Women are increasingly taking on leadership and technical roles in the construction industry, helping reshape a field historically dominated by men. During Women in Construction Week, professionals across Utah are highlighting the growing presence of women in project management, engineering, and skilled trades.
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Industry leaders say the shift reflects broader changes in hiring practices, workforce needs, and education initiatives designed to attract more women to the sector.
In Utah, women are contributing to major projects ranging from schools and hospitals to highways, data centers, and mixed-use developments, demonstrating the expanding influence of female professionals across the construction pipeline.
Among those helping drive the movement are Tonya Timothy, a project manager at Pentalon Construction, and Becky Robinson, HR manager at Big-D Construction. Both professionals play important roles in supporting workforce development and encouraging women to pursue construction careers.
Timothy oversees complex building projects while also mentoring women entering the industry. Robinson, who manages hiring and workforce development at one of the region’s largest construction firms, has witnessed firsthand how the industry is evolving.
According to Robinson, more companies are actively recruiting women, although there is still progress to be made to achieve greater gender balance across the sector.
Their work highlights the importance of mentorship and representation as new generations of women consider construction careers.
Women in Utah’s construction sector now work in a wide range of roles that were once rarely held by women.
These include:
The Salt Lake City chapter of the National Association of Women in Construction (NAWIC) represents professionals from across the state in these roles. The organization provides networking opportunities, education programs, and career support to help women advance within the industry.
With demand for infrastructure and housing continuing to rise, construction companies are increasingly focused on building a diverse workforce capable of meeting future labor needs.
Women in Construction Week is organized nationally by the National Association of Women in Construction, which was founded in 1953 by 16 women in Fort Worth, Texas. The organization was created to establish a support network for women working in construction and related fields.
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Since 1960, the group has led the nationwide celebration of Women in Construction (WIC) Week, held annually during the first full week of March. The initiative recognizes women’s achievements while encouraging more women to consider careers in construction.
Today, NAWIC includes over 100 chapters across the United States and several international chapters, including the long-standing Salt Lake City chapter established in 1964.
As construction companies face ongoing workforce shortages, industry leaders say recruiting women will play a key role in sustaining long-term growth.
Mentorship programs, apprenticeship opportunities, and education partnerships are helping introduce young women to career paths in construction, engineering, and project management.
Advocates believe that expanding opportunities for women will not only strengthen the workforce but also bring new perspectives and leadership styles to the industry.
With women continuing to take on more prominent roles across construction projects nationwide, the sector is gradually evolving into a more inclusive and diverse profession.
Originally reported by Surae Chinn in ABC 4.
