As an industry that’s been around for centuries, the construction industry has had its fair share of challenges. Most recently, it’s been plagued by ongoing inflation concerns, talent shortages, and supply chain issues, but according to Deloitte’s 2025 Engineering and Construction Industry Outlook, optimism is on the rise due to improving economic conditions, increased construction demand, ongoing government investments, and the surge in data center construction.

However, these aren’t the only reasons the industry is heading in the right direction. The growing number of women tapping construction as their career of choice is a good sign. In fact, in February 2024, the U.S. Department of Commerce reported that the share of women in construction was a little over 14%, indicating that the traditionally male-dominated industry is recognizing the incredible contributions women bring to the industry.

Yet, for all the forward momentum, there’s more to be done.

That’s where events like the Women in Construction Week™—put on by the National Association of Women in Construction (NAWIC) since 1998— come into play. The annual WIC Week, which took place March 2 – 8, 2025, celebrates and promotes the role of women in the construction industry while helping them overcome barriers through professional development and mentorship programs.

This year’s theme was “Together We Rise”—a message that highlights the important truth that when diverse groups of people work towards a shared and commendable goal, success for each person, every business, and the entire industry follows.

The importance of women in construction

The importance of women in construction can be seen in the myriad of benefits they bring. For example, their differing perspective in the workplace offers unique ideas drawn from varying experiences, expertise, and mindset. Such varying viewpoints stimulate conversations that lead to creative, informed, and business-enhancing decisions while also helping businesses remain agile—and profitable—in an ever-changing marketplace

The truth is that construction firms that open the door to women candidates establish themselves as a leader in the industry. Wide Effect, a staffing and recruiting firm that connects employers with qualified professionals, reports that hiring women in executive roles leads to:

• Increased profitability (25% more profitable than their counterparts with low gender diversity)
• Elevated emotional intelligence or EQ (studies show women score higher in standardized EQ testing for communication, teamwork, transparency, and reliability)
• Avoiding “groupthink” (or the silencing of ideas in the face of consensus by having women in leadership roles that can encourage open communication).

As the only woman of an eight-person leadership team, Aasha Cunningham, Director of Accounting and Administration, Phoenix Renovation and Restoration, Inc., knows the value she holds for her company.

“Each member of our leadership team has their own strengths to bring to the table. As a woman, I believe I have the ability to offer a different perspective in many regards, such as our culture, ways to make our employees feel supported and needed, as well as insight to how we can be more efficient and make our field staff’s job a tiny bit easier with each change we make,” she says. “I am honored to be a part of our leadership team and a part of a company who recognizes and rewards individuals for their hard work, including women. I am a single mother, and I am proud to be a leader in a place such as Phoenix, which allows me to thrive on my strengths and be a provider for my family.”

Cassandra Moore, CFO of Alpha Insulation and Waterproofing, also understands the pivotal role she plays as a woman in the construction industry.

“As a CFO, I get to be part of the bigger picture and make sure our teams have the resources they need, helping drive business growth and ensuring the company is set up for long-term success,” she says. “The beauty of construction is that it requires both technical skills and financial expertise. It’s a space where strategic thinkers and problem-solvers thrive, no matter their background.”

That’s what Jessica Hill, ERP Product Manager II at IOC Construction, believes too. “Tech and construction might not be the first industries that come to mind when you think of women-led spaces, but we’re here, we’re thriving, and we’re making an impact. Being recognized for my journey is a reminder that every step we take breaks barriers and opens doors for the next generation.”

For Jessica, being a woman in the industry means resilience, innovation, and “proving—again and again—that skill, leadership, and vision have no gender.”

Advice for women seeking a construction career

Right now, 1.3 million women work in construction (vs. 10 million men), with the majority of women filling office and administrative roles and very few working in the field. Even so, female representation within the construction industry continues to grow, and with construction being one of the industries with the lowest pay inequity (currently, women make about 95.5% of what men earn on average, per the NAWIC), it’s an industry ripe for the picking.

Though many women may fear the barriers yet to be broken down, including job site culture, lack of training, and discrimination, Aasha, Cassandra, and Jessica encourage their peers who are considering construction to take the next step.

Says Aasha, “I would encourage any woman looking to build a career in construction to consider any fears they may have about it and face them head on. Fear can be crippling, but with strength and confidence in yourself and your talents/abilities, you can face those fears and kick some butt!”

Cassandra agrees. She says whether you want to work in finance, estimating, or procurement or you love problem solving and project coordination or you want to be onsite, hands-on, and bring a vision to life, there’s something for you in the construction industry.

“Whatever your skill set, there’s a path for you. Stay curious, ask questions, and don’t be afraid to carve your niche. Hard work and integrity will open more doors than you can imagine,” she says. “Regardless of what part of the industry you want to enter, remember to step in with confidence, stay eager to learn, and never underestimate the value you bring to the table.”

Jessica has similar sound advice. “For any woman looking to build a career in construction and tech, [you need to] step in with confidence. Ask questions. Find mentors. Own your expertise. You belong in every room where big ideas and bold solutions are being created.

She adds: “Let’s keep pushing forward, lifting each other up, and shaping the future—together.”

Make a difference, together

Like the WIC Week theme, Acumatica’s rallying cry is “Building the Future of Business, Together,” which means every decision we make is predicated on driving innovation, empowering individuals, and enabling growth with the help of our customers, partners, and creators. We are also passionate about supporting women in the technology field  through our Women in Technology program, part of AcumatiCares efforts to empower women through our focus on diversity and inclusion. We’re passionate about making a difference, and we can’t—and don’t want—do it alone.

We’re forever grateful for Acumatica Community members like Aasha, Cassandra, and Jessica who are willing and excited to collaborate with other women, helping them grow their futures and drive progress within the construction industry.

To learn more about Acumatica and how to create a better tomorrow, contact our team today.