In honor of Women in Construction Week, we are thrilled to have organized an enriching and thought-provoking conversation involving our team at Gordon Highlander alongside influential women leaders from O’Brien Architects, Carrco Painting, and Roots Engineering. This initiative provided a substantial platform for sharing diverse perspectives, highlighting not only the remarkable achievements of women in these fields but also casting a light on the challenges they face. Our discussions reaffirmed our mutual dedication to nurturing an environment that champions inclusivity and leadership within the construction and architectural arenas.
Construction has long been male-dominated, which underlines the groundbreaking achievements of the women at Gordon Highlander, O’Brien Architects, Carrco Painting, and Roots Engineering. These resilient women are not only challenging the status quo but are also instrumental in architecting a future that values diversity and inclusivity. Their efforts are more than mere structural endeavors; they build a legacy steeped in empowerment and innovation that will inspire future generations.
This article provides an in-depth exploration of their journeys and experiences, illustrating how the collaboration between Gordon Highlander and O’Brien Architects is cultivating new legacy women leaders in architecture. By weaving together tales of achievement, trust, and reliability, we are collectively molding a future that expands the scope of opportunities available in the industry. We invite you to join us as we delve deeper into these transformative stories.
Celebrating Women in Construction Week
Women in Construction Week is a vital spotlight highlighting the substantial contributions women have made—and continue to make—in the construction industry. This annual event celebrates accomplishments and advocacy for gender parity and equality, which remain crucial in this traditional bastion of male participation. During this week, we pause to acknowledge the strides made, the barriers yet to be overcome, and the persistent challenges that merit attention and action.
The Importance of Women in Construction Week
The essence of this week-long celebration is rooted in propelling gender diversity and fostering an environment of inclusion across all professional landscapes. By shining a light on the stories and successes of women in construction, this event serves as a catalyst, urging more women to explore and pursue careers in the field. Simultaneously, it becomes a platform to address continuing challenges, such as bridging gender pay gaps and tackling workplace discrimination.
Clearing these hurdles requires a concerted effort from all industry stakeholders, and initiatives like Women in Construction Week enable:
- The recognition and rewarding of women’s efforts across all hierarchical and operational roles
- Encouragement of constructive and meaningful dialogues concerning gender parity in the workplace
- Motivation for policy changes that fashion a more inclusive and equitable professional environment
This celebration transcends mere recognition of historical achievements and lays a foundation for future advancements, ensuring that progress continues unabatedly.
As Marianne Scheer from O’Brien Architects put it, “Being able to pivot is such a huge part of your journey, not only in your career but in life in general.”
Historical Context and Progress
Reflecting on the historical trajectory of women in construction, we find our roots firmly in World War II. This was a pivotal era when scores of women stepped into roles vacated by men engaged in war efforts. Despite the post-war decline in participation, the presence and influence of women in the industry have witnessed a sustained and commendable increase over the decades, charting a course of steady progress.
According to the U.S. Department of Commerce, since February 2024, 1 in 7 new jobs in the construction sector have been filled by women, which has helped to edge their share in the industry to over 14%.
“I always look forward to seeing the numbers for Women in Construction Week—just seeing the representation grow year after year is incredible.” Andrea Pender, Director of Business Development of Carrco Painting.
Women at Gordon Highlander
We at Gordon Highlander are immensely proud to support and celebrate the women within our team who are charting new courses and achieving significant accomplishments within the industry. Their contributions are instrumental in our company’s success and critical to the broader vision of achieving gender equality.
Profiles of Leading Women
The women of Gordon Highlander embody a remarkable blend of experience, skill, and leadership, enriching our team significantly. Their presence is felt across several domains, from project management and design to key leadership roles, leaving an indelible mark across every chapter of our success story. Their stories, when shared, cast light on:
- Their educational backgrounds and diverse career trajectories
- The distinctive skills and unique perspectives they bring to projects
- Their formidable contributions to noteworthy and pivotal projects
Our mission at Gordon Highlander is to build a lasting legacy grounded in helping everyone realize their inherent potential—a commitment that encompasses and extends to everyone involved. In an industry offering unique learning opportunities, we leverage various platforms to create a culture where growth and success are accessible.
