Myers-Lawson School of Construction celebrates Women in Construction Week
March 9, 2022
In an industry where women make up just 10.9% of the workforce, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the second week of March is designed to highlight those women and break down any barriers or misconceptions. It's the reason the National Association of Women in Construction (NAWiC) created Women in Construction Week back 1998.
Myers-Lawson School of Construction (MLSoC), along with its industry partners are working to diversify the workforce, and dispel misconceptions about careers in construction. At MLSoC, 50 percent of our faculty members are female. Get to know more about them, by clicking here. Our student body is filled with many women who work to support each other and offer advice to those who are planning to enter the industry. Get to know some of them below:
Grace DiGate
Building Construction & Real Estate Senior
What does it mean to you to be a woman in construction?
"It is great to be a part of the new frontier in bringing more women into the industry."
Why did you get into construction?
"I have always enjoyed the hands-on aspect of the industry. It is truly amazing to watch your work be built before your eyes."
What kinds of support have you received as a woman going into a male-dominated field?
"I have received an immense amount of support being a woman in the industry ranging from family, friends, professors, coworkers, and the industry itself. As an executive member of BWIC, it is incredible to see loads of support from the industry trying to connect with the outstanding students pursuing construction at Virginia Tech."
What is the one thing you wish other women would know about construction?
"Do not be intimidated by construction because of stereotypes and being male-dominated. This industry continues to evolve and needs strong female leads to make it happen. Construction is one of the top male-dominated careers; if we as females want to see this change, we need to make the change ourselves."
Morgan Hall
Building Construction Senior
What does it mean to you to be a woman in construction?
"To me, being a woman in construction means being the face of a changing industry. There is no better feeling than walking into a room full of men and showing them that you are just as capable as they are."
Why did you get into construction?
"I have always known that I didn't want a career that would have me sitting behind a desk or doing the same exact thing every single day. Construction gives me that. I love that the construction industry is forever changing and there is a new challenge every day."
What kinds of support have you received as a woman going into a male-dominated field?
"My first internship after my freshman year, I had two amazing superintendents. They didn't treat me any differently because I was a female, but they kept a close eye on me most of the time. It was a fine line between letting me hold my own and knowing when I needed their help. They took the time to learn me as a person and what motivated me. They pushed me in a way that allowed me to excel and to this day I credit them with my love of being in the field."
What is the one thing you wish other women would know about construction?
"It is not just a boys' sport. It is a challenging environment to come into and there have been days where I just want to quit, but I have met some of the kindest people who want nothing more than to see me succeed. Although the safety vests fit like a potato sack and the women's selection of steel toe boots leaves a lot to be desired, it is an amazing industry to be a part of."
Hunter Armstrong
Building Construction & Real Estate Senior
What does it mean to you to be a woman in construction?
"Being a woman in construction is powerful. It is full of opportunity and there are so many ways to grow professionally and personally."
What kinds of support have you received as a woman going into a male-dominated field?
"I have received support from men in the industry as well as women. Working on projects and showing up has allowed me to gain respect amongst other industry workers because of my dedication to projects and the people."
What is the one thing you wish other women would know about construction?
"If we work to support each other, women can take over the industry and change it for the better."
Gema Guerra
Construction Engineering and Management Sophomore
What does it mean to you to be a woman in construction?
"Demonstrating that women are powerful and ambitious when it comes to taking on any roles in construction despite common misconceptions. Contributing towards representation in the field feels great because I'm trying to support girls around me that may have doubts or need some motivation."
Why did you get into construction?
"I've always had a love for art and would help my dad renovate my home by designing room & deck additions. The fact that women and Latinos are underrepresented in the white-collar part of the construction industry is why I pursued CEM. The industry is also fascinating to me for how much collaboration is involved from other sectors of engineering and real estate, it's also a very social industry which I love, so you're never bored. With the past projects I've done such as my capstone on coastal erosion and the gentrification of my neighborhood I experienced, it motivated me to combat gentrification and promote land preservation within construction."
What kinds of support have you received as a woman going into a male-dominated field?
"My father is emotional support I'm fortunate to have. There are so many companies eager to offer women internships/co-ops. MLSoC has some of the most helpful staff that genuinely want to help you succeed. Alumni and Hokies in general are great at demonstrating Ut Prosim by giving great advice and taking time of their busy schedules to help with resumes, panels, fair preparation, etc."
What is the one thing you wish other women would know about construction?
"The industry wants us to succeed and supportive of your dreams. They are the change we need to help rewrite construction's misconceptions. "
Claire Wright
Construction Engineering and Management Sophomore
What kinds of support have you received as a woman going into a male-dominated field?
"BWIC helps to foster a supportive community of women who are interested in construction. I've been a member in the club since I was a freshman and it has helped me meet new people and make connections that I might not have otherwise had the chance to in the classroom."
Maggie Feurer
Building Construction First Year
What does it mean to you to be a woman in construction?
"Being a woman in construction is very empowering, knowing that we are normalizing the 'abnormal' for future generations. I was inspired by the few before ,me and I am honored to inspire younger girls to pursue their passions, even if they aren’t considered a female’s profession."
Why did you get into construction?
"I wanted the excitement of a “hands on” job while creating relationships with clients and fellow team members. Construction is very much a job where everyone is valued and necessary to achieve a goal."
What kinds of support have you received as a woman going into a male-dominated field?
"I feel support of my fellow female classmates, BWIC members, professors and employers who all believe that woman are essential to this field. "
What is the one thing you wish other women would know about construction?
"Construction has a stereotype surrounding it that just isn’t true. Women can excel in this area due to their attention to detail and nurturing and persevering attitudes. For many women, the hard work put in to this field is extremely fulfilling."
NOTE: SOME ANSWERS HAVE BEEN EDITED FOR LENGTH OR CLARITY
Below are some of the events they have planned for the Spring 2022 semester:
- How to Ace Your Internship w/ Southland Industries - March 17th
- Local Site Tour - End of March
- Carilion Roanoke Memorial Hospital Crystal Springs Tower Addition & Renovation Project Tour- April 5th