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: Trish
- Company: John G Johnson Construction
- Title/Position: Office Administrator
- Years working in construction: 8 years including construction remediation
- What inspired you to pursue a career in construction, and what has kept you motivated along the way?
My Dad and I always used to work outside in the yard growing up, enjoy the process of building, learning and taking great pride in doing a job well and sitting back and appreciating the results. He was an incredibly patient teacher. My Grandfather was an owner of a construction company and helped build the Merrit Parkway in Connecticut, and my sister and her husband own a construction company in New Hampshire as well. I’ve worked in remediation for over eight years as well and have met an incredibly diverse group of people that have a passion for leaving the environment/workplace in a better place than when they started, being a part of creating something and being able to assist in something bigger.
- How have mentorship and collaboration played a role in your success in the construction industry?
Yes, we have an incredible team here at JGJ, I consider quite a few employees my extended family.
- What challenges have you faced as a woman in construction, and how have you overcome them?
Women have a harder time in the construction industry, but in speaking with my sister colleagues and their wide variety of positions out in the field, women in construction tend to work harder for job completion and push through any obstacles. Very strong and diverse, and wonderful personalities. Let your voice be heard.
- Can you share a moment when you felt especially empowered or supported by your colleagues in this industry?
I attended a few city council meetings a few weeks back, and listening to the positive feedback I heard from the different council men and women regarding the jobs we completed in their district was a confirmation that I picked the right company to work for, JGJ’s reputation in the Cleveland community is commendable and I am proud to be a small part. My female colleagues are incredibly supportive in this field, always willing to lend a hand up and explain what they are working on.
- What advice would you give to young women considering a career in construction?
You may think there are limited job opportunities in the field, but opportunities are endless. Hurdles will always be in the workplace, no matter what field. Apply yourself, work hard, and enjoy what you do.
- How do you see the role of women evolving in construction, and what changes would you like to see in the future?
Women in the workplace in general has evolved tremendously over the past 50 years, looking forward to seeing the advancement in the next 50!
- What does the theme ‘Together We Rise’ mean to you, and how do you apply it in your work?
“Together We Rise” to me, means working as a team, great communication, positive attitude regardless of skin color, race, or gender to work together and becoming a stronger team for it.
