Trailblazing Women in Construction: Shaping the Industry’s Future
Historically, the construction industry has been predominantly male-dominated, a field where women’s contributions often went unrecognized or were limited to specific roles. However, this narrative is rapidly evolving. Today, the landscape of construction is undergoing a profound transformation, with a significant increase in women taking on leadership roles, owning businesses, and driving innovation across all sectors. This shift is not merely a trend but a powerful movement towards a more inclusive, dynamic, and diverse industry, demonstrating the immense talent and capabilities women bring to the forefront.
According to data from the National Association of Women in Construction (NAWIC), women currently constitute approximately 10 percent of the overall construction workforce. While this figure highlights room for further growth, it also underscores the substantial progress being made. More impressively, the number of women-owned firms within construction and contracting has experienced remarkable growth in recent years. Statistics reveal that around 13 percent of construction-related companies are now owned by women—a staggering 64 percent jump between 2014 and 2019 alone. This reflects not only a burgeoning entrepreneurial spirit among women but also a crucial expansion of their influence and impact within the industry.
Several factors contribute to this encouraging trend. The increasing number of women entering STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) related professions provides a strong talent pipeline for the technically demanding aspects of construction. Furthermore, the rise of local and national associations dedicated to women in construction, such as NAWIC itself, plays a vital role. These organizations offer invaluable opportunities for networking, mentorship, professional development, and mutual support, empowering women to overcome challenges and achieve their career aspirations. As barriers continue to fall, women are making significant inroads, leading standout businesses, and bringing fresh perspectives, innovative solutions, and diverse leadership styles to this vital global industry.
This article celebrates ten remarkable women who are at the forefront of this change. They are not just participating in the construction industry; they are actively shaping its future, directing successful businesses, fostering community engagement, and inspiring a new generation of female leaders. Their stories exemplify resilience, innovation, and a steadfast commitment to excellence, proving that the construction world is richer and stronger with their invaluable contributions.
Pioneers and Visionaries: Celebrating Top Female Leaders in Construction
Robin Thorne: CTI Environmental & Demo Chicks
An accomplished chemical engineer and multi-award-winning businesswoman, Robin Thorne stands as a testament to entrepreneurial vision and community leadership. As the founder and CEO of California-based CTI Environmental, she leads a specialized firm dedicated to hazardous materials assessments for regulatory compliance and expert construction management. Thorne’s comprehensive understanding of environmental regulations and construction practices has positioned CTI Environmental as a trusted partner for complex projects, ensuring safety and adherence to critical standards.
Over the past decade, Thorne, an African-American entrepreneur, has meticulously grown her company into a thriving multi-million-dollar enterprise. Her journey is marked by a blend of business acumen and a deep commitment to social responsibility. Extending her impact beyond her successful business, Robin recently founded Demo Chicks, a pioneering non-profit organization. Demo Chicks is dedicated to empowering young Black women, providing them with the necessary support, mentorship, and opportunities to confidently enter and excel in the construction, engineering, and demolition industries. Through both her business ventures and philanthropic efforts, Robin Thorne is not only building structures but also building futures and breaking down barriers for underrepresented groups in the trades.
Jean Bjork: Bjork Construction
Jean Bjork, president and owner of Bjork Construction, is an iconic figure in the industry, recognized for her unwavering dedication and leadership. Named one of Construction Business Owner Magazine’s Outstanding Women in Construction for 2020, Jean co-founded the Fremont, California-based general contracting firm with her husband in 1988. Under her astute leadership, Bjork Construction has evolved dramatically, expanding its scope from residential projects to a robust portfolio of commercial contracting, reflecting adaptability and strategic growth.
Beyond her direct business achievements, Jean Bjork is a passionate advocate for cultivating new talent and is actively involved in mentoring the next generation of women entering the construction sector. Her company’s excellence and leadership have been consistently recognized, including being listed by the San Francisco Business Times as one of the Top 100 Women-Owned Businesses in the Bay Area. In 2019, her significant contributions to women’s entrepreneurship were further honored when she received the prestigious National Women’s Business Enterprise Star Award from the Women’s Business Enterprise National Council, solidifying her legacy as a true trailblazer.
Angela Cacace: A. Marie Design Build & Move Over Bob
Angela Cacace’s journey into the construction industry began not in a classroom or a traditional apprenticeship, but with a personal project that ignited a profound career shift. After her kitchen remodel garnered national recognition in a prominent home improvement competition and earned a coveted magazine feature, Angela realized her inherent passion for carpentry, design, and construction could become her life’s work. This pivotal moment led her to establish A. Marie Design Build, a highly respected custom design and remodeling firm based in North Carolina, known for its exquisite craftsmanship and innovative designs.
