Women in Construction

Episode 46 | The Construction Lending Podcast

Subscribe on your favorite channels:

In this episode, we welcome Sheronda Carr, CEO of the National Association of Women in Construction (NAWIC). As the industry prepares for the 60th anniversary of Women in Construction (WIC) Week, Sheronda explores the critical role women play in stabilizing the “built environment”. The conversation cuts through the fluff to address the hard realities of retention, workplace safety, gender advocacy, and building community for women across all roles in the construction industry.

Never miss an episode

Questions Answered

• What are the biggest issues facing women in construction today?
• Are women making progress in the construction industry, and what metrics are used to measure it?
• What needs to change in the industry to better support and attract women?
• How can individual lenders or firms participate in Women in Construction (WIC) Week?

Empowering the Construction Environment

The Legacy and Mission of NAWIC

Sheronda Carr highlights that NAWIC is the longest-standing professional association dedicated to women in the construction industry. Founded in 1955, the organization is now 71 years old and serves as a primary platform for gender advocacy and amplifying the voices of those who have selected construction as their career path. While many associate construction only with field work, Sheronda emphasizes that NAWIC represents the entire “construction environment” ecosystem—from engineers and architects to construction lenders, HR solution providers, and executives.

Core Industry Priorities: Safety and Culture

A major focus for NAWIC in 2026 is strengthening workplace safety. Sheronda identifies several often-overlooked safety barriers that impact women’s daily experiences on job sites, including ill-fitting PPE, job site hygiene, and psychological safety.

The Retention Challenge and Labor Gaps

While workforce development is a top priority, Sheronda argues that retention is the true key to solving the national construction labor shortage. Currently, women make up approximately 11% of the construction workforce. Sheronda explains that attracting women to the industry is a “no-brainer” business necessity; without them, the ecosystem will struggle to fill critical gaps, causing businesses to suffer. NAWIC focuses on keeping women in the industry by providing peer-to-peer networking, leadership development through their Leadership Academy, and mentorship certification.

Shifting the Narrative and Perception

When asked what one thing she would change about the industry with a “snap of her fingers,” Sheronda points to perception. She advocates for better marketing to showcase construction as a lucrative, viable, and professional career path for young people. By spotlighting women in every role—from the field to the C-suite—the industry can normalize the presence of diverse talent and encourage more people to “raise their hand” and join the built world.

Looking Ahead: Women in Construction (WIC) Week

The episode concludes with a call to action for Women in Construction Week, an initiative founded by NAWIC over 60 years ago. Taking place in early March, the week serves as a national opportunity for allies and organizations to spotlight the contributions of female builders and professionals within their own firms.

Social Links

NAWIC Website: nawic.org
LinkedIn