Women Leaders Share Insights and Inspiration

In celebration of Women in Construction Week, we put a spotlight on some of our women leaders and how they partner with and uplift other women in the industry, particularly women-owned businesses.

The United States has approximately 12.3 million women-owned businesses that generate about $1.8 trillion a year, with 114% more women entrepreneurs than 20 years ago. Despite these figures, challenges and barriers still remain for women-owned businesses. Panelists discuss the impact, importance, and path ahead for women-owned businesses — and how each of us can advance equity and inclusion for women in the industry.

Facilitated by Kate Kleyman, Vendor Diversity program manager, the virtual panel discussion included Faith Koen, senior purchasing manager; Heather Helgen, director of Regional Operations, Energy; and Molly O’Neill-Schroeer, senior construction manager from McKinstry along with Mari Borrero, CEO of American Abatement and Demo and Dr. Pamela Williamson, president and CEO of Women’s Business Enterprise Council-West.

In addition to their roles as leaders at McKinstry, Faith, Heather and Molly serve as advisors in our ScaleUp with McKinstry program that helps emerging diverse business partners rise to the next level. Panelist Mari is a participant in ScaleUp, with Heather as her advisor. Pamela’s organization WBEC-W advocates for and certifies minority, women, and other disadvantaged business enterprises.

In addition to the virtual panel, the Vendor Diversity program sponsored expo events showcasing women-owned businesses at our Denver, Portland and Seattle offices.

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