Advice From the Field: Spotlighting Women in Construction Week 2026

Women in Construction Week is an annual event dedicated to recognizing the contributions of women in the construction industry. The campaign was first held in 1998 by the National Association of Women in Construction (NAWIC) to raise awareness about the achievements, challenges and opportunities for women in construction. It serves as a platform to highlight their accomplishments, promote diversity within the industry and inspire more women to pursue careers in building safety.  

In honor of this week, the International Code Council connected with professionals in the field, inviting them to share their insight, experiences and advice for those seeking to enter and advance within the industry. 

What advice do you have for women in the construction industry? 

“There will be times when you’re not taken seriously. Let preparation, consistency, and professionalism speak for you. Confidence comes with experience, and it’s built by showing up and learning as you go,” said Concetta Hancock, Permit Technician & Erosion Control Plan Reviewer for Carroll County, Virginia.  

“Stay current on codes and standards because the industry is constantly evolving.  Remember that certifications matter because they set you apart. Find mentors and seek cross training because the possibilities are endless in the codes and construction industry. Advocate for yourself by speaking up about your value for the role you play in the job you do every day,” said Christina Jackson, Codes Compliance Supervisor for City of Newport News, Virginia, and Director-At-Large on the ICC Board of Directors.  

“I often return to Mr. Rogers’ advice: ‘Look for the helpers.’ You will always find people who are willing to support, guide and advocate for you. Be intentional about building a network of mentors and colleagues who believe in your goals, challenge you to grow and provide honest, constructive feedback. I benefited greatly from the guidance of contractors, inspectors, plans examiners and building officials who invested in my development and helped shape my career,” said Tricia Bennon, Building Official for Pierce County, Washington.  

“Stay future-focused. Climate resilience, digitalization and performance-based approaches are transforming the sector. Invest in continuous learning, build strong networks and make your leadership visible. Representation is not symbolic — it reshapes the industry,” said Dr. América Bendito, Risk Governance & Resilience Expert from Italy.  

“Invest in technical competence, stay current with building codes and sustainability standards and never underestimate the power of specialization. Climate-responsive construction, green materials, energy efficiency and health-centered design are areas where women can lead the next wave of innovation,” said Thandi Katlholo, Vice President, Botswana Green Building Council.  

“Learn your craft. Take the time to understand codes, plans, inspections and processes. Knowledge builds confidence, and confidence earns respect. When you know your stuff, your voice carries weight. Don’t be afraid to speak up. Ask questions. Set boundaries. Advocate for yourself and for what’s right. You don’t have to be loud, you just have to be clear and consistent,” said Joni Spencer-Building Official/Planning and Zoning Administrator for the City of Orofino, Idaho.  

“Don’t let yourself get stuck in only one role. The construction industry has many paths. Driving trucks, testing materials, inspections, engineering support and code compliance are all connected. The more you learn, the more opportunities open up,” said Andrea Hutton Construction Materials Testing & Special Inspections Technician for Bullhead City, Arizona.  

“I can’t stress enough how important it is to find your ‘tribe.’ Getting involved with organizations like NAWIC (National Association of Women in Construction) provides a support system that is truly unmatched. You need those mentors and sponsors who will advocate for you when you’re not in the room. And remember, your value is measurable—construction actually has one of the narrowest gender pay gaps, so always enter negotiations backed by data and a commitment to being a lifelong learner. Staying on top of the latest I-Codes and pursuing certifications like the Master Code Professional (MCP) designation are powerful ways to set yourself apart,” said Nicole Allen, CEO/President of Operations of Allen-Norris Permitting and Inspections in Washington D.C. 

“Get involved, show up, and say yes to opportunities! Your success and visibility will inspire the next generation of women in construction. If you’re not sure where to start, seek out mentors through ICC’s mentoring program or get in contact with your local code chapter; there are so many informed individuals ready to repay the favor they received when first getting started,” said Kara Maxwell, Permit Technician for the City of Dubuque, Iowa.  

Have you noticed any emerging trends for women in the construction industry? 

“More women are entering technical and leadership roles, building strong professional networks and gaining visibility through certifications and specialized expertise. There’s also a growing emphasis on mentorship, inclusion and technology, which is helping level the playing field and create more pathways for women to advance,” said Vanessa Rodriguez Supervising Technical Assistant to the Construction Official for the City of Jersey City, New Jersey.  

