Women in Construction Week 2026: Building a Greener, More Inclusive Future

Anyone driving past construction sites will likely see men doing most of the work. Although people may think women choose other industries for lifelong careers, many find fulfillment in the expansive sector. There are so many women creating positive change, it’s worth celebrating both during and outside of Women in Construction Week. Exploring their professional backgrounds could help others imagine themselves in similar roles.

1. Miranda Fischer

New York’s construction industry moves quickly. Leaders must adapt their sustainable construction practices when local regulations and insurance policies change, and Miranda Fischer stepped in to help. Her background in insurance motivated her to create a cheat sheet for policy language and help construction professionals manage risk more effectively.

“Perhaps my most defining moment was reinventing myself yet again,” says Fischer, who is the Assistant Vice President at Alliant Construction. “I entered the insurance industry from scratch, walked straight into the competitive mid-market New York construction space and built a thriving career rooted in trust, expertise and client advocacy.”

Fischer’s bold thinking and expertise empower everyday workers. She also shows other women it is never too late to find their place in the industry.

2. Elena Oberstadt

Elena Oberstadt, Rental Sales Power Division Engineer at H.O.Penn, explains 16 years ago, fresh out of UMass Amherst, she discovered her calling in power generation and green energy efficiency, while working alongside her father. Critical infrastructure events like the October 2011 snowstorm and Superstorm Sandy revealed how fragile U.S. electrical systems are — and how essential heavy equipment and reliable power is during emergencies. That experience sparked a career committed to the construction industry and keeping communities powered when they need it most.

“I think women can build a strong career in construction because companies are looking for more diversity in their workplaces and women bring a different perspective to the job. If more women joined the industry, inclusivity would increase, changing the notion that only men can do these jobs. I have two daughters and my goal is to set the example for them that if a boy can do it, they can do it too!”

Now entering her tenth year with H.O. Penn as a Rental Sales Engineer, Oberstadt thrives in the fast-paced industry where every day brings new challenges and commitments to the environment. As often the only woman on job sites, she’s learned to navigate proving her expertise while embracing the opportunity to break barriers. Her advice for women entering the field? “Just do it with tenacity! Get your boots dirty, walk the jobsites, put your hands on the iron and never let anyone make you feel like you don’t belong there.”

3. Julia Theobald

Young people hear about their college options in high school. Julia Theobald considered a secondary education for a moment, then decided to join the growing number of women in construction.

“I know people were shocked, but a career in construction just called to me. I knew it was the right fit,” says Theobald, who is the Heavy Equipment Operator at Local 49. “Unfortunately, I’ve seen five people that I graduated high school with drop out of college with a bunch of debt, while I’m here about to buy my first home. I wish more people knew of the option of going into a trade if they’re unsure about college.”

Theobald operates all the heavy machinery required to complete new builds. Her dedication and training connected her with benefits, a pension and the ability to buy a house when she turned 21. She can take her experience throughout the industry if she ever wants to change worksites or shift to green building strategies.

4. Andrea Mancino

Women in Construction Week would not be complete without spotlighting the women leading from the forefront of the industry. Andrea Mancino is among them. She rose from intern to CEO by learning every aspect of working on sustainable construction projects.

“The gratification of working in the green building and energy efficiency sector is unmatched,” says Andrea Mancino, who is the CEO at Bright Power, “especially for a mission-driven person who cares about how their work fits into the bigger picture of making the world a better place.”

Now, Mancino mentors young women creating their own sustainability careers. She wants to change the male-dominated environment she entered over a decade ago by encouraging other women to join green construction efforts at every level.

5. Majora Carter

Majora Carter is a real estate developer who prioritizes the planet with every development. She prioritizes urban renewal and revitalization, given how the construction sector is responsible for 50% of climate change due to its numerous environmental impacts. The MacArthur Fellow and Peabody Award winner also teaches at Princeton University.

Carter is showing future construction experts how to develop green infrastructure. She also wants her projects to establish mixed-use local economies, which could also contribute to an eco-friendly world when designed with sustainability in mind.

6. Lashanna Lintamo

Lashanna Lintamo’s family has a long history of being welders, including in World War II. When she was growing up, she learned about welding from her self-taught grandfather. She wanted to do the same job, even though there were no other Black women in similar positions.

“Don’t just go out there and focus on being a good welder,” says Lintamo, who is a freelance welder and influencer. “You gotta be out there and get ready to be as tough as the guys, okay?”

She considered joining a union before deciding to focus on freelance work. Lintamo is a rising star online, showing women there are places for them on construction sites. Trade jobs can lead to fulfilling careers, even when some teams still need trailblazers.

7. Tess Hughes

The number of women in construction rose 53% in the last decade, showing women, like Tess Hughes, there is a place for them in the industry. She grew up watching her dad work on construction sites and knew it was a good place for her to land, too. Hughes helps teams find the right permits for their specific projects, keeping them in legal standing to change the world.

She coordinates with vendors and county representatives every day. Her quick thinking ensures teams stay within their projected timelines, while getting answers to their most pressing questions. When industry leaders have their necessary permits, they can confidently start the work with operational strategies prioritizing the planet.

8. Josephine Au

Green buildings connect people with sustainable job opportunities, but they still present some risk. Josephine Au is ready to help before and after accidents happen. She monitors teams handling construction claims, guiding everyone to the best possible outcomes for their situations.

“From the first day, being boots on the ground, walking jobsites and seeing how trade coordination brings a building to life — I realized that this is the industry I wanted to stay in for the rest of my career,” says Josephine Au, who is the Director of Construction Claims at Risk Management.

Au confidently handles complex situations and the resulting insurance coordination. She spent a decade climbing the industry’s career ladder, which gives her clarity about what workers experience at every level. Au anticipates challenges and uses analytics to minimize risk, which is especially important for more complex green construction projects.

Celebrate Women in Construction Week Any Time

Sustainable new builds are changing the world. People should also learn about the women making it possible behind the scenes. There is a place for everyone who finds themselves called to any aspect of this fulfilling work.