Women in Construction Week
March 2-8, 2025
Wisconsin Governor, Tony Evers Proclaims "Women in Construction Week"
Thanks in Part to the AGC of Wisconsin's She Builds Wisconsin Initiative


The focus of Women in Construction (WIC) Week is to highlight women as a viable component of the construction industry. WIC Week also provides an occasion to raise awareness of the opportunities available for women in the construction industry and to emphasize the growing role of women in the industry.

The AGC of Wisconsin is proud to support the many initiatives and events focused on educating and building female interest in the construction industry!

Women in Construction Week 2025 Events:
(Provided by The Daily Reporter)

EmpowHER
EmpowHER and the Building Trades Council of South Central Wisconsin will host Connecting to Build at The Tributary Hub (2102 E. Springs Dr.) in Madison on Tuesday, March 4. The event starts at 4 p.m. and ends 6:30 p.m.

The event will feature remarks from Madison Mayor Satya Rhodes-Conway, keynote speaker Lauri Rollings and will honor South Central Wisconsin’s 2025 Ally of the Year. This mixer with fellow women and allies in the industry will have food and drinks.

People can register through EmpowHER’s website: https://empowherwi.org/events/

NAWIC Milwaukee Chapter 105
NAWIC’s Milwaukee chapter will kick off the week with music bingo at Cleveland Pub & Grill (14000 W. Cleveland Ave., New Berlin) on Monday, March 3. This free event starts at 6:30 p.m.

Bingo tickets are offered through Eventbrite: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/music-bingo-tickets-1261593132019

The chapter will reconvene for a tour of the Milwaukee Repertory Theater and a happy hour at Vault in Milwaukee. The hardhat tour starts at 4 p.m. at Milwaukee Repertory Theater (108 E. Wells St., Milwaukee) Personal protective equipment is required and tickets will cost $15-20.

After the tour, attendees will stop at Vault (111 E. Kilbourn Ave., Suite 210, Milwaukee) for a happy hour. There will be a raffle, and all funds will be used to enhance NAWIC MKE chapter’s professional development and education of its members.

Tour tickets will be offered through Eventbrite: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/mke-rep-tour-hard-hat-happy-hour-tickets-1246470279159

C.D. Smith Construction
C.D. Smith Construction and Marian University will host Women in Construction 2025 at Marian University Stayer Center (45 S. National Ave., Fond du Lac) on March 13. The free event starts at 9 a.m. and ends at noon. Attendees are encouraged to register by March 6 as seating is limited.

The event will feature a presentation from Ana Kraft, founder and CEO of Xena Workwear, a panel discussion with industry leaders, engagement with industry leaders through a Q&A session and a catered box lunch.

To register, attendees are encouraged to email Kylene Schwark at [email protected] or call with questions at 920-923-8773. C.D. Smith officials asked guests to include the number of attendees (students and staff) from their school or organization.

Construction Industry Career Fair
Operation Fresh Start, WRTP | BIG STEP and the Urban League of Greater Madison will celebrate Women in Construction Week with a free career fair open to the public, regardless of gender. The fair will be held at Operation Fresh Starts (2670 Milwaukee St., Madison) on Thursday, March 6 from 1-4 p.m.

This hands-on event is a great opportunity for attendees to explore careers in the construction industry, meet local employers and learn about opportunities in the trades, officials said. Nearly 40 organizations are confirmed to attend.

Register to attend here: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/ZQQ3JFH.

BuildX
The Madison Area Builders Association, Milwaukee Metropolitan Builders Association and NARI of Madison will host BuildX, a one-day conference focused on empowering women in the construction industry. The event will be held at Sheraton Milwaukee Brookfield (375 S. Moorland Rd., Brookfield) on Wednesday, March 5 starting at 9:30 a.m. and ending around 3:30 p.m.

The event will feature TV personality and contractor Kayleen McCabe as the keynote speaker, motivational speaker Kim Rogne as closing speaker, speed networking, breakout sessions and vendor booths. Registration for individuals is $150.

People can register here: https://www.mbabuilds.org/events/buildx-conference—women-in-construction-industry-wisconsin-2025.

Women at Work Open House Showcase
Northeast EmpowHER on March 7 will showcase photos from the Women at Work Photo Project, which shines a light on women working in construction and celebrates women driving positive change in their fields, officials said. The evening will feature photography from Graham Images and stories from women featured in the project. Guests can enjoy food and drinks will connecting with other women and industry allies, officials added.

The event will take place 4-7 p.m. at the Schieg Center (1313 E. Witzke Blvd., Appleton).

Registration isn’t required but officials encouraged guests to RSVP ahead of time: https://app.smartsheet.com/b/form/c7afd68e75fc4ac89336847360cf6fd8
Women in Construction Week Resources
Sexism in the Workplace Toolkit
ConstructorCast Podcast: Leading Women Lead in Construction

National Association of Women in Construction - WIC Week 2025
Tips for Building a Stronger Future for Construction
Building a more inclusive workforce involves addressing specific challenges and highlighting opportunities for growth. By following some of the tips highlighted during WIC Week, companies can expand the field and create a more balanced work experience for every participant. 

Consider the following tips for how you can do your part to strengthen the industry.

1. Promote Gender Diversity
Actively encourage women to pursue careers in construction. Highlight the value of diverse perspectives and the unique contributions that women can bring to the industry.

2. Highlight Female Role Models
Showcase successful women in leadership roles within your company or the construction sector as a whole. Having visible female role models can inspire and provide a sense of possibility for aspiring women in the field.

3. Embrace Network and Mentorship Programs
Establish networking and mentorship programs specifically aimed at connecting female professionals in construction. This support system can provide guidance, share experiences, and help break down barriers.

4. Address Stereotypes
Challenge and dispel stereotypes associated with women in construction. Emphasize that the industry welcomes and values the skills, expertise, and dedication that women bring to the workforce. Also, sharpen your skills to prevent unethical practices in construction management where women are excluded from the decision-making process because of their gender.

 5. Engage in Educational Outreach 
Collaborate with educational institutions to promote construction as a viable career option for women. Encourage STEM education and offer scholarships or apprenticeship programs to support female students.

6. Create a Supportive Work Environment
Foster a workplace culture that actively supports and values the contributions of women. This effort can include addressing any instances of gender bias and promoting an inclusive and respectful atmosphere.

7. Encourage Community Engagement
Engage with local communities to raise awareness about opportunities for women in construction. Participate in events, workshops, and outreach programs to showcase the diverse career paths available in the industry.

8. Recommend Skill Development Initiatives
Provide targeted training programs and skill development opportunities specifically designed to attract and empower women in construction. This could include mentorship, leadership training, and technical skills workshops.

9. Provide Recognition for Achievements
Acknowledge and celebrate the achievements of women in construction through awards and recognition programs. This step not only honors their contributions but also serves as inspiration for others considering a career in the field.