“There is a steady increase in female representation across every level of the industry, from the trades to estimating to project management and municipal building departments. I see this trend firsthand in my own department, which currently staffs a female planning tech, code compliance inspector, plans examiner and two permit technicians. As the second female Building Official in this city’s history, it is encouraging to see that women are no longer new to the field, they are occupying vital leadership and technical roles that shape our built environment,” said Jessica Isaak, Building Official for the City of Wentzville, Missouri.  

“Women are increasingly serving in senior and executive leadership roles, particularly within government regulation and oversight. This expanded representation is helping to normalize women’s leadership in the industry and is contributing to more diverse perspectives in decision-making and policy development,” said Bennon. 

“There is growing recognition that gender inclusion is not a social add-on — it is a resilience strategy. Experience from post-disaster recovery, community reconstruction and urban upgrading shows that projects led or co-designed by women often place stronger emphasis on safety, accessibility and long-term performance. As a result, governments and development institutions are increasingly embedding gender-responsive approaches into infrastructure financing and risk governance frameworks,” said Bendito.  

“Over the years, I have noticed a significant increase in the number of women entering and thriving in roles that were once primarily held by men. Women are now actively participating across the full breadth and depth of the construction industry — as skilled laborers, architects, inspectors, plans examiners, managers and executives. Not only are women stepping into these roles, but many are also becoming entrepreneurs and establishing their own construction-related businesses including plan review companies. This shift demonstrates growing confidence, competence and recognition of women’s contributions within the industry,” said Kerry-Ann Picard, Deputy Director – Building Control, Cayman Islands. 

“I’m seeing technology act as a massive equalizer. The shift toward BIM, virtual design and drone technology is moving the industry toward digital fluency, which opens up so many leadership doors for women. I’m also encouraged by the focus on ‘jobsite equity’—things that seem small but matter immensely, like PPE actually designed for women’s bodies and better on-site facilities,” said Allen.  

“Networking groups and support communities for women in construction are growing, like WICED, which has helped create opportunities and visibility in a field that is still largely male-dominated,” said Maxwell.  

Do you have any experiences that you’d like to share? 

“One of my most rewarding successes involved navigating the adoption of the latest code version to improve current building processes. We talked with Building Officials both near and as far away as Idaho while advocating for a code amendment that restricted the use of a specific material, each of us citing concerns over its long-term safety and performance. This work was well-received in the industry, and we received kudos from neighboring Building Departments. Some Building Officials even reached out to talk about implementing similar changes in their jurisdictions, proving that when you lead on technical merit and safety, your peers look to you as a resource regardless of gender,” said Isaak.  

“About ten years ago, I arrived at a home to inspect a heat pump installation. When I rang the doorbell, the homeowner—a woman—greeted me and said, ‘I didn’t know they had girl inspectors.’ That moment stuck with me. Even today, public perception of women in construction hasn’t fully caught up to the reality of our expertise and leadership. That’s why it’s so important for women in this industry to step into networking events, mentorship opportunities and professional groups. Every time we show up, we normalize our roles, inspire the next generation and help shape a construction industry where gender is no longer a barrier—but a source of strength,” said Bennon.  

“One of the best final inspections I have ever participated in was on a project run by a female superintendent. When we arrived, the project was 95 percent done. The last five percent needed to get the project across the finish line was completed efficiently during the allotted inspection time. I love conducting final inspections like that,” said Morgan Matthew, Fire Code Professional Development Officer for Colorado Division of Fire Prevention and Control.  

“Growing up in rural Botswana, I witnessed women collectively building mud houses — plastering walls, shaping floors and thatching roofs together. It was technical work, but also a social system of mutual support. That early exposure shaped my understanding of construction as both infrastructure and community-building,” said Katlholo.  

“Because my background is not related to building safety, I was incredibly intimidated during my first year on the job. However, I took the initiative to complete a Career Pathway Certificate in Building Construction and Heavy Equipment Operation through a local community college, and the confidence I gained through that program has had a direct impact on the work I do at the front counter. It is much easier to understand the perspective of contractors, and as a young woman at the front counter, the hands-on experience I have helps establish credibility and earn their respect. If you’re feeling intimidated in your own role, remember that there is space for you here. You can achieve anything you put your mind to – even conquering a bulldozer,” said Maxwell.  

For resources and support on how to enter and grow within the building safety industry, visit the International Code Council’s Safety 2.0 website here.     

Advance your career and create opportunities to learn and engage with peers and building safety experts by becoming a Code Council member here.