Building on Experience: Women in Construction Week at Scott + Reid

Women in Construction Week, established by the National Association of Women in Construction (NAWIC) in 1998, recognizes the contributions women make across the construction industry.

The history of women in construction is straightforward. During World War II, millions of women stepped into industrial and trade roles to meet national demand. “Rosie the Riveter” became a national symbol of capability and resilience. In 1953, women working in construction formed what would become NAWIC to create professional support and advancement. Today, women make up roughly 10 to 11 percent of the U.S. construction workforce, with growing presence in project management, operations, estimating, and leadership.

Progress has been steady. The standard has always been performance. At Scott + Reid, that standard applies to everyone.

NO SINGLE PATH INTO CONSTRUCTION

We asked the women of Scott + Reid how they found their way into the industry. Almost none planned on it.

Their backgrounds include corporate leadership, telecommunications, commercial real estate, hospitality, HR, oil and gas software, insurance, public health education, event planning, accounting, medical administration, early education, and even birth doula services. 

For many, it started with a conversation. A friend made an introduction. A former coworker referred them. A recruiter saw transferable skills. Someone inside Scott + Reid believed they would be a good fit. Construction was not always the original plan. It became the right one.

One team member described stepping into the industry and deciding to go all in, taking night classes in estimating and project management to learn the business from the ground up. Another said it plainly:

“There is no replacing hands on experience. Visit the jobsite. Ask questions. Learn it firsthand.”

That mindset fits Scott + Reid. Ownership. Curiosity. Accountability.

A few years ago, we shared the story “From Scrubs to Hard Hats,” highlighting a unique path into the superintendent role. The takeaway remains the same. There is no single blueprint for a construction career. There is commitment to learning the craft and earning trust.

STRENGTH ACROSS ORGANIZATION

Today, women at Scott + Reid serve across the company. Superintendents. Project managers. Project engineers. Human resource professionals. Accounting professionals. Marketing and business development leaders. Operations support.

Different roles. One expectation.

When asked what women contribute to a project team, the answers were practical and performance driven:

• Clear communication
• Attention to detail
• Accountability to process
• Collaborative problem solving
• Emotional intelligence in high pressure environments

One team member summarized it well:

“Projects benefit when teams reflect a mix of experiences and perspectives. Diversity is operational.”

Another said simply:

“We are the glue. We keep everybody on track.”

Construction is complex. It requires coordination across trades, consultants, ownership groups, and property management teams. The ability to anticipate issues, communicate clearly, and keep momentum matters. That is not about gender. It is about performance. And performance is what our clients expect.

EARNED CREDIBILITY

Construction remains a male dominated industry. Some of our team members shared that credibility must be earned deliberately and consistently. Others described strong mentorship and support within Scott + Reid. What unites those experiences is a simple principle: Deliver results.

As one team member said:

“You have to become the most knowledgeable person in the room while maintaining humility and grace.”

Another said:

“Consistency, competence, and follow through build trust over time.”

Some have experienced strong mentorship and advocacy. Others have navigated challenges. What stands out is this: support inside the right culture makes a difference.

As one team member reflected:

“That’s where Scott + Reid has made the difference for me personally. I have the support from my team no matter what.”

At Scott + Reid, growth is tied to ownership and performance. When you deliver, opportunities follow.

BUILDING BETTER TOGETHER

Women in Construction Week is not about spotlighting one group. It is about recognizing the full team and the foundation built by those who stepped into this industry before us.

At Scott + Reid, we build with people who take ownership of their work and pride in the outcome. If you want to learn more about our leadership and culture, visit our About page. 

To the women across our Dallas and Houston offices, thank you for the discipline, professionalism, and commitment you bring to every project. You strengthen our culture and elevate the work we deliver.

That is what building better together at Scott + Reid looks like.