Amid the flannel shirts, denim, hard hats, and fluorescent vests on construction sites in Alaska, Maggy Desmond-Layral’s pink Merrell trail shoes stood out, catching the attention of one subcontractor who was taken aback by her attire. When he offered to guide her around the site, she calmly handed him her business card and said, "Great. I need your numbers on the 14th, though." Desmond-Layral, visiting the site on behalf of Western Mechanical, Inc., was not just a woman in a male-dominated field, but a leader—something still rare in Alaska’s construction industry, where only 14% of workers are female.

While women in Alaska’s construction industry face challenges, especially regarding pay disparity and limited representation in non-office roles, progress is being made. According to the June 2024 issue of Alaska Economic Trends, women in field positions earn only 75% of what their male counterparts make. However, despite these barriers, more women are rising to leadership roles and making significant strides.

Breaking the Mold in Construction

Brianna Carlson, who grew up inspired by her family's involvement in construction, experienced a similar path of overcoming expectations. “There were only a few of us girls in there, and in AutoCAD and construction technology. But I just was like, I know this is what I want to do,” Carlson recalls from her high school woodshop days. Carlson, now a project engineer with UIC Nappairit, credits the growth of women in the industry to a supportive community. “I have seen more women in leadership roles and out in the field and in the trades, and I think that’s great,” she says. As co-chair for Women in Construction Week, Carlson encourages others to continue their education and build strong professional networks.

Finding Strength in the Work

Randi DelReal’s journey into construction came through her grandfather, a land surveyor, and her father, who encouraged her to start as a project engineer. Now working as a quality control manager at STG Pacific, DelReal enjoys the variety of projects and learning opportunities. However, the challenge of balancing work and family, especially for women with caregiving responsibilities, remains an ongoing issue. DelReal advocates for more flexible work environments, which could benefit everyone, and for women to focus on the work that excites them. She fondly recalls working on the Long Range Discrimination Radar foundation at Clear Space Force Station, which helped her grow professionally and personally.

Overcoming Prejudices

Nichelle Smith, a senior project engineer with R&M Consultants, often faces surprise when people see her on construction sites, especially as a Black woman. “I still get, ‘Are you the secretary?’ I’ve had to prove myself over and over,” she admits. Smith, who started her career with support from male mentors, is now determined to be the mentor she never had. “It’s not about what I’m wearing. It’s about what I know,” she explains. Smith encourages young workers to learn as much as they can, embrace new technologies, and keep expanding their skills.

Mentoring the Next Generation

Dora Hughes, health and safety manager at Knik Construction, transitioned from flagging to truck driving and eventually office work during her early years at the Cape Nome Quarry. Hughes, originally from Teller, Alaska, relishes the balance between her work and her cultural roots. “I loved the freedom to travel in wintertime when I was not in a salaried position,” she reflects. Over the course of her 17 years with Knik Construction, Hughes has become a role model, particularly for women in remote communities, guiding them through safety audits and job site training.

A More Inclusive Future for Women in Construction

Maggy Desmond-Layral, now vice president of Western Mechanical, continues to break barriers in Alaska’s construction industry. Reflecting on her early experiences, she says, “For a long time, I was our token Fairbanks person, and that seemed odd. We have so many women in construction up here!” Desmond-Layral notes that women-owned businesses and all-female crews are becoming more common, signaling a cultural shift. “Wear the pink shoes!” she encourages, stressing that women should embrace their individuality and let their expertise speak for itself.

The construction industry in Alaska is evolving, with more women breaking into leadership roles and gaining recognition for their skills. The journey is still challenging, but the progress is evident, with women increasingly finding their place in a once male-dominated field.

Originally reported by Jamey Bradbury in Alaska Business.