Celebrating Women Leaders in Construction and Their Impact on the Industry

In the traditionally male-dominated field of construction, the rise of women to leadership positions is a testament to the industry's evolving landscape. As we celebrate International Women's Day this month, it's crucial to highlight the achievements of female leaders reshaping the construction world. This celebration is not just about recognizing the accomplishments of women in leadership roles but also about understanding the broader context of women's participation in the construction industry. 

Empowering Women in Construction: A Look at the Numbers

A 2023 report from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) reveals that 10.8% of construction workers in the United States are women. Despite constituting 47% of all employed individuals, women in construction only make up 1.25% of the total workforce. This disparity highlights the underrepresentation of women in the field and underscores the importance of initiatives encouraging more women to explore careers in construction. 

Interestingly, the same report notes that over half a million (511,000) women are employed in management, professional, and related job roles within the construction industry, accounting for 40% of the total number of women working there. Additionally, 34% (437,000) of women work in sales and office occupations, showcasing women's diverse roles in construction beyond traditional on-site jobs.

The Role of Access Doors in Commercial Construction

Access doors and panels are pivotal in commercial construction, offering essential access to electrical, plumbing, and mechanical systems. Companies like Cendrex and FF Systems, that we are proud to work with, led by visionary women, have revolutionized how these components integrate into modern buildings.  

Francine Pomerleau:  Francine, as the CEO and President of Cendrex, is charting a promising course for the future by anchoring her vision on three crucial pillars: Optimization, Diversity, and Quality. 

The first, emphasizing optimized methods, underscores the significance of continuous improvement and reliability. Francine invests in cutting-edge technologies and prioritizes ongoing training to ensure operational excellence. The second pillar, dedicated to diversity, mirrors her commitment to respect and collaboration, creating an environment where every voice and talent is highly valued. Lastly, the relentless pursuit of superior quality, aesthetics, and a diverse range of customized products establishes Cendrex as a leader in manufacturing access panels in North America. 

As Francine says: “This foundational principle encapsulates our dedication to communication and collaboration within our company and team. We firmly believe that every voice and talent is essential. We aim to cultivate a thriving environment where ideas are encouraged, and challenges are addressed. Here, we celebrate diversity and strive to establish a corporate culture where everyone can flourish and contribute to our success.” 

Manuela Huttner: As President of FF Systems for over a decade, Manuela ensures the company continues to be one of the leading access panel manufacturers in the world, with customers in over 30 countries! The company's policy revolves around quality, stating that 'the highest product quality and absolute reliability of our products guarantee total confidence.' 

Their commitment to quality, innovation, and design excellence has significantly impacted the industry, demonstrating the value of female leadership in driving forward-thinking solutions. 

Other Women in Construction Leadership

As we delve into the stories of women making significant strides in the construction industry, we highlight four remarkable leaders: 

Carol Hagen: Known as the driving force behind innovation in the construction industry, Carol's work in leveraging technology to streamline construction processes has set new standards for efficiency and productivity. 

Neria Douglass: As the powerhouse behind some of the most impactful infrastructure projects around the globe, Neria's leadership and vision have contributed to developing sustainable and resilient communities. 

Lisa Bergeron: A visionary architect dedicated to shaping a greener, more sustainable future, Lisa's designs emphasize eco-friendly materials and energy efficiency, proving that great architecture and environmental stewardship can go hand in hand. 

Angela O'Byrne: The founder of an international architecture and design firm, Angela's creative genius has led to creating innovative spaces that blend aesthetics, functionality, and sustainability, earning her a place among the most influential architects of our time. 

A Call to Action: Join the Movement

This International Women’s Day let's not only celebrate the achievements of women in construction but also commit to breaking down the barriers that prevent more women from entering this dynamic field. Whether you're interested in technology, management, design, or hands-on construction work, there's a place for you in this industry. 

We invite you to explore the possibilities within the construction sector and consider how you can contribute to building a more inclusive, innovative, and prosperous future. Join us in celebrating the achievements of women in construction and take the first step towards a fulfilling career in this exciting field. 

Your Future in Construction Awaits

At Access Doors and Panels, we're committed to supporting the growth and success of women in construction. We believe in the power of diversity to drive innovation and excellence in everything we do. Join us in celebrating the achievements of women in construction and take the first step towards a fulfilling career in this exciting field. 

Explore, innovate, and build with us. Your future in construction starts here.