How to Attract and Retain Women in the Construction Industry – Ep 087

In this episode, we talk with Kristina McDonnell, a geotechnical project manager at KELLER in Cleveland, Ohio, about the importance of empowering women in the construction industry and advancing inclusivity. We also talk about her dedication to mentoring young engineers and STEM students, her involvement with NAWIC, and how it has helped her grow in her career. ***The video version of this episode can be viewed here.*** Engineering Quotes: Here Are Some of the Questions We Ask Kristina: How do you approach mentoring to make a lasting impact on mentees' careers, and what specific actions do you take? How does the National Association of Women in Construction (NAWIC) advocate for women professionals in the construction industry, and how do you contribute to their mission? What are your goals for promoting diversity and inclusion in the construction industry through NAWIC? What actions can the construction industry take to welcome more people and make it more equitable for women professionals? What outreach and education initiatives are you undertaking to change the negative narratives surrounding construction and attract more young people to the industry? How can the construction industry change the negative narrative surrounding it and attract more young people, especially women? What are the key challenges women still face in the construction industry today, and how can we work together to overcome them? How can organizations and individuals create a more inclusive and supportive work environment for everyone in the construction industry? What are your personal and professional goals in the geotechnical construction field, and how do you plan to continue making a difference in the industry and at NAWIC? Here Are Some of the Key Points Discussed About How to Attract and Retain Women in the Construction Industry: Mentoring students coming out of high school or college is rewarding because it is exciting to see them succeed and develop their skills in the construction industry. The National Association of Women in Construction (NAWIC) is a professional organization that supports women in the construction industry through leadership training, professional development, and educational opportunities. It also works to make the industry a safer and more productive place for women to work. NAWIC is committed to promoting diversity and inclusion in the construction industry. To achieve this goal, the organization aims to increase membership and engagement of women from diverse backgrounds, develop and deliver programs and resources that support women in the construction industry, advocate for policies and practices that create a more inclusive industry, and partner with other organizations and businesses to promote diversity and inclusion. The construction industry is still largely male-dominated, but there are many things that companies can do to welcome more people and make it more equitable for women professionals. Two important actions are to provide women with the appropriate safety workwear and other tools they need to succeed and to invest in women's professional development and training. Companies should also create a strong safety culture and promote a welcoming and inclusive work environment. By taking these steps, companies can attract and retain more women in the construction industry and create a more equitable and diverse workforce. The construction industry needs to change the negative narrative that surrounds it and attract more young people, especially women. To achieve this, the industry should educate middle and high school students about the opportunities available, emphasize that construction is a skilled and rewarding career path for all, and educate parents and counselors about the industry so the...