A Word From AGCVA Chair, Chris Shifflett

Breaking Barriers: The Future of Women in Construction

As Chair of the Board, I am honored to recognize the remarkable contributions of women in construction. Throughout history, this industry has been dominated by men, but today, women are increasingly taking on leadership roles, driving innovation, and shaping the future of construction.

We have just concluded a year with a woman in construction as our chair and the entire industry is better for it. I am honored to know and work with Arlene Lee as she is an impactful leader in construction and the association.

The construction industry is evolving, and with it, the opportunities for women are expanding. While women currently make up about 11% of the construction workforce, their impact far exceeds this number. Women are excelling as CEOs, project managers, engineers, safety officers, and skilled tradespeople, demonstrating that talent, expertise, and leadership are not defined by gender.

Breaking Down Barriers

Despite progress, challenges remain. Women in construction often face stereotypes, unconscious biases, and barriers to advancement of their careers. To create more opportunities and strive for an inclusive industry, we must:

• Promote Mentorship: Encouraging mentorship programs helps women pilot career paths, gain leadership skills, and access professional and community connections.
• Provide Training and Education: Offering skill development, apprenticeships, and leadership training ensures women have the tools to succeed.
• Highlight Success Stories: Showcasing the achievements of women in construction inspires the next generation and demonstrates that this industry welcomes and values their contributions.

A Call to Action

AGCVA recently launched the Women in Construction Special Interest Group, dedicated to advancing women in the industry through mentorship, leadership, and community connections. Their inaugural virtual meeting laid the foundation for this initiative, and a dedicated WIC meet-up at the 2025 convention further reinforced their commitment to building a strong and thriving future for women in construction.

Want to stay updated on upcoming WIC events, leadership opportunities, and ways to get involved? Remember this is not an exclusive group – allies welcome!  Sign up here to receive updates directly to your inbox.

I am so excited to see where this group as well as all Women in Construction go, and what they accomplish.