This year's special section highlights the Women in Construction Awards. Finance & Commerce has been recognizing the achievements of Minnesota's leading figures in the construction industry since 2020.
Coinciding with Women in Construction Week for the second consecutive year, the event celebrates significant contributions and successes in the sector.
Trailblazers: 2024's Top Women in Construction
During the first months of 2024, a flood of nominations highlighted the remarkable accomplishments of 31 construction industry leaders.
These individuals, recognized across five categories - Up-and-Coming, Rising Stars, Mentors, Tradeswomen, and Industry Veterans - are transforming the field with their contributions. The Construction Champions Award not only honors their achievements but also emphasizes their role in promoting gender diversity and inclusion in an industry traditionally dominated by men.
This year, in the construction sector, Creations Cabinets led the pack as the company to watch, with Kelly Veit of Veit capturing the spotlight in industry leadership. Marlee Benson from Oppidan Investment Company stood out in project management and estimating, while Heather Gay from Dunwoody College of Technology was recognized for her service to the industry.
Rosey Grab of Kraemer North America demonstrated exceptional skill in the tradesperson category. Janine M. Loetscher of Bassford Remele topped the professional services category, and Steph Ekeren from Knutson Construction was honored as the unsung hero.
Each winner, along with notable finalists in categories ranging from leadership to craftsmanship, exemplifies the talent and dedication driving forward gender diversity and excellence in the construction industry. The winners celebrate their achievements in transforming the field and setting benchmarks for future generations.
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Rising Female Presence in the Construction Industry
A recent 2023 study by the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) has found that women make up 10.8% of the construction workforce in the United States. Despite representing 47% of the employed population, women account for only 1.25% of all construction workers.
This gap stems from several challenges, including unconscious gender biases, limited training opportunities, and prevailing negative stereotypes about women's roles in construction.
However, these hurdles haven't stopped women from making significant strides in a field traditionally dominated by men. Since 2010, there's been a 2% increase in the number of women joining the construction sector, rising from 8.9% to 10.8% of the workforce.
The BLS predicts a 4% growth in the construction industry from 2021 to 2031, translating to roughly 168,500 new jobs each year. As the sector expands, there's a concerted effort to recruit more women, recognizing the value they bring to the industry through their unique skills and perspectives.
In the construction industry, women are underrepresented in trade and executive roles, largely due to harassment and gender stereotypes. As of 2022, most women work in office and sales positions, with fewer in management, construction, transportation, and service roles. Despite these challenges, the industry is slowly changing.
Progressive companies and determined women drive inclusivity, showcasing female role models and advocating for more leadership positions for women. This effort aims to break down barriers and change perceptions, creating a more diverse and equitable construction industry where opportunities are not limited by gender.
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