Women in Construction Week 2026: Caroline Ortman

When Caroline Ortman started college, she did not picture herself on a jobsite. As we recognize Women in Construction Week 2026, her path shows how clarity can come from unexpected places. She pictured a civil engineering degree, maybe a career in design, and a direction that felt predictable. That shifted the moment she stepped into an introductory engineering course that opened her eyes to the world of construction and the impact builders have on communities every day. Suddenly the idea of sitting at a desk all day felt too small. She wanted something more active, more collaborative, and more rooted in problem solving she could actually see.

As we celebrate Women in Construction Week 2026, recognized nationally through NAWIC WIC Week, we are highlighting women whose careers show what is possible when curiosity becomes clarity. Caroline’s story is one of them.

How Caroline Found Her Path in Construction

Her internships confirmed her interest in construction. She loved the pace of the jobsite, the rhythm of daily decision making, and the way coordination worked in real time. That sense of momentum eventually led her to Big-D Construction Southwest, where she now serves as a project engineer. 

In her role, Caroline keeps teams aligned by managing submittals, coordinating RFIs, working closely with the field, and keeping information moving where it needs to go. It is detailed, fast-moving work, but for Caroline that is part of the appeal. She thrives in environments where people depend on one another and where communication is the difference between delays and progress. 

As she stepped into the industry, she noticed something important. “There are a lot more women in entry level roles right now, so in the next five to ten years I can see a real spike of women in leadership,” she said. 

Her outlook reflects a broader shift happening in Women in AEC. Representation is increasing on jobsites, in engineering programs, and in roles that influence both culture and outcomes. Caroline believes diversity makes construction stronger because different perspectives lead to better solutions, more efficiency, and more inclusive jobsites. 

Her story shows what the next generation of women in construction looks like. Thoughtful, driven, technically skilled, and ready for the challenges ahead.