In 2017, driven by a desire to connect and support other women in the trades, Angela launched the “Move Over Bob” community. What began as a lighthearted hashtag to track her own entry into the construction industry quickly blossomed into a vibrant and essential professional organization. “Move Over Bob” now serves as a crucial platform for women in construction, offering much-needed support, networking opportunities, and a sense of community that empowers members to thrive in a traditionally male-dominated field. Angela’s story is an inspiring example of turning personal passion into a successful business and a powerful advocacy platform for gender diversity in construction.
Peggy Hogan Marker: Marker Construction Group
With over three decades of invaluable experience, Peggy Hogan Marker is a revered veteran and a dynamic force within the construction industry. As president and co-founder of the Marker Construction Group, she plays a pivotal role in steering the Florida-based company to sustained success. Her expertise primarily lies in strategic business development, where she identifies new opportunities and fosters growth. Additionally, Peggy meticulously oversees all marketing initiatives and community development efforts, ensuring Marker Construction Group not only builds exceptional structures but also cultivates strong relationships within the communities it serves.
Beyond her significant contributions to the Marker Construction Group, Peggy Hogan Marker is also a part-owner of her family’s extensive real estate development companies. These holdings encompass a diverse portfolio of commercial, multi-family, and residential properties across both New York and Florida, showcasing her broad influence and deep understanding of the real estate and development landscape. Her distinguished career and impactful leadership were recently highlighted when Construction Business Owner magazine recognized her as one of the “20 Female Leaders in Construction You Need to Know,” an accolade that firmly places her among the industry’s most influential women.
Rachel Street: The Street Group & Hestia Construction, LLC
Rachel Street’s career path is a remarkable narrative of resilience, reinvention, and multifaceted talent. Originally aspiring to be a professional opera singer, a series of health challenges regrettably compelled her to abandon her promising career in Italy. Undeterred, Rachel returned to her hometown of Philadelphia and embarked on a new journey, earning both her contracting and real estate licenses. This strategic move allowed her to leverage her inherent creativity and business acumen, leading her to begin renovating houses for sale, a venture that quickly revealed her innate talent for transforming properties.
Her burgeoning success culminated in the founding of The Street Group and Hestia Construction, LLC, expert firms specializing in real estate, renovation, and design. Rachel’s custom renovations, meticulously documented on Instagram, soon caught the attention of a television producer, propelling her into the national spotlight. She became the popular host of DIY Network’s “Philly Revival” and HGTV’s “Philly Street Flippin’,” showcasing her design prowess and renovation expertise to a wide audience. Beyond her thriving businesses and media presence, Street and her firms are deeply committed to community service, notably through mentoring at-risk youth in business and skilled trades, demonstrating a holistic approach to building not just properties, but also people and communities.
Jennifer Todd: LMS General Contractors
Jennifer Todd exemplifies a career marked by groundbreaking achievements and unwavering dedication to both her craft and community. As the founder and president of LMS General Contractors, she holds the distinction of being the youngest Black woman to receive a CSLB (A) General Engineering license in California, a remarkable feat that paved the way for her significant career. Her commitment to excellence led her to further her education, studying construction and contract law, which provided a robust legal foundation for her enterprise. LMS General Contractors, under her leadership, specializes in a diverse range of critical services including demolition, disaster recovery, environmental clean-up, and comprehensive site work, with operational offices strategically located in both Florida and California.
Jennifer’s pioneering spirit and business acumen have earned her widespread recognition. She was named one of Construction Business Owner magazine’s “2020 Outstanding Women in Construction.” In a historic moment for the industry, she became the first Black female construction business owner to be featured on the magazine’s cover in November 2020, signifying a powerful milestone for diversity and representation. Beyond her corporate success, Jennifer is a fervent advocate for job creation and employee development. In 2009, she established “A Greener Tomorrow,” an impactful construction training program specifically designed for unemployed and underemployed people of color, demonstrating her profound commitment to empowering marginalized communities and fostering equitable opportunities within the industry.
Kathryn Cahill Thompson: Cahill Contractors
Kathryn Cahill Thompson stands at the helm of Cahill Contractors as its owner and CEO, leading the highest-earning woman-owned construction company in the vibrant San Francisco Bay Area. Her connection to the industry runs deep, representing the fourth generation of her family to contribute to the legacy of construction. Armed with an engineering sciences degree from Dartmouth and an MBA from Stanford, a testament to her formidable academic and strategic capabilities, Cahill Thompson joined the family company as a project engineer in 2007. Through a combination of astute leadership, strategic vision, and an in-depth understanding of the industry, she steadily ascended the ranks, ultimately assuming the role of CEO in 2016.
Under her guidance, Cahill Contractors is a powerhouse, managing a robust team of approximately 300 employees and generating an impressive annual revenue exceeding $300 million. This monumental success is a reflection of her dynamic leadership and commitment to large-scale, impactful projects. Beyond her demanding corporate responsibilities, Cahill Thompson is also deeply engaged in community and economic development, serving as an active member of the San Francisco Chamber of Commerce. Her role in both the private sector and civic engagement highlights her dedication to shaping not just buildings, but also the economic and social fabric of her region.
