By ARTIE REAMS

March was a time of reflection, appreciation, and inspiration as we celebrated Women’s History Month.

The month served as an opportunity to recognize the invaluable contributions of women throughout history while also fostering a future where women continue to break barriers and achieve greatness.

Many great women in history have had tremendous impact in the construction industry including projects that we continue to benefit from today. An iconic piece of infrastructure, the Brooklyn Bridge transformed the community by improving commerce, access to housing, and providing safe and efficient commutes for millions. However, what many people do not realize is that the bridge might not have been completed without the dedication and intelligence of Emily Warren Roebling. After her husband became incapacitated due to illness, Emily took over day-to-day supervision, project management, and chief engineer duties. Her tenacity, resilience, and willingness to take on an unfamiliar role ensured the completion of the bridge. Emily’s story is a reminder of the powerful role women play in the construction industry.

The Impact of Female Leadership: Mentorship and Career Transformation

I am fortunate to have worked for and with many great women at Hilti who have encouraged me when I failed, pushed to me try new roles, invested time in my development, and set an example of what great teamwork and commitment look like. During my time in marketing, I developed a close connection to our HR Partner, Melissa, while working as a member of our peer council. Melissa took time above and beyond our professional connection to challenge me to think about a role in HR. Not only did she push me to consider how it would benefit my career, she set up touch points with other leaders to help me envision it for myself. Without her vision and encouragement, my time in HR through L&D may not have happened. And I would not have had the opportunities I experience today.  Because of investments like Melissa’s in me, I am honored to have the opportunity to invest in those around me. As a girl dad, I have a great responsibility to help make construction better for the next generation. These investments are critical to ensure the success of our industry.

Empowering Women: Building a Stronger Future in Construction

Today, women represent 14 percent of the construction workforce in America. With nearly 300,000 job openings, if we were able to attract and retain more women in construction, the labor shortage challenge would be eased.

Honoring Women’s History Month is just one way to recognize accomplishments and attract talent to the construction industry. Here are some meaningful ways to celebrate:

1. Educate Yourself and Others – Take time to learn about the contributions of women in construction.
2. Join Women Network/Employee Resource Groups – These groups provide mentorship, networking, and opportunities for growth.
3. Share Stories and Recognize Contributions – Highlight the achievements of women in your organization. Public recognition fosters a culture of appreciation and encouragement.
4. Volunteer and Give Back – Support initiatives that empower women and young girls. Volunteering at mentorship programs, STEM education initiatives, and career development workshops can make a significant impact.
5. Mentor the Next Generation – Inspire young girls to pursue careers in industries where women are underrepresented, such as construction, engineering, and technology.
6. Create an Inclusive Work Environment – Ensure that workplaces foster respect and honor for all
7. Encourage Perseverance – Rally around the women in your life when they face challenges

While March is designated as Women’s History Month, our appreciation and recognition of women should extend far beyond a single month. Take time to consider how you make the women in your life feel. Do they feel valued, supported, and appreciated? A simple acknowledgment, a word of encouragement, or an act of kindness can go a long way in showing gratitude for their hard work and dedication.

Artie Reams is director of retail and inside sales at Hilti North America.