Women in Construction Week

March 10, 2023 - The Campus Renewal team celebrated Women in Construction Week March 5-11 with daily speakers and networking opportunities, including a happy hour and a taco lunch. This year’s theme, “Many Paths, One Mission,” celebrated the different journeys women have taken toward the same goal: strengthening and amplifying the success of women in the construction industry. 

The National Association of Women in Construction (NAWIC ) is a professional association for women in the field of construction. Its purpose is to support women in construction through networking, professional education and mentorship. NAWIC has 115 chapters in 47 U.S. states.

Hear from some of the women who are integral to the success of the Campus Renewal Project. 

"It’s funny how I ended up in construction.I started working for a small construction and land management firm, before and during nursing school. I was always fascinated by the construction drawings. As a nurse, I started working in infection prevention in 2003, and in 2004, learned there was a construction component to it. I have been able to watch BJC's infection prevention and construction program evolve into what it is today.  I am very proud to be a part of that and truly enjoy working with the trades.  It is important for them to understand that when working in healthcare, they are a part of the healthcare team as well."

Loie Couch, Infection Prevention Specialist, BJC HealthCare

“I really appreciate Women in Construction Week because it gives us the opportunity to celebrate the incredible women we have working with us on site and to thank our supportive partners. It also provides us a platform to discuss ways to continue improving the industry for everyone, letting us tackle some more challenging topics. It also allows me the chance to interact with more women in construction, letting me build better relationships with the other cool ladies building in St.Louis.”

Jessica Amerson, Project Senior Engineer, McCarthy Building Companies
 

"The recognition for Women in Construction is important to showcase the value we provide to the industry and to hopefully encourage others to join us. For the design team, the construction phase is where we see our vision come to life and the positive experience on those who will use the facility."

Natalie Petzoldt, AIA, EDAC, LEED AP, CLGB, Principal, CannonDesign
 

"I was told in high school that I could not be an architect because 'girls just aren’t architects.'  For me this sealed the deal – challenge accepted. In college, women were definitely in the minority, and throughout my career I faced many challenges based on gender. When I see all of the other women working in the industry, especially women in the trades, I am encouraged and inspired. I see like minded women who are passionate about the work they do and will not accept no just because they are a girl!"

Donna Ware, AIA, Executive Director of Planning, Design & Construction, BJC HealthCare 

"This year during Women in Construction week, I found myself reflecting on my nine years in the industry. When I started, I was the only female on site/in my department and now I am now part of a jobsite that is representative of the diversity we see in our community. If, when I started, I didn’t have male allies helping teach me and speaking out against those who had bias around me, I would not have been able to grow into the person I am. I use these experiences to help guide me in being a leader/mentor to those I work with so we can keep moving forward and be able to best utilize the abilities of everyone on the project."

Courtney Krus, Assistant Superintendent, McCarthy Building Companies

"This is my first year celebrating Women in Construction Week and it left me feeling grateful. It made me grateful for all of the women that were in the industry before me, as they really helped pave the way for equality. I am also grateful our BJC Campus Renewal has such an understanding and inclusive environment. Both men and women on the team have taken it upon themselves to help mentor me as I grow into my role with McCarthy. We have a long road to go; however, I enjoy celebrating how far women in the construction industry have come."

 Megan Catlett, Project Engineer, McCarthy Building Companies

"For me, this week has a threefold meaning – acknowledging the struggle of women construction workers in the past, celebrating the progress that’s been made so far and being committed to reaching a time when women will be accepted and embraced as professionals in the field."

Jewell Parker, Campus Renewal Office Manager, BJC HealthCare

"Being a woman in construction is very important to me because we can see the change in the industry with more and more women entering construction. I can’t begin to tell you what it means when we do different events like Wonen in Construction week, where I can stand with all our team members that are the Women Building BJC. I’m very proud and honored to be a part of this historical time in the industry and for BJC."

Danielle Emert, Project Office Manager, McCarthy Building Companies

"For me, Women in Construction Week brings inspirtation and a drive to help women obtain what ever goals they have for their future. Never give up and keep pushing. Women can achieve their goals in any line of work they choose."

Tina Menne, Senior Activation Manager, BJC HealthCare