Colorado State University’s Department of Construction Management’s Women in Construction student club hosted the first-ever “Women and Workwear Showcase,” on Wednesday, March 8, which was also International Women’s Day, and the middle of Women in Construction Week.

The event included speakers, Amy Powell of Well Works, CM alumna (’06), and Alicia Ready of Elder Construction, CM alumna (’08). Prior to the clothing showcase, Powell and Ready presented on learning about intentional impressions that create impact. Together, they spoke on not only looking the part of a professional, but also behaving in a professional manner. They demonstrated the importance of first impressions and non-verbal communications, as well as on-the-job and in-the-workplace professionalism.

WIC student club president, Lesly Tevillo, commented on the event, “It’s important to be talked about because it helps women feel more secure in what they are bringing to the table as a person, as opposed to just another woman who is helping a company build upon their diversity. What we wear does impact the first impression people get from all of us; knowing how to control that can work to our advantage in the future. This event helps all of us, whether it’s for female students who are just starting in the industry, or for those who have had some years in the industry.”

Along with CM students, also in attendance were women currently working in the construction industry, including other CM alumni, and CM faculty and staff. Many of the attendees noted the need for women-focused presentations, especially in an industry that is 90% male-dominated. In fact, the National Association of WIC cites the U. S. Bureau of Labor Statistics data that show women numbered 10.9% of the entire U.S. construction workforce in 2022.” Of that group, only about 28% are in jobs that are considered field work, with the remaining numbers in either sales and office work, or professional and management work.

Alumni as motivational speakers

Powell is the owner, founder, and coach of Well Works – training built for construction. Well Works tagline is, invest in the people to improve the process. “I am a design-build contractor, except now, instead of buildings, I design and build training programs for builders,” said Powell. “When I was in project management, I recognized the importance of building the resiliency of our project teams to best overcome the challenges we inevitably encounter. Surprisingly, when I switched my focus to the people, I recognized improvements in the process, the project’s success, and the wellbeing of the project team. So, I left a job I loved to start a company I am passionate about, to help those within our industry thrive.”

Powell demonstrated three examples of how body language is presented when a person is insecure, when confident, and when arrogant. These examples were to inform on how others may perceive you, and how to become viewed as more approachable. As a leader in the construction industry, all should be approachable, and give off the confidence that jobs will get done without having someone having to monitor that. Aim for appearing confident within yourself as a woman in this industry; and if you don’t know how to do a certain task, others don’t have to be concerned since you can, and will, advocate for yourself.

Ready also works at investing in people. She is the construction training and development director for Elder Construction, who believes in “building people who build for people.” About her job, Ready said, “I am a relationship-driven commercial construction professional. Creating and maintaining relationships is imperative to our business, whether that’s a relationship with a client, a designer, a trade-partner, or fellow colleagues; and I enjoy fostering authentic connection to those I work with.”

The presentation entailed a discussion between Powell, Ready, and the audience. Discussion was focused on how confidence is seen through body language, and how to obtain that. The audience then shared stories about times they often felt like they garnered more attention than necessary from what they wore. The goal is to let female students know that all of us have experienced situations where they have felt unsure of what to wear in the construction workplace. Promoting this allowed the attendees to hear different experiences from women in the industry, who shared their own stories.

Events like these allow for building safe communities among each other, and a place where young women can turn to seek answers to their questions. Topics like these teach it is okay to take up a lot of space in the industry without having to feel badly.

WIC has invited women with experience to give their own input and share their knowledge to those who are just entering the field. “We aren’t alone in this industry because we can rely on each other,” said Tevillo. “This event was an eye-opener. I believe the message conveyed was, as a woman don’t lower your value as a team player. You’ve earned your spot, so go forth with confidence!”

Workwear by Jax

The event also brought in Erin Kroiss, department manager for apparel and footwear of Jax Mercantile Company of Loveland, Colorado, along with coworkers. Jax employees rose to the occasion with mannequins set-up to model quality clothing for working women in the industry. Kroiss featured numerous brands of apparel, as well as footwear for women in the field, demonstrating quality, style, comfort, and overall practicality.

Koiss spoke of the importance of functionality as it pertains to clothing. She demonstrated movement and versatility related to workwear. She listed the nice quality and variety of workwear brands of clothing and footwear offered by Jax. Brand representatives also attended the event and were available for questions by the attendees afterwards.

“Jax was so honored to be a part of the event,” said Koiss. “It was a fun night that generated so much interest. We look forward to doing it again next year!”

WIC student club eager for growth

The WIC student club officers have the goal of growing their club through this event and similar future events that also offer practical information and generate high interest. The young officers are hard at work to shine the spotlight on this underrepresented group in a 10-million-strong industry, with only 1.1 million being women. These students represent the future women in construction. They hope to host more educational and informative events like the successful “Women and Workwear Showcase.”

Lesly Tevillo, President – “Construction Management drew me in at a very young age due to having many different components combining to construct a certain building or meet the same goal at the end. I hope in the future the WIC student chapter grows bigger as a whole and brings out more skilled and excellent leaders into this industry!”

Ana Ramos-Andrade, Vice-president – “What drew me to the industry was the process of bringing buildings to life. I really love the idea of coming together to create something new that people will occupy and enjoy. My hope for the future of the WIC student chapter is to create a space that all women in the CM Department feel comfortable in. I want it to become something special and fun that everyone wants to be a part of.”

Naydelin Gutierrez Chavez, Public Relations officer – “I was drawn to construction management because of my dad, who exposed me to the industry when I was young, and I fell in love with it. Since then, I knew I wanted to learn more about the industry and see where this career takes me. I hope that the future of the Women in Construction student chapter continues to grow and host more significant and meaningful events that encourage women in the industry and the CM program to share their experiences, challenges, and memories.”

Sage Zinser, Treasurer – “A big reason why I was drawn to CM was due to my curiosity of how systems work together to create buildings or infrastructure. My hope for the future of the WIC student chapter is to help create a strong community for women to grow their identity and be equipped for what’s to come in the industry.”

Women in Construction Week celebrated in industry and in CM

Faculty and staff also participated in an industry event during Women in Construction Week, hosted by Mortenson. CM instructors, Anna Fontana and Khristy Jesse represented CM at the event. CSU president, Amy Parsons, was a guest speaker. Mortenson hosts the annual event “to empower female team members and work toward removing the barriers faced by women in constructions. Together, we can create a future for all that is open, equitable, and overflowing with potential.”