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Each year, Women in Construction Week highlights the achievements, challenges and opportunities for women in the construction industry. While progress has been made, there is still work to do in creating a more inclusive and supportive environment for women.
To gain insight, we spoke with two industry professionals: Meagen Kehrt, operations director at Train for the Crane, and Brenna Moore, a heavy equipment operator with IUOE Local 302. They shared their experiences, perspectives on industry change and advice for the next generation of women in construction.
Breaking Barriers and Building Careers
What inspired you to pursue a career in construction, and what has kept you in the industry?
Kehrt comes from a generational family construction business, where hard work and resilience were ingrained from an early age. Seeing the sacrifices made by her grandparents to build a thriving company motivated her to carve her own path in the industry. The construction field provided the education and opportunities that allowed her to take on leadership roles and drive success.
For Moore, the passion for heavy equipment started early, spending time operating machinery with her grandfather. She entered the industry as an apprentice at 19, a time when seeing women in these roles was rare. The variety of work, the relationships in the field and the satisfaction of seeing completed projects continue to fuel her dedication to the job.
Progress and Areas for Growth
What progress have you seen for women in construction, and where do you think the biggest opportunities for change still lie?
Kehrt notes that women are gaining more visibility in the industry, with representation on committees and leadership boards, as well as increased awareness through initiatives like #WomenInConstruction. Companies are making strides in areas such as maternity leave, mental health support and improved personal protective equipment tailored for women.
Moore acknowledges the progress but sees room for continued improvement. She emphasizes that success in the industry doesn’t require conforming to outdated molds – women bring unique strengths to the field, and embracing those differences can lead to stronger teams. She believes fostering communication and professional development is just as critical as technical skills for long-term industry success.
Advice for the Next Generation
What advice would you give to women looking to enter or advance in the construction industry?
Kehrt encourages women to be bold in pursuing opportunities, whether that means reaching out for mentorship, attending industry events or taking on new challenges. She believes growth comes from stepping outside of one’s comfort zone and actively seeking ways to expand skills and connections.
Moore highlights the importance of confidence and persistence. She advises women to embrace their unique paths, continue learning and seek out support networks. In an ever-changing industry, having a growth mindset and a willingness to adapt are key factors in building a successful career.
Looking Ahead: How to Get Involved
The progress made so far is a testament to the resilience and talent of women who have stepped into this space and made it their own. But the work isn’t done. There are still barriers to break, voices to amplify and opportunities to create.
For those looking to take the first step, there are numerous organizations that provide training, mentorship and advocacy for women in the trades. Tradeswomen Inc. and Women Construction Owners & Executives (WCOE) are just a few groups dedicated to supporting and advancing women in the field. Additionally, apprenticeship programs and trade schools offer hands-on learning and networking opportunities for those new to the industry.
For networking, education and professional growth, the National Association of Women in Construction (NAWIC) is also a valuable resource.