Jane Kaplan Peck: Kaplan Construction
Jane Kaplan Peck is a distinguished leader who has steered Kaplan Construction to remarkable heights since assuming the role of owner and COO in 2014. With an impressive annual revenue of $49.5 million and a dedicated team of 41 employees, Kaplan Construction proudly ranks among the top 10 largest women-owned businesses in Massachusetts. Under Jane’s strategic leadership, the company has consistently delivered excellence in its projects, earning a reputation for quality and reliability.
Her contributions to the industry and her community have garnered extensive recognition. Jane Kaplan Peck has been honored as a “Woman of Finance, Insurance and Real Estate” by Banking New England magazine, an “Outstanding Woman of Family Business” by The Warren Group, and an “Emerging Leader of the Year” by the Associated General Contractors Massachusetts Chapter. Furthermore, Constructech magazine acknowledged her significant impact by naming her a “Woman in Construction.” These accolades collectively underscore her profound influence, business acumen, and her position as a revered figure who inspires both current and aspiring leaders within the construction and business sectors.
Rita Brown: Brown Construction Collective (BCC+)
Rita Brown’s entrepreneurial journey is a powerful narrative of determination and advocacy. Despite possessing decades of invaluable experience in the construction industry, Rita, a dedicated mother of five, encountered resistance and reluctance from companies when seeking employment. Undeterred by these challenges, she chose to forge her own path, transforming adversity into opportunity. In 2017, she founded Brown Construction Collective (BCC+), a Michigan-based company specializing in precise steel detailing and comprehensive construction consulting. BCC+ quickly established itself as a reliable partner, offering expert services that cater to the intricate demands of modern construction projects.
Beyond her successful business, Rita Brown is a passionate and vocal advocate for diversity and inclusion within the industry. Recognizing the need to empower more women, she spearheaded “Project: Accelerate!” This groundbreaking initiative is designed to educate women in Detroit about the myriad opportunities available in construction. Supported by the National Association of Women in Construction, this free, intensive seven-week course provides participants with foundational knowledge across various aspects of construction, engineering, design, and building trades. Project: Accelerate! directly addresses the skills gap and provides a tangible pathway for women interested in pursuing rewarding careers in these fields, making Rita Brown a true champion for change and equal opportunity.
Marilyn Grabowski: Atlantic Infra & Atlantic InfraStructure
Marilyn Grabowski is an innovative entrepreneur whose vision has profoundly impacted specialized sectors of the construction industry. Recognized among Construction Business Owner’s “20 Female Leaders in Construction You Need to Know,” Marilyn is the esteemed founder and owner of Atlantic Infra. This New Jersey-based firm has achieved global recognition as the largest and most experienced infrared contractor in the world, a testament to its specialized expertise and cutting-edge technology. With dozens of skilled employees and a net worth of approximately $30 million, Atlantic Infra stands as a powerhouse in its niche, delivering unparalleled service and efficiency.
Since launching the company in 2002, Grabowski has demonstrated remarkable strategic foresight, expanding her business portfolio significantly. She founded a second company, Atlantic InfraStructure, which specializes in large-scale milling and paving services, complementing the infrared repair work and providing comprehensive solutions for road and infrastructure maintenance. Beyond her impressive business achievements, Marilyn is a proactive and engaged mentor for other women venturing into the construction field. Her leadership not only drives business success but also actively fosters the growth and development of future female leaders, reinforcing her commitment to an inclusive and thriving industry.
The Future is Built by All: A Concluding Perspective
The stories of these ten extraordinary women serve as powerful examples of leadership, innovation, and perseverance within the construction industry. From specialized environmental services and complex general contracting to bespoke design-builds and large-scale infrastructure projects, their diverse expertise and groundbreaking achievements underscore the vast contributions women are making. They are not only building structures but also pioneering new business models, advocating for diversity, and creating pathways for future generations.
The increasing presence of women in construction, particularly in ownership and executive roles, is irrevocably transforming the industry for the better. Their fresh perspectives lead to more inclusive workplaces, foster greater innovation, and ultimately drive superior business outcomes. The commitment to mentorship, community development, and empowering underrepresented groups, evident in many of these leaders’ profiles, highlights a broader movement towards a more equitable and socially responsible industry.
As the construction sector continues to evolve, embracing technological advancements and sustainable practices, the role of women will only become more critical. These trailblazing leaders are laying the groundwork for a future where talent knows no gender, where diverse voices are valued, and where the industry truly reflects the strength and ingenuity of all its contributors. The future of construction is being built by visionaries like these, ensuring a more resilient, dynamic, and inclusive landscape for years to come.