by Anastasia Barnes, publisher of High-Profile Monthly
Welcome to the first edition of High-Profile’s Women In Construction (WIC) supplement, our new annual supplement designed to feature women in all positions in construction. This issue is not just about the many amazing women working onsite and in offices, but encompasses all women in the architecture, engineering and construction space (A/E/C).
Let’s look at the stats. In the U.S., women make up only 9% of construction employees, 13% of engineering employees, and only one-third of the American Institute of Architects (AIA) members are female. On the positive side, the Bureau of Labor Statistics reports that women in construction earn an average of 95.7% of what men make. That is 18% more compared to other industries, but still not good enough.
As the new publisher of High-Profile and a proud feminist, I embrace the idea of elevating women in this industry, across all platforms. Men make up the highest percentage of leaders in almost every industry there is. As a woman in a leadership position, I realize how I (and this publication) can be a conduit for women and minorities in this industry.
Having only held this position as publisher for a short time, I have felt the encouragement and support of both my female and male colleagues, and their passion for making things right within our industry.
I’m proud to have strong mentors to support and guide me through this journey. The three women I turn to for guidance in this industry are Jennifer Hamwey of PCS, Sue Messier of Campbell-McCabe, and Nancy Greenwald of The Construction Institute. I’ve had many conversations (and at least one good cry) with each of these women over the past few years. They all tell me (in their own way) to pull my big girl panties up and keep on going. What’s the worst that can happen? I fail. I failed algebra twice in high school, and I still turned out okay.
Someone said to me recently, “You have more power now since the rise of the #MeToo movement”. Is this true? Will I be heard? These are the questions we, as women, are faced with on a daily basis.
I declare, here and now, I will be an example of a woman who embraces her fears and asks for help from her mentors to become stronger and better in life, love and business. That’s what I am about. I believe that’s what we’re all about.
In the next nineteen pages you’ll get to know some of the A/E/C organizations that offer educational resources and networking and mentoring opportunities for women in this industry.
You’ll also find a mixture of news, columns and profiles on a wide variety of women-in-construction topics. Maria Loitz and Sarah Giardini give us their unique perspective on how to attract and retain women in our industry. Cube 3’s CEO, Nik Middleton, explains how his firm and its clients have benefited from having women in leadership positions. Ingeborg Hegemann of BSC Group shares how her company is developing a STEM workshop for teenagers “in order to inspire the next generation of problem solvers”. Our own Emily Langner shines a spotlight on the organizations that are making a difference for women in the trades, including PGTI, NCTE and Building Pathways.
I think you’ll love this first issue and do let us know if there are any topics you’d like to see covered in the future.
As always, enjoy the read!
Anastasia Barnes
Click Here to read the Women In Construction supplement!
