As we celebrate Women in Construction (WIC) Week, we embrace this year’s theme: “Together We Rise.” This theme highlights the collective strength, unity, and growth of women in the construction industry, emphasizing their vital role in shaping its future.
In Ohio, the contributions of women to construction are both significant and inspiring. Their dedication and expertise have been instrumental in driving the state’s infrastructure and development projects forward. WIC Week offers an opportunity to recognize these achievements and encourage more women to pursue careers in this dynamic field.
Here are some of the stories of the women of Ohio’s construction workforce. Together, we rise!
- Name: Melissa
- Company: Shook Construction
- Title/Position:Senior Project Engineer
- Years working in construction: 26
- What inspired you to pursue a career in construction, and what has kept you motivated along the way?
I actually stumbled into the construction industry by accident, but it turned out to be the best thing that ever happened to me. The sense of accomplishment I feel after completing projects has been a constant source of motivation, pushing me to keep learning and striving for more.
- What challenges have you faced as a woman in construction, and how have you overcome them?
Overall, I feel incredibly fortunate that I have not faced many challenges as a woman in construction. While every situation is unique, I have always been able to overcome any obstacles that have come my way. I have worked hard to earn my place in this industry, and that’s something I am quite proud of.
- Can you share a moment when you felt especially empowered or supported by your colleagues in this industry?
I remember one project where I felt really empowered by the support of my colleagues. There was a subcontractor foreman who was difficult and frequently gave me a hard time. Our project superintendents saw what was happening and didn’t hesitate to step in. They told the subcontractor, ‘You don’t treat our little sister that way,’ and demanded he apologize to me. That moment really showed me how much they had my back, and I felt incredibly valued. - What advice would you give to young women considering a career in construction?
My advice would be to focus on networking—it is a great way to get your foot in the door. Look for opportunities to shadow experienced professionals and engage with others, both in the office and in the field. Many companies are open to facilitating these opportunities for motivated candidates.
- How do you see the role of women evolving in construction, and what changes would you like to see in the future?
Throughout my time in the industry, I have definitely seen an increase in the presence of women. The number of females in construction is growing, and I believe it will continue to rise as awareness of opportunities available becomes more widespread.
- What does the theme ‘Together We Rise’ mean to you, and how do you apply it in your work?
To me, ‘Together We Rise’ is about supporting each other to create a stronger, more inclusive construction industry. As women, it is important we lift each other up, share advice, and encourage one another to push past challenges and aim for leadership roles. In my role, I try to do this by offering guidance, sharing my experiences, and looking for ways to create opportunities for collaboration with other women.
