the critical role women will play in the future of the industry.

Originally reported by Ethan Duran in The Daily Reporter.