By CHARLYCE RUTH and AMANDA RODGERS
LINN, Mo. – Members of Women of STEEL, an initiative of the Associated General Contractors of Missouri, joined fellow industry professionals at State Technical College in Linn for the inaugural Build HER Future event Sept. 23.
Build HER Future served as an ideal lead-in to Careers in Construction Month, offering students an early opportunity to learn about rewarding careers in construction, engineering, skilled trades and manufacturing, and to connect directly with women leading the way in the industry.
The evening brought together 75 students and 30 industry professionals for open discussions, mentorship opportunities and networking designed to inspire young women to explore careers in construction, engineering, skilled trades and manufacturing.
Encouraging Women to Build Their Futures
Empowerment, mentorship and networking were focuses throughout the event. Students had the chance to hear directly from women who are thriving in construction-related careers and to discuss how they can build their own futures.
The Build HER Future event was organized by a dedicated committee of women from across Missouri’s construction industry and supported by multiple organizations, including AGCMO, Women of STEEL, Women of Asphalt, Emery Sapp & Sons, Inc., Sellenriek, Capital, Martin Equipment, HTS Coatings, Hitachi, Scholastic and the NAWIC Southwest Missouri Chapter #366.
Committee members included:
Charlyce Ruth, AGCMO & Women of STEEL
Cecelia Cain, Delta North & Women of Asphalt
Angie Regan, Emery Sapp & Sons & NAWIC Central MO
Nicole Martin, Capital Paving
Ashley Hunsaker, HTS Coatings, LLC
Marina Conklin, United Rentals
Shannon Voss, AGCMO
April Planck, Marmic Fire & NAWIC SW MO
Shannon Grus, State Technical College of Missouri
“Our goal was to encourage young women to see themselves non-traditional careers, including the construction industry and connect them with mentors who can help them get there,” said Ruth, SW Missouri Manager of Workforce Development and a Women of STEEL leader. “The energy in the room was inspiring. You could feel the excitement for what’s possible.”
Inspiring Conversations with Industry Leaders
The event featured a panel discussion moderated by Katey Twehous LaVanchy of Twehous Excavating, with panelists representing multiple non-traditional fields:
Melissa Kelpe, Emery Sapp & Sons
Meg Connell, United Rentals
Ashley Hunsaker, HTS Coatings
Nichole Martin, Capital Paving
Panelists shared insights about how the construction industry is changing and what drives the increase of women joining the field, while offering advice for young women entering technical and construction-related programs.
Questions focused on leadership, empowerment and overcoming challenges in male-dominated environments – topics that resonated deeply with attendees, Ruth said.
“It was eye-opening and inspiring,” said Emily, a student attendee. “It gave me a better perspective as a woman going into the trades, and I’d love to connect with a mentor.”
Mentorship Connections in Action
The event generated overwhelming interest in mentorship opportunities, according to participants. Several students, including Jordyn (electronics engineering) and Tabitha reached out after the event to request mentor matches; many professionals eagerly stepped forward to volunteer.
“We were blown away by the turnout and student engagement,” said Lori, an attendee representing NAWIC and Emery Sapp & Sons. “I spoke with several students who want to stay in touch. It’s exciting to see this much interest from both sides.”
“The event was awesome,” added Sharon, a 38-year HVAC professional. “I’d love to mentor a student and share what a rewarding career this can be.”
“It was an excellent event,” said Debbie, another industry professional. “I’m already looking forward to next year.”
These responses reflect growing industry-wide momentum to connect female students with mentors, role models and professional networks, Ruth said – a goal strongly aligned with Careers in Construction Month.
A Shared Mission: Building Careers and Community
Events like Build HER Future embody the spirit of Careers in Construction Month, which highlights the many rewarding, high-tech and high-demand opportunities available in the industry, according to Ruth.
For Women of STEEL, supporting initiatives like this reinforces their mission: Seeking To Engage, Elevate and Lead women in construction and related fields.
“When young women see others thriving in this industry, it changes their perspective,” said Ruth. “It’s about showing them they belong here and giving them the tools and connections to succeed.”
Women of STEEL plans to continuing to support similar events statewide and helping expand mentorship programs that connect students with industry professionals throughout Missouri.