Women in Construction: Shaping the Future of the Industry

The construction industry is undergoing a much-needed transformation. Long seen as a male-dominated field, construction is evolving into a space of opportunity for all. However, according to the U.S. Department of Commerce, women still account for less than 15 percent of the construction workforce nationwide. That is why supporting women is not just a priority at Big-D Construction. It is essential to the future of our industry.

At Big-D, progress happens through action. From the field to the office, we are committed to creating space for women to thrive. In 2024, Big-D Construction was recognized by the Utah Governor's Office as one of the 100 Companies Championing Women, and we know there is still more work to do.

THINK

One of the most important ways to support women in construction is by changing the way we think about leadership. Encouraging women to join the industry is just the first step. We must also create clear paths for leadership and representation at every level of business.

Laura Shivers, Vice President of Marketing and Business Development at Big-D Companies, sees this as a priority that requires intentional action.

“We have to be able to show other women that there are women in leadership positions here. That we have a path for them to grow,” Shivers said. “When women see themselves reflected in leadership, they are more likely to see a future for themselves leading a team, in the field or office.”

Representation creates momentum. When women succeed in construction, they help others see what is possible. By thinking intentionally about who we promote, who we mentor, and who we recognize, we build a future where leadership is not limited by gender but driven by talent and opportunity.

WORK

Supporting women in construction means creating real opportunities for growth. Kaitlyn Eaton, Big-D Senior Implementation Specialist and NAWIC Pacific Southwest Region Director, experienced this firsthand. She started her career in human resources but transitioned into technology after a leader identified her potential.

“Had my manager not seen the potential in me and also pushed me to think about it for myself, I never would have considered moving into the technology department,” Eaton said. “Now I am in it, and I love it.”

Eaton’s story shows the impact of leaders who invest in women’s careers. It is not just about hiring more women. It is about creating clear development opportunities, offering mentorship, and having open conversations about advancement.

“We have to actively seek more female representation,” said Carl McFarland, President of Big-D Construction Southwest. “We can talk about our desire for diversification, but you actually have to specifically go out and seek that.”

At a time when the construction industry faces a significant labor shortage, advancing women in the field isn’t just equitable, it’s smart. By actively creating career paths and opportunities for women, we expand the talent pool with a skilled workforce ready to meet the growing demand for construction services. Companies that embrace this opportunity will be better positioned to fill critical roles, keep projects on schedule, and maintain the high standards our clients expect.

McFarland also noted that the future of construction will increasingly rely on empathy and emotional intelligence, qualities that professionals across the industry—women included—bring to the field. These strengths play a critical role in supporting mental health on jobsites and creating work environments where people feel seen, heard, and valued. By fostering a culture that embraces these attributes, the industry can build healthier teams and promote overall well-being, leading to stronger, more sustainable project outcomes.

“We have to actively seek more female representation,” said Carl McFarland, President of Big-D Construction Southwest. “We can talk about our desire for diversification, but you actually have to specifically go out and seek that.”

LIVE

Support does not end when the workday is over. Construction is a demanding industry, and balancing work with life outside of it is critical.

“Big-D supports women in construction by encouraging us to succeed both personally and professionally,” said Becky Robinson, Big-D HR Manager and NAWIC Salt Lake City Chapter Vice President. “I am grateful to work for a company that recognizes that success is more than what happens on the job.”

Support outside of work can include benefits like flexible schedules, parental leave, and opportunities for professional development. It also means creating a culture where people feel like they belong, no matter their life stage.

Creating spaces for women to connect, learn, and advance is essential to building a stronger, more inclusive construction industry. At Big-D, Women Thinking Bigprovides a space for our team members to engage in professional development, networking, and community building. Now in its 20th year, this internal event brings together women from across the Big-D family of companies to hear from inspiring speakers, strengthen relationships, and celebrate the impact of women in our workforce.

Beyond Big-D, organizations like NAWIC offer opportunities for women across the industry to grow their careers through education, networking, and advocacy. Getting involved in NAWIC is a great way to connect with peers, gain valuable insights, and help shape the future of construction.

Chelsea Kenner, QA/QC Coordinator at Big-D Construction, said she has experienced the impact of working for a company that empowers women firsthand.

“Big-D is very supportive of any direction that you want to take your career,” Kenner said. “I started out in an office position, and now I am in the field full time. I have felt supported throughout that journey and learning, and it has been awesome!”

Empowering women in construction isn’t a temporary initiative. At Big-D, we’re committed to building an industry where women feel seen, heard, and empowered to thrive. Not just for Women in Construction Week, but all year long.

“Big-D is very supportive of any direction that you want to take your career,” Kenner said. “I started out in an office position, and now I am in the field full time. I have felt supported throughout that journey and learning, and it has been awesome!”

Whether you are looking to grow your career, build your network, or make a difference for the next generation of builders, now is the time to get started. We are ready to build this future together.

If you are looking for a way to take action, consider getting involved with the resources below:

• National Association of Women in Construction (NAWIC)– A national nonprofit dedicated to advancing and connecting women in the construction industry.
• Professional Women in Construction (PWC)– A community for professionals in the architecture, engineering, and construction (AEC) fields, fostering business opportunities and networking.
• Women in Construction Operations (WiOPS)– A group focused on supporting and mentoring women in construction operations roles.
• Home Builders Institute (HBI)– Provides education, training, and placement services to help women enter and succeed in the building and

To learn more about our current career opportunities, visit our Careers page here.