Join us as we celebrate Women in Construction Week!
Women are transforming the construction industry, bringing fresh perspectives and innovative approaches to a field long shaped by male voices. While they currently make up approximately 10% of the construction workforce in the United States, their impact extends far beyond these numbers. From project management to skilled trades, women are demonstrating exceptional leadership abilities and technical expertise that drive innovation across the industry.
Research consistently shows that diverse teams excel in problem-solving and decision-making, and the construction industry is no exception. Women construction professionals are pioneering new safety protocols, implementing cutting-edge technologies, and developing more efficient project management strategies. Their contributions are not just changing workplace dynamics – they’re enhancing productivity, improving project outcomes, and strengthening the industry’s economic foundation.
This shift represents more than just demographic change- it’s a strategic advantage in an evolving industry that demands varied perspectives and comprehensive solutions. As construction continues to embrace technological advancement and sustainable practices, the diverse skillsets and viewpoints that women bring to the field have become increasingly vital to its future success.
The Importance of Women in Construction Week
Construction’s critical role in economic growth is undeniable, and increasing women’s participation offers a powerful solution to one of its most pressing challenges: the persistent shortage of skilled labor. As the industry continues to evolve and expand, tapping into this underutilized talent pool is more than just an option- it’s a strategic imperative for companies seeking to maintain their competitive edge.
Women in construction leadership positions are proving to be catalysts for transformative change, introducing innovative approaches to workplace culture and operational efficiency. Their influence extends beyond traditional project management, as they champion initiatives that elevate industry standards across the board. From implementing comprehensive safety protocols to pioneering flexible work arrangements, these leaders are creating environments that attract and retain top talent of all backgrounds.
The impact of this leadership ripples throughout organizations, fostering workplaces that prioritize both excellence and inclusivity. By introducing diverse perspectives into decision-making processes, women leaders are helping construction firms adapt to modern workforce demands while maintaining the high standards of quality and efficiency that the industry requires. This evolution in workplace culture isn’t just benefiting women – it’s creating more sustainable, productive, and appealing career opportunities for all professionals in the field.
Unique Challenges Faced by Women in Construction
Despite the industry’s growing recognition of their valuable contributions, the path to success in construction can present unique challenges for women professionals. While opportunities continue to expand, persistent structural barriers can impact career trajectories and workplace experiences in significant ways.
Recent data from the National Association of Women in Construction (NAWIC) reveals a concerning pattern: many talented professionals encounter invisible barriers to advancement, especially when they’re seeking executive and leadership positions. This challenge is compounded by documented wage gaps and instances of workplace bias that can create isolating experiences for women in the field.
The scarcity of women in senior leadership positions creates a circular challenge. Without visible role models and mentors in executive roles, emerging professionals may struggle to envision their long-term career paths in construction. This mentorship gap can significantly impact professional development opportunities, which are an important part of career advancement and industry innovation.
Infrastructure and safety considerations present additional hurdles. Many jobsites are still no equipped with properly fitted personal protective equipment designed for women’s bodies, and some lack adequate facilities. These fundamental oversights in workplace infrastructure can create unnecessary obstacles for talented professionals who are otherwise fully qualified to excel in their roles.
Yet these challenges, while significant, represent opportunities for meaningful industry transformation. As construction firms increasingly recognize these barriers, many are implementing comprehensive solutions that benefit their entire workforce. By addressing these systemic issues head-on, the industry isn’t just becoming more accessible to women- it’s evolving into a more innovative, efficient, and sustainable sector for all professionals.
The Need for Diversity in Construction
Promoting diversity in construction is more than focusing on equity- it’s also a strategic business focus. Research has shown that companies with diverse workforces are more innovative and financially successful. For example, a study by McKinsey & Company found that companies in the top quartile for gender diversity on their executive teams were 25% more likely to have above-average profitability than companies in the bottom quartile.
There is a clear need for policies and practices that encourage the recruitment, retention, and advancement of women in construction. This includes implementing bias training, establishing mentorship programs, and promoting work-life balance initiatives that accommodate the needs of all employees. Companies should strive to create a more inclusive culture that actively challenges stereotypes and encourages diversity at every level of the organization.
