Mar 1, 2024In an industry where the whir of machinery and the clang of metal are often synonymous with masculinity, the narrative is finally starting to shift.
When March rolls around, it’s not just about the spring blooms. It’s also Women in Construction Month, a time when we tip our hard hats to the women who are rocking it in what was once a man’s world. They’re not just on the scene, they’re leading crews, managing massive projects, and making a name for themselves.
Women Who Paved the Way
Through grit, intellect, and determination, these women have earned their places as pioneers in this sector.
1. Mary Kenney O’Sullivan
Mary Kenney O’Sullivan is an American labor leader and suffragette. She laid the groundwork for unionization and advocated for workplace rights for women in the construction sector.
Her relentless pursuit of equality within labor had a profound impact on the lives and conditions of female workers.
2. Lillian Gilbreth
Lillian Gilbreth’s pioneering contributions to industrial engineering and psychology revolutionized the construction landscape. Her work focused on the human element within construction processes.
Gilbreth’s innovative designs, such as shelving in refrigerator doors, recognized both human factor design and ergonomics. This dramatically shifted the industry’s outlook on worker well-being and performance.
3. Kris Young
Kris Young was the first female President of the Associated General Contractors of America. She took the role in 2011, and continues to advocate for employee rights with organizations like the Labor Policy Committee and the EEO/DBE Advisory Council.
4. Frances Perkins
Frances Perkins, the first woman to hold a cabinet position in the United States as Secretary of Labor under President Franklin D. Roosevelt, left an indelible imprint on the construction and labor sectors.
In the throes of advocacy, Perkins became synonymous with progress. Her efforts helped shape the Fair Labor Standards Act. It paved the way for advancements in workers’ rights that bridge gender disparities even to this day.
5. Emily Roebling
Emily Roebling, often heralded as the original “Rosie the Riveter,” exemplified resilience during her tenure as the unofficial Chief Engineer overseeing the completion of the Brooklyn Bridge in the late 1800s.
The Takeaway
This Women in Construction Month, let us build more than structures; let us build a legacy of inclusivity and inspiration that will endure for centuries to come.
If you’re ready to honor the legacy of women in construction, choose a builder who does just that.
At Register Construction, we’re proud to employ a team of talented women (and men) who work hard to bring dreams to life in Polk County and Central Florida. We not only support gender equality by uplifting the women who dedicate their lives to careers in construction, but we welcome them to join our diverse team.
From pre-construction to construction management, design-build, and general contracting, Register works in every sector, including manufacturing, industrial, education, and more. Reach out more today to find out how we can help your project succeed, while empowering women in construction in the process.