Celebrate Women in Construction Week

Each year for one week in March, our industry comes together to celebrate National Women in Construction (WIC) Week; a seven-day opportunity to highlight women as a visible component of the construction industry.  Held next week from Sunday, March 3 through Saturday, March 9, WIC Week is sponsored by the National Association of Women in Construction (NAWIC)  and provides an occasion for firms to raise awareness of the growing impact women have on the industry, as well as the myriad of opportunities available to them, either in the field or in the office.

Throughout Gilbane Building Company, women hold roles in all facets of our business, including field operations, executive leadership, marketing, accounting, and business development.  In fact, women comprise 26.4% of our total workforce; a statistic higher than the national average of 9.9%, albeit with plenty of room to grow.  To attract and retain a diverse workforce, especially within an industry that is historically white and male dominated, we’ve approached our diversity and inclusion efforts with intention.  We encourage mentorship in all its forms and have implemented diversity task forces, and continue to support our external partners.

The theme for this year’s WIC Week is “Be the Power in your Success.”

With members sprinkled throughout all of our business units, NAWIC continues to be one of our most valued external partners and we fully support their efforts to increase the visibility of women within our industry and level the playing field.  WIC Week provides a national stage to acknowledge year-long initiatives that help to empower women to succeed, here at Gilbane and beyond.  We ask that you save the date and join us in celebrating women in construction as we share stories of women working on our job sites and in our offices, attend events focused on the advancement of women in our industry (as well as others), and give back to the communities in which we work, live, and build.

Last week, Gilbane’s Karrie Kratz, Connecticut operations manager and vice president, recently offered insight on how to achieve successful work-life integration for yourself, as well as helping others do the same for the 4th Annual Women Who Build Conference in Connecticut.

Some of the scheduled events will include:

• Attendance at the BWIC Inspire Awards in Boston, MA
• Participation in Habitat for Humanity Build Days nationwide
• “Recognizing Rosie the Riveter” Event in Concord, CA
• Attendance and Sponsor of the Bryant University Women’s Summit in Lincoln, RI
• Sponsoring Girl Scouts of Southeastern New England Cookies & Cocktails event
• In recognition of International Women’s Day, joining the Greater Houston Partnership’s Women’s Business Alliance (WBA) for the 8th Annual Rise to the Top luncheon