Each year, Women in Construction (WIC) Week and International Women’s Day on March 8th offer an opportunity to reflect on the progress being made across the construction industry and the vital role women play in shaping its future. At Ausley Construction, this month is a meaningful reminder of how grateful we are for the talented women who strengthen our company every day.
Construction has long been a male-dominated field, yet many trailblazing women have helped shape and strengthen the industry. Did you know about these women who transformed construction and engineering?
Barbara Res made history in 1979 as the first female site foreman on a major U.S. skyscraper project, overseeing construction at Trump Tower in New York City.
Emily Warren Roebling (1843–1903) led the technical management of the Brooklyn Bridge after her husband became ill, overseeing its successful completion in 1883 and earning recognition as one of the first field engineers in the United States.
Julia Morgan (1872–1957) became the first woman admitted to Paris’s prestigious École des Beaux-Arts and went on to design hundreds of significant buildings across California.
Linda Alvarado, founder of Alvarado Construction, built one of the nation’s largest Hispanic-owned construction firms and became the first Hispanic woman to own a Major League Baseball franchise.
Women continue to make meaningful gains in the construction industry, now accounting for just over 14 percent of the workforce. Between February and late 2024 alone, construction employment grew by more than 133,000 workers, with nearly one in seven of those new roles filled by women, signaling steady momentum despite ongoing labor challenges. Construction also offers one of the narrowest gender wage gaps among major industries, with women earning approximately 94 cents for every dollar earned by men, compared to about 81 cents nationally.
While women remain underrepresented, particularly in skilled trade roles, their presence is expanding across finance, project management, engineering, operations, and leadership. Increased female representation has also improved jobsite culture, leading to safer environments, stronger communication, and greater respect across teams. It has driven practical improvements such as better jobsite facilities and properly fitted personal protective equipment (PPE). Women play a vital role in moving the construction industry forward, and studies show that companies with higher gender diversity are significantly more likely to outperform financially.
At Ausley Construction, we are proud of the women who lead, collaborate, and deliver excellence every day. Their perspectives strengthen our teams, elevate our projects, and reinforce our commitment to disciplined planning and strong partnerships.
We asked two awesome #WomeninConstruction here at Ausley to describe their experience in the industry, what makes construction a meaningful and rewarding career path for women, and what advice they’d give to women considering a career in construction:
Jodie Barnes, Chief Financial Officer, plays a vital role in guiding Ausley’s financial strategy, protecting client investments, and ensuring long-term stability across projects. Her work supports the transparency and accountability that clients rely on throughout the construction process.
For Jodie, working in construction is about contributing to something larger than herself. “It means being part of something bigger and offering a different perspective on how projects are structured, budgeted, and billed,” she explains. Although she works behind the scenes, her role is essential in helping projects run smoothly and efficiently. “I get to collaborate with very smart people, learn from them, and help keep things organized and clear when presenting numbers to owners.”
Jodie’s journey at Ausley reflects the opportunities the industry can offer. Starting as a project secretary ten years ago, she worked her way to Chief Financial Officer by asking questions, learning the business, and building trust with both her team and clients. Her advice for women considering construction is simple: “Jump right in and learn as much as you can. Ask questions, understand the process, and if you’re working on the financial side, prioritize transparency and accuracy. In this industry, that goes a long way.”
Aimee Johnson, Project Manager, leads complex projects with coordination, clarity, and accountability from early planning through closeout. Her leadership reflects the high standards Ausley brings to every facility we build.
For Aimee, working in construction represents meaningful progress. “When I began my career, it was uncommon to see women on jobsites, in construction meetings, or leading project teams,” she says. “Today I see women represented across every trade, and witnessing that growth is something I appreciate.”
She finds construction particularly rewarding because the work creates something lasting. “At the completion of a project, you can stand in front of a finished building and know you played a role in bringing it to life,” she explains.
Aimee also emphasizes that construction management requires a wide range of leadership skills because no two days are the same. “You collaborate with architects, engineers, subcontractors, and clients while managing budgets, schedules, and risks. It demands strong critical thinking, organization, communication, and leadership, qualities many women bring naturally and effectively to the industry.”
For young women considering construction, her message is: “If you have the desire to work in construction management, follow it. The industry needs capable, driven professionals, regardless of gender. Seek out mentors, learn from those with experience, and never hesitate to ask questions….Leadership in construction is about relationships as much as results. Treat people with respect, communicate clearly, and stand by your word. Your reputation will follow you throughout your career, and integrity will always be one of your greatest assets.”
Together, the leadership and contributions of women across Ausley Construction strengthen our culture, elevate our work, and help ensure we continue building facilities that serve communities for generations. Thank you, Jodie and Aimee, for sharing your experience and insights!
The future of construction depends on fully embracing the talent and leadership women bring to the industry. At Ausley Construction, we are committed to fostering a culture where women can grow, lead, and thrive. Through mentorship, leadership opportunities, and a collaborative environment, we aim to support the next generation of women in construction.
As we celebrate Women in Construction Week and International Women’s Day, we extend our gratitude to every woman who designs, manages, finances, coordinates, and builds the spaces that serve our communities.
You are shaping the future of the construction industry and strengthening the communities we are proud to serve.
