Learning from women in the construction industry

Brasfield & Gorrie, Chick-fil-a Supply and Stream Realty collaborated on a day of programs highlighting the value of and opportunities for women in construction.

I looked out at the faces in the audience and felt a deep sense of gratitude. A diverse group gathered at the Chick-fil-A Supply project in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, to learn about the experiences of women who work in construction. I’ve been working on this jobsite since May 2024, and this event felt like a celebration of the work of women throughout the construction industry. I saw women my age who I’ve built friendships with while working at Brasfield & Gorrie. I saw several of my mentors, one of whom flew across several states to visit me when I started my first project as an assistant project manager. I saw my entire project team, both men and women. I saw my manager and my division’s leadership, all of whom were instrumental in making this special day happen. And I saw my client and project partners who had traveled from many different states to participate in the event.

I realized how privileged I am to work for a company and with a client that so strongly supports opportunities for women in the field of construction.

In the humbling setting of an active construction site, we had a full agenda ahead with opportunities to network, hear from leaders in the industry, and honor the history and future of women in construction.

Construction is often thought of as a man’s world, and that’s not without cause. In late 2024, the U.S. Department of Commerce’s Office of the Under Secretary for Economic Affairs (OUSEA) reported about 86% of the industry’s workforce is male. But that’s changing; in 2016, only 12.5% of the industry’s workforce was female, OUSEA reported. There are many career options in this business, and I’ve seen that firsthand. But sometimes women don’t even think about these opportunities because they haven’t seen other women working in construction.

That’s why I’m passionate about sharing my experience and those of other women. Brasfield & Gorrie Chief Administrative Officer Alexia Borden set the stage for the day’s discussion of women in construction as she discussed the importance of the culture of our companies. She helped us recognize that although we may have differences, the underlying commonality we share is working for companies that value doing the right thing and honoring relationships. As the group donned PPE and split into small groups to walk the Chick-fil-A Supply jobsite, we saw the value of our varied perspectives. With different roles in the field represented, the conversation was dynamic because everyone had a different lens through which they saw the construction process.

That was also evident during a panel of four women who work in different construction roles. Each of them left the crowd with valuable insight:

• Chick-fil-A Supply Director of Facility Development & Safety Chaneta Sullivan told us to listen to the “taps.” Those moments when someone is unexpectedly tapping us to step up for a project, role or responsibility. She encouraged us to lean into opportunities even though they might feel daunting, outside of your comfort space or overwhelming. They often provide the most growth.
• Brasfield & Gorrie’s Alexia Borden emphasized “the importance of just showing up.” It’s essential to take time to make meaningful connections with your team, even if it requires some sacrifice.
• Brasfield & Gorrie Senior Project Manager Heather Coffelt expressed her belief that flexibility for women in construction is critical for their success, personally and professionally. Heather also reflected on the growth of Brasfield & Gorrie’s Operational Women’s Network, which brings women in these roles together for support, networking, and education.
• Stream Realty Vice President, Decommissioning & Relocation Kalimah Ashby stressed the value of mentorship and sponsorship, which takes mentorship to another level when someone actively advocates for another person. She said those are key drivers in the retention of women.

After the event, I carried the group’s energy with me through the weekend. It was the kind of energy that comes only from cultures that are high achieving, focused on innovation and progress, and committed to opportunity for women in the field. I was inspired to set new goals after getting to visit with women who are more experienced in their careers. And I was reminded of the importance of leaning on and caring for the community of women that I have gained from Brasfield & Gorrie and Chick-fil-A Supply.

Eliza Witherspoon is a Brasfield & Gorrie project manager in the company’s industrial division. She’s currently working on the Chick-fil-A Supply distribution center in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, where she was instrumental in organizing this celebration of women in construction. Eliza has previously worked on industrial projects in Alabama, Arkansas, and Ohio.