The first full week of March is an important one for our industry. It is the week that we celebrate Women in Construction. At Baker Roofing Company we are proud to embrace diversity and the benefits that it brings to our trade. This year we partnered with Frank L. Blum Construction to bring a voice to Women in Construction Week. Each company had employees of varying ages, positions, and personalities share their views on being a woman in the construction industry.
How have you seen the changing demographic in your workforce positively impact your organization and industry?
Anna Hurst (Frank L. Blum): “The increase in diversity has led to an open‐mindedness throughout our organization. There are more people from different backgrounds which leads to more ideas about how to conduct business.”
Anna Gallimore (Frank L. Blum): “Bring to the table the female perspective. A variety of opinions always gets to the best solution.”
Jessica Traub (Baker Roofing Company): “At one time there were 2 women in our office and none in our field, today there are 5 women in our office and 1 in the field. I believe this change has allowed our office to become more organized and run more efficiently.”
Gina Willis (Frank L. Blum): “Increasing women’s presence in construction creates an awareness to all women that the construction industry is not limited to men, but also an opportunity for women…women with young children, women out of college, all women with various backgrounds, etc. Increasing women’s involvement in this industry allows a prospective, involvement that may have been previous lacking in this industry.”
How has being a woman molded your experience in the construction industry?
Chana Ferrell (Baker Roofing Company): “I have worked twice as hard to gain respect being a woman in the industry. I have accomplished that respect in my peer group, I feel very much that I have added value in the construction industry.”
Gina Willis (Frank L. Blum): “As a woman, I feel like I am able to look at things from a different angle that maybe isn’t always evaluated. I truly feel each team member brings a different insight to the project, without one, the team will not be able to receive the ultimate project value. In working together and equally trying our best we are able to complete tasks/projects as a team.”
Jessica Traub (Baker Roofing Company): “I have been able to connect with our customers and be empathetic to their concerns.”
