The concrete construction industry has long been regarded as a male-dominated field, but that narrative is shifting. According to Bureau of Labor Statistics research from December 2023, women made up about 10.8 percent of construction overall, with 4.3 percent in the trades. More recent data from November 2024 by the U.S. Department of Commerce shows women’s employment in construction now represents about 14 percent. For poured concrete foundation and structure contractors specifically, women represent 19.9 percent of jobs. As the industry faces a skilled labor shortage, understanding how to attract and retain women in concrete is more important than ever. This article explores the career journeys, challenges, and insights of three women shaping the future of the concrete industry: Dr. Marisa Juenger, Vice President of the American Concrete Institute and professor at the University of Texas at Austin; Lizabeth Howard, P.E., of Superior Construction; and Kilah Engelke of the Operative Plasterers’ and Cement Masons’ International Association (OPCMIA). For contractors exploring the many applications of decorative and structural concrete, materials like Colorful Concrete Tiles a Complete Guide to Decorative options reveal how diverse the world of concrete truly is.
The Current State of Women in Concrete Construction
While women remain underrepresented in concrete trades, the trajectory is positive. Industry organizations, trade unions, and individual companies are implementing targeted programs to change the landscape.
Workforce Statistics and Trends
| Metric | Percentage | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Women in construction overall (including admin) | 10.8% | BLS December 2023 |
| Women in construction trades | 4.3% | BLS December 2023 |
| Women in construction overall | 14% | U.S. Dept. of Commerce November 2024 |
| Women in poured concrete foundation and structure contracting | 19.9% | BLS November 2024 |
These figures show that concrete foundation and structure contractors outperform the broader construction industry in women’s representation, reflecting intentional outreach and changing attitudes across the sector.
The Labor Shortage Opportunity
With the entire industry challenged for skilled labor, women represent a growing demographic that contractors cannot afford to overlook. Lizabeth Howard noted that at Superior Construction they formed a group called Superior Women in Construction (SWiC) specifically to increase visibility and advocacy. “This industry has a labor shortage,” Howard said, “and if we can get more women to join us, it will be all the better.” Engelke pointed to workforce development initiatives and how trade unions are implementing policies such as maternity leave and child care support to make careers more accessible. For contractors working with structural elements, understanding the fundamentals of a Guide On How to Consolidate Concrete in congested reinforced members remains essential knowledge regardless of who is doing the work.
Career Pathways into the Concrete Industry
The three women entered the concrete industry through remarkably different pathways. Their stories demonstrate that there is no single route to a career in concrete, which is good news for contractors seeking to diversify their workforce.
The Academic and Research Route
Dr. Marisa Juenger’s path began with an interest in chemistry. “Cement chemistry is really complex and unusual,” she explained. “There are so many different aspects to the chemistry of concrete from the high temperature chemistry in a cement kiln, to hydration, to durability mechanisms.” She started with cement research during her PhD at Northwestern University about 30 years ago, later joining UT Austin where she now mentors the next generation of engineers.
The Engineering and Management Path
Lizabeth Howard discovered her interest through mentorship. A professor at Tulane University recognized her passion for building things and guided her toward construction. After completing her master’s degree at UT Austin, she was drawn to concrete work because of its prevalence in the Southeast. “I am still fascinated by the fact that combining a few components can create something so lasting and durable,” she said.
The Trades and Apprenticeship Route
Kilah Engelke’s entry came through family connections. Her stepfather was an estimator for a highway paving operation. At 17, she started on a crew watching concrete cure. She worked summers on a paving crew that turned into an apprenticeship with the Cement Masons (OPCMIA). “It eventually led to where I am today,” she said.
Overcoming Challenges and Building Resilience
Each woman identified distinct challenges in her career, but common themes emerged around confidence, earning respect, and mindset.
Internal Barriers and Imposter Syndrome
Both Juenger and Engelke identified self-doubt as a significant challenge. Juenger advised against creating imaginary obstacles: “I try to enter new situations fully prepared, when possible, armed with information and support from a team. A little bit of worry is a good thing because it helps you become prepared. A lot of worry can undermine you.”
