Women in Construction Week 2024

Women in Construction (WIC) Week is an annual event that takes place during the first week of March. Started by NAWIC and now in its 26th year, the week has served as an opportunity to celebrate and promote women in the industry as well as raise awareness of challenges facing them and highlight opportunities available. This year’s theme, “Keys to the Future,” celebrates the strength and knowledge of women and the vital role they play in shaping the future of the construction industry.

Project W Launches

McKinstry is marking WIC Week 2024 with the launch of our Project W initiative, which recognizes that women are keys to McKinstry’s future of a strong and diverse workforce.

“Project W encompasses the many ways we’re empowering women in construction — in the industry, as we shape our future workforce, and within our company,” said Ashley Ruiz, VP, Social Impact. “Through Project W, McKinstry strives to attract, support and elevate women — paving the way for the next generation of women in construction.”

Our programs of support within Project W include, but not limited to:

• McKinstry Alliances that support women and advance gender equity
• Collaboration with pre-apprenticeship programs that support women entering the skilled trades including ANEW and Oregon Tradeswomen
• Partnership with industry groups to address broader topics of inclusion and gender equity including the Mechanical Contractors Association of Western Washington’s DEIB Committee, the Sheet Metal and Air Conditioning Contractors’ National Association (SMACNA) WW DEIB Committee, and the Society of Women Engineers (SWE)
• Building Good community service projects focused on women in construction including through Camp BuildHER and CHIC
• An internal Mentorship Program that pairs women with inspiring mentors
• Vendor Diversity program efforts including ScaleUp advisory to women-owned businesses and outreach externally with the Women’s Business Enterprise National Council
• Our B.L.U.E. internship program, which included 58% women in 2023

Project W Field Kits

Additionally, an exciting feature of Project W is McKinstry’s new field kit for women, which has a range of products to meet unique safety and wellness needs of women on construction jobsites, in service vans and in other places where they may not have access to items needed to be safe, healthy and supported.

Get Involved This Week and Beyond

McKinstry is celebrating WIC Week in our offices, in our communities, on McKinstry.com, and our social channels. There are many ways you, too, can get involved this week and beyond:

• Attend events and webinars: Many organizations, such as NAWIC and its regional chapters, hold events and webinars during WIC Week. These events provide an opportunity to connect with women in the industry, learn about opportunities, and contribute to meaningful conversations.
• Share your story: If you are a woman working in the industry, share your story on social media or in your community. By sharing your experiences and achievements, you can inspire others and raise awareness of women in the industry. Use hashtags #WICWeek and #WICWeek24
• Mentor or sponsor women in the industry: If you are in a leadership role in the industry, consider mentoring or sponsoring women in the field. By providing support and guidance, you can help women to overcome barriers and achieve their goals.
• Advocate for diversity and inclusion: Whether you are a woman in the industry or an ally, you can advocate for diversity and inclusion in the industry. This can include advocating for policies and practices that support women in the field, as well as speaking out against gender bias and discrimination.
• Promote awareness: Use your social media platforms and other channels to promote awareness of WIC Week and the importance of promoting diversity and inclusion in the industry. By raising awareness, you can help to build momentum towards a more equitable and inclusive construction industry. Don’t forget to use hashtags #WICWeek and #WICWeek24 

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