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: Octavia
- Company: John G. Johnson Construction Company
- Title/Position: Project Management Coordinator
- Years working in construction: 1.5
- What inspired you to pursue a career in construction, and what has kept you motivated along the way?
My journey into construction began unexpectedly after retiring from the U.S. Air Force and shutting down my over the road trucking company. Initially approached by the project manager for an administrative position, I quickly recognized an opportunity to leverage my strong skillsets in a more impactful way. Rather than simply filling an existing role, I took the initiative to write a comprehensive position description, effectively creating the role of Project Management Coordinator and immediately begin operating in that role.As a late bloomer in the workplace, my inspiration stems from a desire to continue contributing meaningfully, even after a long and fulfilling military career and a few entrepreneur endeavors. The construction industry, with its tangible impact on communities, offered a new avenue for growth and advancement. What keeps me motivated is the opportunity to apply years of expert experience in a dynamic environment, to learn new skills, and to ultimately give back to the community through the development of essential infrastructure. The prospect of pivoting into a new career chapter that allows for both personal and professional growth is incredibly fulfilling.
- How have mentorship and collaboration played a role in your success in the construction industry?
Mentorship and collaboration have been instrumental in my success within the construction industry, though my path has been unique. Rather than relying on formal mentorship structures, I’ve had to be a self-initiator, proactively identifying areas where I’m needed and addressing needs for improvement or adjustment. This required keen observation and a constant openness to learning, absorbing knowledge from every interaction and situation. Building strong collaborative relationships has been essential, and I’ve found that being approachable for subcontractors to inquire and ask for help has fostered trust and efficient communication. My leadership style has leaned heavily on being a referent leader, building influence through respect and positive relationships. Furthermore, I’ve consistently prioritized being a team player, taking the initiative to motivate the team and our project partners through team appreciation cookouts during the summer and the Senior Angel Tree during the winter Christmas holidays. This proactive and adaptable approach, coupled with a commitment to collaborative problem-solving, has been the cornerstone of my success in navigating the complexities of the construction environment.
- What challenges have you faced as a woman in construction, and how have you overcome them?While some women in construction face significant challenges, I have been fortunate to work with a team of respectable men who have ensured respect for women and each other. This has created a supportive and inclusive environment, mitigating some of the common obstacles women encounter in the industry. However, I recognize that this is not the universal experience. Many women in construction still encounter gender bias and stereotypes, facing skepticism about their competence or being excluded from informal networks. Overcoming this often requires demonstrating exceptional competence, building a strong track record, and finding allies who advocate for their abilities. Lack of representation and mentorship can also be a hurdle, as the scarcity of female role models makes it difficult to envision career paths. Women address this by actively seeking out mentorship and building strong support networks. Workplace culture and safety, including issues like inadequate PPE and harassment, remain significant concerns. Balancing work and family responsibilities, along with limited access to training and advancement, present further challenges. Despite these obstacles, women in construction often overcome them through resilience, determination, and a strong sense of community, advocating for change and supporting each other to pave the way for future generations.
- Can you share a moment when you felt especially empowered or supported by your colleagues in this industry?
Motivating employees and subcontractors in construction is a critical driver of behavior that directly impacts project success and overall company well-being. The physically demanding and often challenging nature of the work necessitates high morale and engagement. Motivated workers demonstrate increased productivity, improved safety practices, and enhanced problem-solving skills, while fostering a positive team environment and reducing turnover or contract cancellation. As a proactive planner, I recognized the importance of implementing effective motivating strategies, such as celebrating improved behaviors and performance of subcontractors. Initiatives like subcontractor appreciation cookouts, can food drives to feed the hungry, and the Beecher Terrace Senior Angel Tree Christmas gift drive were embraced by the entire team and subcontractors, fostering a strong sense of purpose and community.
- What advice would you give to young women considering a career in construction?
If I were advising young women considering a career in construction, I would emphatically emphasize several key points:
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- First, be confident in your abilities. Don’t let anyone tell you that you can’t succeed in this field. Your skills, determination, and work ethic are what matter most. Seek out opportunities to learn and develop your expertise, and don’t be afraid to take on challenges.
- Second, find your support system. Connect with other women in construction through professional organizations, mentorship programs, or online communities. Having a network of women who understand your experiences can provide invaluable support and guidance. Also, it is a good idea to connect with male allies who will support you.
- Third, don’t be afraid to advocate for yourself. Speak up when you see inequality or experience discrimination. Know your worth and don’t settle for less than you deserve. Negotiate for fair pay, benefits, and bonuses and don’t hesitate to ask for opportunities to advance your career.
- Fourth, embrace continuous learning. The construction industry is constantly evolving, so stay up-to-date with new technologies, techniques, and safety practices. Seek out training and certification opportunities to enhance your skills and knowledge.
- Fifth, be resilient and persistent. You will likely encounter obstacles and setbacks along the way. Don’t let them discourage you. Learn from your experiences, stay focused on your goals, and keep moving forward.
- Finally, know that you are making a difference. The work you do in construction contributes to building communities and shaping the future. Be proud of your contributions and know that you are paving the way for future generations of women in the industry.
- How do you see the role of women evolving in construction, and what changes would you like to see in the future?
The role of women in construction is undergoing a significant evolution, marked by increased representation across all sectors of the industry, from skilled trades to leadership positions. Women are diversifying their roles, moving beyond traditional support functions to excel as carpenters, project managers, engineers, and business owners, bringing with them diverse perspectives and innovative approaches. To further this progress, several changes are needed: elimination of gender bias and discrimination, both overt and subtle, and a shift in workplace culture and societal perceptions. Greater access to training and education, improved workplace safety, and flexible work arrangements are also crucial for attracting and retaining women in the field. Increased visibility of successful women in construction and stronger enforcement of equal opportunity policies will further pave the way for a more inclusive and equitable industry. Ultimately, the goal is to create a level playing field where women’s contributions are valued and recognized equally, fostering a future where they can thrive and lead in the construction industry.
- What does the theme ‘Together We Rise’ mean to you, and how do you apply it in your work?
For women in construction, “Together We Rise” embodies the power of collective support and shared experience in a historically male-dominated field. This year’s theme signifies that individual success is intertwined with the progress of all women in the industry. It means recognizing that the challenges faced, from subtle biases to overt discrimination, are often systemic, and that dismantling these barriers requires a unified front.Applying this theme in the workplace can take on many forms. It means actively mentoring and sponsoring other women, sharing knowledge and resources, and creating spaces for open dialogue about the unique challenges we face. It involves advocating for inclusive policies and practices that promote gender equality, such as flexible work arrangements, equitable pay, and safe work environments. “Together We Rise” also translates to amplifying women’s voices, celebrating our achievements, and challenging stereotypes that limit our potential. It’s about fostering a culture of mutual respect and solidarity, where women feel empowered to support each other, knowing that our individual successes contribute to the collective advancement of women in construction.
