PORTLAND, Ore. — Kelly Aust, an experienced project manager for Skanska and the current president of the National Association of Women in Construction (NAWIC), has spent years championing the role of women in the construction industry. Fresh off managing a $65 million project at Portland State University, Aust is now leading efforts for NAWIC’s upcoming Women in Construction (WIC) Week, taking place March 2-8, 2025. This nationwide series of live and virtual events celebrates the growing influence of women in construction and highlights the importance of diversity in shaping the industry's future.

Discovering WIC Week: A Transformative Moment

Aust first experienced WIC Week in 2013 after joining NAWIC's Portland chapter, an event that left a lasting impression on her career and perspective.

“WIC Week introduced me to a world of possibilities in construction,” Aust recalls. “Coming from a non-construction background, I realized that women have so much to contribute to this field, and there are countless opportunities waiting to be explored.”

Women currently make up only 11% of the construction workforce, a statistic that underscores the need for initiatives like WIC Week. These programs not only introduce young women to the career possibilities in construction but also provide a platform for mentorship and professional development.

“WIC Week helps bring awareness to the diversity of careers available, particularly to young women who might not have considered construction as an option,” Aust explains.

Empowering Women in the Industry

Beyond recruitment, WIC Week serves as a moment of reflection and celebration for women already in the industry.

“In construction, it’s easy to focus solely on the task at hand,” Aust says. “WIC Week offers an opportunity to step back, celebrate our achievements, and consider where the industry is headed.”

Aust sees WIC Week as a crucial platform for acknowledging progress while addressing ongoing challenges.

“WIC Week provides a platform to recognize how far we’ve come and what we can still achieve,” she adds.

Diversity in Construction: A Critical Advantage

Aust stresses that diversity isn’t just about fairness—it’s a competitive advantage for the construction industry.

“It’s surprising that diversity still faces resistance in an industry as dynamic and interconnected as construction,” Aust says. “Incorporating diverse perspectives leads to more creative solutions, and that benefits everyone.”

With more women entering the workforce, broader workplace shifts are taking place. Policies supporting work-life balance, such as parental leave and flexible scheduling, are becoming more common.

“Many men in the industry now push for parental leave and flexible work options, and they wouldn’t have those expectations if women hadn’t led the way,” Aust adds.

“Together We Rise” — A Unified Call for Change

The theme for WIC Week 2025, “Together We Rise,” calls for collective action in making construction more inclusive and equitable.

“Construction is an industry that thrives on diversity, and we all benefit when we create a culture that works for everyone,” Aust says. “The future of construction depends on our ability to find new ways to bring people into the field, and that requires all of us working together.”

WIC Week Moments to Remember

Reflecting on past WIC Weeks, Aust shares standout moments that showcase the event's impact.

“Portland’s annual fundraiser, ‘A Night with NAWIC,’ became a powerful platform for sharing the success stories of local women in construction. It was amazing to hear how many women had overcome challenges and broken barriers in the industry. The night was filled with pride, inspiration, and hope for the future,” she says.

Aust also highlights WIC Week’s global reach.

“The NAWIC Palmetto, SC chapter in the South Atlantic Region hosted a virtual panel with NAWIC UK. Hearing perspectives from women in the industry from different countries really opened my eyes to the shared challenges and successes we all face,” she says. “It was an exciting experience to realize that, despite our geographical differences, we’re all working toward the same goal—elevating women in construction.”

Get Involved

As WIC Week 2025 approaches, Aust urges everyone in the construction industry, regardless of gender, to participate.

“Together, we can create a more inclusive, innovative, and sustainable future for construction,” she says.

To learn more or get involved, visit NAWIC’s website at www.nawic.org.

About NAWIC

Founded in 1953 by sixteen women in Fort Worth, Texas, the National Association of Women in Construction (NAWIC) has grown into an influential organization with 119 chapters across the United States. NAWIC provides professional development, education, networking opportunities, and leadership training for women in the construction industry. Through initiatives like WIC Week and partnerships with organizations such as Construction Angels, NAWIC continues to advance its mission of supporting women and fostering diversity in the industry.

For more information about NAWIC, visit www.nawic.org.

Originally reported by NAWIC in Construction Dive.