What A Week To Celebrate
As we celebrate the spring weather warming up Chicagoland, there’s another reason to celebrate the season – WIC Week™, or Women in Construction Week™. PT Ferro is not only dedicated to building the roads and infrastructure that unite our communities, but we also recognize the invaluable contributions of women in construction. Join us in honoring the trailblazers, innovators, and leaders who continue to shape our industry.
What is Women in Construction Week™?
Held from March 3-9 each year by the National Association of Women in Construction, this week serves as a platform to recognize the achievements, resilience, and leadership of women across various roles within construction. During Women in Construction Week™, organizations, companies, and industry associations come together to highlight the significant impact that women have made in shaping our infrastructure.
Through events, forums, and outreach initiatives, this week aims to raise awareness of the opportunities and challenges women face in construction while promoting diversity, equality, and inclusion in the workplace and on the job sites.
This week also serves as an opportunity to showcase success stories, share best practices, and provide support and mentorship to women pursuing careers in construction. By amplifying the voices and achievements of women in the industry, WIC Week™ inspires future generations of builders and fosters a more inclusive and vibrant construction community.
Breaking Barriers, Building Bridges:
Women have been breaking barriers in the construction industry for decades. From engineers and architects to project managers and skilled tradeswomen, their expertise and passion have played a pivotal role in shaping our cities and towns’ infrastructure.
Organizations like Women of Asphalt, Women Road Builders, and Chicago Women in Trades have been instrumental in providing support, mentorship, and advocacy for women throughout the construction industry. Women in Construction Week™ is not only a time to celebrate past achievements but also to inspire future generations of builders. By shining a spotlight on the accomplishments of women in construction, we inspire young girls and aspiring professionals to pursue careers in STEM fields and break down barriers to gender equality.
Several of our industry’s most distinguished and influential association leaders are women. Dr. Audrey Copeland, Ph.D., P.E., serves as the President and CEO of the National Asphalt Pavement Association(NAPA), where she directs strategic initiatives and oversees all NAPA programs, leading a dedicated staff focused on advancing the asphalt industry.
Amy Miller, P.E., M.B.A., former National Director for the Asphalt Pavement Alliance, collaborated with Ashley Batson, JD, Dr. Audrey Copeland, P.E., Natasha Ozybko, and Tracie Schlich as Founding Members of the Women of Asphalt Organization. Together, they established a platform dedicated to recruiting, educating, and promoting women in the asphalt community.
Through networking events, training programs, and educational resources, these organizations empower women to excel in traditionally male-dominated fields, thereby fostering a more dynamic industry for all.
Diversity is not just a Buzzword:
It is an essential component of a thriving and innovative workforce. By embracing and advocating for diversity in gender, race, ethnicity, and background, construction companies nurture creativity, collaboration, and adaptability.
Studies have shown that diverse teams are more effective at problem-solving, decision-making, and driving advancement. By championing diversity in the workplace and job sites it becomes a place where all employees feel valued, respected, and empowered to contribute their unique perspectives and talents.
Investing in Education and Training:
Education and training are the cornerstones of a successful career in construction. In this diverse industry, opportunities for continuous learning and professional development are available for all individuals, regardless of gender. Through apprenticeship programs through your local unions, on-the-job training, and tuition assistance initiatives, numerous avenues exist to equip oneself with the skills, knowledge, and expertise necessary for success in a fulfilling construction career.
Commitment to Representation in the Workplace
Join us in celebrating the women who continue to elevate our industry through their unwavering dedication and expertise. At PT Ferro, we are proud to stand alongside these trailblazers, innovators, and leaders. Their contributions inspire us to continue pushing the boundaries of what is possible in construction, driving positive change, and building excellence.
Thank you to our very own remarkable women within our business who pave the way for future generations of women in construction. Your dedication and expertise serve as a beacon of inspiration, guiding aspiring professionals along their own path to success. Your contributions not only strengthen our business but also strengthen the entire construction industry.
Together, we will continue to build a more inclusive and equitable future, where the talents and achievements of women are celebrated and valued.
Check out more information, events, and educational opportunities by visiting:
https://wicweek.org/#about-wic-week
Resources + Links
https://nawic.org/about-nawic/
https://www.womenofasphalt.org
http://www.asphaltpavement.org
https://vaasphalt.org/apa-national-director/
NAWIC Chicago Metro’s WIC Week Celebration