By increasing the participation of women, both on the ground and in leadership roles, the construction industry can not only address its labor needs but also drive innovation and growth. The data more than supports the critical need for stakeholders across the industry to commit to making construction a welcoming and supportive environment for women. At Stealth, we’re thrilled to have a diverse team of Construction Security Specialists that includes several brilliant, ambitious leaders setting the example of how critical it is to include a range of voices and perspectives on any team.
Meet The Incredible Women on Our Construction Security Team
Natalie Jackson- Regional Sales Manager, President’s Club Winner
Natalie joined ECAM in May of 2019 as an Account Manager before being promoted to District Sales Manager in November of 2021. She continued to quickly climb the ranks thanks in large part to her incredible leadership skills and gift for communication, being tapped for the Senior District Sales Manager role in January of 2024, where she now leads a team of seasoned construction sales professionals in the Southern Rocky Mountains Region.
Prior to joining Stealth, Natalie worked for the Hilti Group, an international construction-forward company, where she built up her experience and expertise in the construction industry’s needs as a Building Construction Account Manager.
Nicole Andrews- Regional Sales Manager
Nicole came to Stealth in September of 2024, joining the team as a Regional Sales Manager for the US Northeast and Great Lakes Regions. With a varied background across a variety of industries, Nicole’s experience in security, start-ups, sales and marketing make her uniquely qualified to lead. Nicole is responsible for the development and performance of all sales activities within the construction division for her regions, as well as partnering with technical and field operations resources to provide exceptional customer service and continuous improvement.
Allison Connors- Senior Account Executive
Allison Connors joined ECAM as an account executive in 2019 before being promoted to Senior Account Executive in 2022. She’s a highly motivated team player and has been described as having made attention to detail and perseverance more than just attributes, but rather a way of life. This drive led to her recognition as Rookie of the Year Best All-Around new account executive in her inaugural year, followed up with Account Executive of the Year (Construction) 2021, and consecutive wins of the Top Gun Award for Highest Revenue Generating Account Executive in 2022 and 2023.
Aubrey Koenigs- Account Executive
Aubrey, an Account Executive who joined ECAM in August of 2024, is a construction security specialist who brings her background both as a Business Development Associate and Territory Account Manager for construction site services company to interfacing with clients. Her background allows her to easily understand and relate to the security needs associated with managing complex site operations.
Timera Christopher- Account Executive
Timera has been a part of Stealth’s team of construction security experts as an Account Executive for two years, where she’s wowed her colleagues and clients alike. Her customers speak for themselves: “Timera Christopher is great to work with. She always responds in a timely manner, takes the time to trouble shoot troubles in the field, and assists with software interface issues. She also has a great customer service-oriented attitude. She’s a valuable asset to Stealth Security and I’m sure she’ll continue to be for years to come.” We frequently hear about Timera’s stellar customer outreach, and her background in a variety of coordination and management roles have clearly made her a stand-out team member.
Desiree Handy- Account Executive
Desiree Handy has been with Stealth for almost 2 years now, and in her first full year, she accomplished earning the sales Top Achiever Award for successfully shooting past 200% of her quota, and finished this year well above quota, earning her place among the President’s Club recipients. Desiree came to Stealth with a strong background in construction management, having worked previously as a territory manager for an equipment rental company, and using that experience to easily understand the unique security challenges construction businesses face.
Marcy Murphy- Account Coordinator
Marcy Murphy is a sales and account management professional with over 15 years of experience, specializing in proposals, project management, customer relationship building, and process improvement. Her background includes working for a manufacturing firm that maintained DoD contracts for government and aerospace defense, as well as a security company managing federal government agencies’ physical security needs. Recognized for exceptional communication, problem-solving, and organizational skills, Marcy ensures successful project outcomes and long-term customer satisfaction during her nearly 1-year tenure at Stealth.
Lizz Pyle- Executive Assistant for Sales and Development
Lizz Matthys-Pyle understands the remote video monitoring industry inside and out, having started at ECAM in 2013 as an operator in our monitoring center in Texas before spending 11 years managing the facility’s nightly operations and acting as a point of contact for law enforcement and clients. Lizz now brings her expertise to an Execute Assistant for Sales & Development role, supporting the Senior Vice President of Construction Sales and Development, making her contributions invaluable.
At Stealth, we are proud to celebrate Women in Construction Week. We are honored to have an incredible group of women leading the way in construction security. To learn more about innovation and proactive security solutions in construction, contact us.
