These women students are building the future of the construction industry
Virginia Tech Students tour Hitt Hall during classroom site visit. Photo by Peter Means for Virginia Tech.
Type “construction” into Google, and it will take you a while to see a photo that includes a woman. If you walk onto a job site or in a construction office, it’s a similar situation with only 10 percent of women occupying roles in the industry, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. It's a statistic the industry as a whole is working to change.
Within Myers-Lawson School of Construction, nearly half the faculty members are women. One of them, Ashley Johnson, serves as the program chair for construction engineering and management. She said the school’s diversity and inclusivity is part of what sets it apart. As she and the other professors within Myers-Lawson shape the next generation of construction leaders, she hopes they take advantage of the opportunities that are available at Virginia Tech and beyond.
“By leveraging their skills, women can contribute meaningfully to project success and industry advancement. I encourage them to embrace the challenges and rewards of construction. With dedication, women can make invaluable contributions to the industry, paving the way for continued growth and diversity in the field,” said Johnson.
For Virginia Tech students, creating change starts now, even before graduation. Through student groups such as Building Women in Construction, strong female faculty, and mentorship programs, students can find community and support during their time in school and beyond.
To celebrate Women’s History Month, we talked with some of these students in the Myers-Lawson School of Construction about their passion as they become the future of the industry.
Becoming her own blueprint
Meghan Marsh is proving that every career in construction looks different. She serves as the director of communication for Virginia Tech’s Division of Campus Planning, Infrastructure, and Facilities. On top of her day job, she is working towards a master’s degree in building construction.
“There are so many ways to be part of the construction industry. Roles range from trades to design to project management to business support such as communications, HR, and finance. There are endless possibilities,” said Marsh.
As someone who spends much of her time in Blacksburg, she hopes more students take advantage of all the university has to offer.
“Virginia Tech's Blacksburg campus is like a small city - you can check out what you're learning in the classroom on campus,” said Marsh.
Building Women in Construction
Julia Mitchell, a building construction senior, serves as the president of Building Women in Construction (BWIC). The student-founded group creates opportunities for networking and learning specifically geared toward women but available for all students.
Mitchell came to Virginia Tech with one goal in mind: studying building construction. Following in her brother's footsteps, she knew Myers-Lawson was the place for her.
“I developed a passion for construction while serving on mission trips with my church and family,” said Mitchell. “I don't think many women are even aware that construction is a great career option. There seems to be a negative stigma out there about it not being the most female friendly field, but that couldn't be further from the truth.”
While at Virginia Tech she has received support from professors, peers, and mentors who all made her fall in love with construction even more.
“As the current president of BWIC, I have found there is so much support from Myers-Lawson staff and the industry. Companies constantly reach out for extra networking opportunities so they can help the women in our club become more confident in their abilities and qualifications. They are eager to provide career advice and notify us of extra learning opportunities,” said Mitchell.
As she prepares for graduation in the spring, she hopes future women in the program will get more involved with groups like BWIC.
“It is a great way to build community with other women in the industry,” said Mitchell.
Constructing community in civil
For civil engineering senior Haley Gregory, her passion for construction came out of her love for building a better future.
“I want to give back to my community by improving the built environment surrounding it. I also really enjoy how construction involves building relationships as well as a lot of time spent outside on your feet,” said Gregory.
While at Virginia Tech, she has been able to find more people who feel the same way through BWIC. She said the group's members welcome and support one another. It’s a positive experience she hopes others will have as well.
“As a woman in construction, I try to make it easier for more women to join and be comfortable in the career field as well. I stick up for what I believe in and help cultivate a community of women in construction,” said Gregory. “It is a really fun and rewarding career. Do not be scared to try it due to the lack of women in the field. There are a lot of support systems.”
Determination defies discouragement
As the industry looks to be more inclusive of women, there are still barriers that exist. It’s something Stella Johnson, a building construction sophomore, has experienced. She says women who have come before her serve as a mentor as she begins to navigate the beginning steps of her careers.
“I have connected with women in the industry like Claudia Morgan who graduated in 2023. She is a role model to me, and I look up to her. She has provided me support and advice,” said Johnson.
Johnson also serves as a mentor herself through her role on the executive board for BWIC. She hopes women continue to stay confident in themselves and ignore any discouragement.
Following her passion
As the vice president of Building Goodness Foundation, Genevieve Hersh is no stranger to pursuing her goals. The service organization is focused on using its members' talents to give back to people in the community. Hersh's interest in construction started from watching HGTV as a child.
“As I got older, I realized I was fixated on the construction process, not just the design elements,” said Hersh.
She chose construction at Virginia Tech to explore the wide array of opportunities within the industry.
“I wish more people understood that construction is a highly technical field that is truly all about problem-solving. There is a role for every single type of person,” said Hersh.
As she has built her community through conversations in and out of the classroom, she has one message for those who come after her, “My best advice is to just take the leap and do it. Finding your passion in life is never easy, so start with pursuing the things that interest you.”
Making a difference
Graduate student Nicole Pond sees a better future for both women and the industry as a whole through technology, and it is something she wants to be a part of.
“My decision to pursue an education and career in construction is driven by a passion for creating, problem-solving, and making a positive difference in our built environment," said Pond, who is studying building construction. “By continuing to explore the potential of advancing technology, I am excited to contribute to the industry's evolution.”
As Pond studies the areas of construction she is passionate about, she wants to be a role model for future generations of women in the industry.
“By being a woman in construction, I am part of the initiative that not only creates our built environment, but also a more diverse and inclusive industry which highlights the talents and contributions of all individuals, regardless of gender,” said Pond. “Women truly have the ability to make a difference in the construction industry. By embracing your passion and following your calling, you can become a role model for other women.”
She hopes women feel empowered to utilize their talents in every industry whether male dominated or not.
Power in the process
Building construction sophomore Fatimah Butt calls being a woman in construction “empowering.”
“It is very rewarding to know I am breaking stereotypes, challenging myself every day, and having fun while doing it,” said Butt.
For her, the joy of construction is found in the start-to-finish product that unfolds during the process. Beyond the technical side, it’s also a relationship and teamwork-centric industry. She hopes other women who may be interested in the industry are able to see that side of the environment.
The relationships I have built through college and my internship are unforgettable. The career development this industry offers is amazing,” said Butt.
Welcoming a new generation
Building construction senior Reagan Hernandez hopes to see a future where women aren't afraid to speak up about their value to the team. She said her classmates have becomes friends with everyone’s contributions valued.
“It is truly not that scary to enter the field and almost everyone is very welcoming to anyone who has a desire to learn more about construction,” said Hernandez, who has enjoyed being able to see the physical representation of her work.
She added, “It’s so cool being able to know that you contributed to constructing a building that will stand for many years to come.”