Engelke reflected on her internal struggles: “The challenges that I have faced were internal, my own perceptions of what I thought I could do or could not do.” She described working on a crew where she was often the only woman. “I think back to the first days when I was working on a crew thinking, ‘I am never going to make it through this alive.’ Looking back, none of that stuff got easier. I just got better at it.”
Earning Respect in a Male-Dominated Field
Howard described earning respect as one of her biggest challenges early in her career. Key strategies she recommends include:
- Being a “sponge” and constantly learning from everyone around you, regardless of their position
- Asking lots of questions and working closely with experienced superintendents and project managers
- Practicing direct communication to establish credibility
- Valuing diverse perspectives regardless of traditional career paths
Turning Physical Challenges into Strengths
Engelke learned to use leverage and physics differently rather than trying to match brute strength. “Maybe it was that I needed to use leverage differently, like physics. Maybe I needed to become physically stronger in certain areas but that does not mean that I could not do it. When you are beginning, it is hard for people.” For contractors planning renovation projects, knowing how to Pour New Concrete Over Old Concrete Surface properly is a skill that benefits from diverse perspectives on the team.
The Future of Women in Concrete
All three women are optimistic about the direction of the industry, pointing to concrete initiatives making a measurable difference in recruitment and retention.
Education and Mentorship Programs
Dr. Juenger highlighted the pipeline developing at the university level. “Our undergraduate civil engineering program at the University of Texas at Austin is about half women right now,” she revealed. The Women in ACI reception attendance increases every year because of a growing number of female students. She believes that strong positive role models are critical for recruiting people from diverse backgrounds.
Industry Groups and Affinity Networks
Affinity groups are emerging across the industry. Engelke works with Empower, which developed a mentoring program and administers a Child Care grant program. Howard’s SWiC group at Superior Construction provides mentorship and professional development opportunities tailored for women entering the field. “The number of women attending these events has definitely increased,” Howard noted.
Visibility and Representation
The OPCMIA has invested significantly in visibility through the Steel Edge Women program at World of Concrete, where the union’s booth is now run entirely by women. Women are being placed into leadership roles at all levels of the construction industry. Engelke summed it up: “There is more of an idea that the whole concept of ‘if you can see it, you can be it’ is real, and it exists. There is power to it. There is value to it.”
Practical Advice for Concrete Contractors
The three women offered concrete advice for contractors seeking to attract and retain more women:
- Join industry organizations. Dr. Juenger recommends contractors join ACI committees and recruit from the student population at conventions.
- Keep an open mind. Howard emphasizes the industry is evolving. “Realize it is a level playing field. Be adaptable and embrace new perspectives, technologies, and methodologies.”
- Invest in training and support. Training employees at all levels helps attract and retain talent, including women.
- Do not view accommodations as downfalls. Engelke advised: “Making the industry suited to make sure that people feel welcome, happy, and appreciated will be critical to success.”
- Look for leadership qualities broadly. “Find good leadership qualities in different types of people,” Engelke said.
Dr. Juenger offered a forward-looking perspective: “I hope we can broaden it beyond just women and can support more people from underrepresented groups.” For contractors focused on quality assurance, thorough Post Concrete Inspection Testing Concrete Buildings is a crucial step that benefits from a diverse and well-trained team.
A Story of Teamwork and Resilience
When asked about her favorite career memory, Engelke shared a story about her apprenticeship. She tripped over her bucket, scraped her elbows, got soaked, and was stung by a bee all at once. One of the grouchiest old guys on the crew got a bandage from his truck and simply said, “Come on, get up.” She reflected, “A Band Aid was not going to help me at all, but the gesture of it was something I will never forget.” The story illustrates how crews come together through shared hard work.
The concrete industry is changing, and women are helping lead that change. With intentional effort from contractors, trade unions, educational institutions, and industry organizations, the path forward is one of greater opportunity for everyone.