WIC Week // Looking back on 25 years of success in the industry

Women in Construction Week is a great opportunity to highlight how fulfilling a career in construction can be. 

While there have been stories about women facing barriers to entry and advancement in many industries, many women find their success is not only defined by their perseverance and skills, but also by the support and mentorship of the men they work alongside. This has certainly been my experience during 25 years in the Pacific Northwest’s construction industry.

Choosing a career in construction

As a child, I spent a lot of time building things in my garage and in the woods near my house. However, as I progressed through school, it never occurred to me that construction could be a viable career path. I initially pursued a college degree in architecture before switching to urban planning.

Many women I’ve met in the construction industry describe their journey in one of two ways: “I was born into it” or “I fell into it.” Those who grew up in a family construction business or around tradespeople learned early that this was an accessible career path. Meanwhile, the women who "fell into" construction often found their way there serendipitously, unaware of the opportunities in the field.

I’m encouraged by the growing number of people intentionally choosing careers in construction, but there’s still much more to be done. The efforts of many in our industry to support pre-apprenticeship programs, inform high school counselors about career opportunities in the trades, and create events like WIC Week are invaluable.

I’m hopeful that through these efforts, we can share a more diverse, less stereotypical story of working in construction, and inspire future leaders in the field. By providing accessible examples, we offer a roadmap for those who may not have realized construction was a path they could take, just as I might have if I’d known earlier.

Challenging stereotypes

The construction industry offers vast opportunities for people of all backgrounds, including women. I recognize that many women have faced discrimination or sexist treatment, especially in the past, I have not found my gender to be either a hindrance or an advantage in my career. I’ve chosen to approach situations with the assumption that how people treat me or speak to me reflects more about them than it does about me as a woman. While some might see this as naïve, I’ve found that assuming positive intent has served me well throughout my career.

For anyone considering a career in construction, remember this: You don’t need to fit a stereotype to succeed. Your skills, creativity and determination are what matter most. Whether you're drawn to hands-on trades, leadership roles, design, or engineering, there’s a place for you to make your mark.

Mentorship at Walsh

Last month, I celebrated my 20th anniversary at Walsh Construction Co. Over the years, I’ve been incredibly fortunate to be surrounded by talented, knowledgeable builders who have generously shared their expertise. I’m deeply grateful to the many mentors and teammates who have offered training, feedback and advice throughout the years. Their guidance has been instrumental to my growth from a project engineer to becoming General Manager of Walsh’s operations in Washington.  In this role, I’m committed to fostering an environment of mentorship and professional development.

Construction is one of the most collaborative industries out there. Every project depends on teams of diverse individuals working together toward a shared goal. Whether you’re on-site or managing a project from the office, construction is all about teamwork — bringing together different skill sets, backgrounds and experiences.

For me, construction represents a satisfying blend of history, with knowledge being passed down through the generations, and adaptability, as each project is unique. As the industry continues to evolve, I hope more women will hear about careers in construction and actively choose to pursue them. I’ve found construction to be rewarding, challenging, and fulfilling in so many ways. Each project brings something new, and I continue to learn every day.

[ Originally published in Seattle Daily Journal of Commerce, Tuesday, March 4, 2025 ]