Achievements and Contributions
Our female team members are at the helm of major projects, pioneering sustainable innovations and facilitating meaningful change within the industry. Among their commendable accomplishments, some highlights include:
- Successfully overseeing high-profile projects, ensuring they are completed within time and budget constraints
- Implementing cutting-edge construction techniques that push the envelope
- Advocating and promoting sustainable building practices, setting new standards
“We really want to push growth opportunities across everybody at the company—this is how we build a legacy.” Brooke Litton, director of marketing for Gordon Highlander.
Insights from Women Leaders
Our conversations with women leaders unveiled several key insights about the industry, including the significance of mentorship and sponsorship in career navigation. Additional insights include:
- Understanding the nuances of navigating a male-dominated field with grace and fortitude
- Strategizing to foster inclusive work environments that welcome diverse perspectives and talents
Andrea Pender noted, “If we know, like, and trust someone, we want to do business with them. That’s why building relationships is so key in this industry… From the time you meet someone until they trust you enough to give you a project proposal, it can take 18 months. Relationships take time, but they are worth it.”
Collaborative Projects and Successes
The synergy between Gordon Highlander and O’Brien Architects has birthed several successful projects where teamwork and diversity have been the cornerstones of success. Among the highlights of this partnership are:
- Seamless melding of architecture and construction, ensuring holistic project execution
- Leveraging a rich diversity of skills and expertise to enhance project outcomes
- Delivering projects that not only meet but exceed client expectations, setting new standards
“Having that relationship and talking through the design intent always makes the end result better.” – Marianne Scheer, project designer for O’Brien Architects
Breaking Barriers and Building the Future
The journey of breaking barriers while simultaneously building the future is one where the women of today are paving the way for tomorrow’s change-makers. Positioned at the forefront of this change movement, they are crafting the future industry.
Empowerment in Construction
Empowering women in architecture and construction isn’t just a necessity; it’s pivotal for shaping a more inclusive and equitable industry. Key initiatives supporting this empowerment include:
- Provision of training and development programs tailored to helping women excel in different construction roles
- Encouragement of leadership opportunities that help women ascend to decision-making roles
- Recognition and celebration of achievements, fostering a culture of appreciation
“Saying yes to opportunities and stepping out in faith can get you a long way.” Lydia Donnell, VP of Business Development in Roots Engineering.
Inspiring the Next Generation
Building a bright future for women in construction necessitates proactive steps such as:
- Organizing workshops and seminars that provide both insight and learning opportunities
- Offering scholarships and internships that open doors for upcoming talent
- Sharing success stories and mentorship programs that offer role models to the younger generation
Looking Ahead: The Future of Women in Construction
The horizon for women in construction is promising, with burgeoning opportunities for growth and leadership. Looking ahead, the future holds:
- A rise in women taking on executive roles, leading from the front
- An expansion of women’s influence within industry decision-making processes
- Opportunities for women to lead groundbreaking and transformative projects
Gordon Highlander remains steadfast in our commitment to supporting and empowering the women within the industry. Doing so ensures that their contributions continue to shape and define the built environment for future generations.
Join the Conversation At Gordon Highlander, we are dedicated to cultivating an empowering and inclusive workplace culture. If you wish to learn more about our diversity and inclusion initiatives in construction, we invite you to connect with us today!
About Gordon Highlander
Gordon Highlander, headquartered in Texas, is a premier commercial general contractor focusing on design-build and partially- and fully-engineered construction solutions. With decades of legacy, we have delivered millions of square feet across diverse commercial and industrial sectors. Our expertise extends to major Texan markets, including Dallas-Fort Worth, Austin, San Antonio, Houston, and Atlanta, Georgia.