Gaines Celebrates Women in Construction
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, one in ten construction workers is a female. There’s good news, though. A growing number of women are entering the construction industry. Gaines and Company values the significant skills female employees bring to their organization and celebrates their contributions during Women in Construction Week (March 5-11).
The National Association of Women in Construction (NAWIC) held its first Women in Construction (WIC) Week in 1998 to recognize the role of women in the industry. Twenty-five years later, this observation is still celebrated annually. The 2023 theme – “Many Paths, One Mission” – amplifies the various journeys women have taken to achieve success in construction. Women’s unique journeys and motivations can be found throughout the Gaines and Company organization, as well.
Women Choose Construction
“The construction industry has so much to offer. After all, we get to shape the Earth—that’s amazing!” said Safety Manager Danette Jochem, who spent a brief time on a crew before joining the organization’s safety team.
Estimator and Project Manager Melanie Hill joined the construction industry in 2011 because it afforded her flexibility while raising a young family. She now has six sons. Melanie said, “I really enjoyed working in this industry and fell in love with estimating. I not only stayed in the industry, but advanced my career as a project manager.”
Jasmine (Jaz) Massenburg is a fuel truck driver. She is a single mother who instills values of independence, hard work, and manual labor in her daughter through her work with Gaines. In fact, she wants her daughter to get her Commercial Driver’s License (CDL) someday so she too can be self-sufficient.
In addition to the opportunities the industry provides, the construction industry accommodates the increasing number of women entering the field by making it more amenable for women. For example, jobsite necessities like clothing, footwear, and personal protective equipment (PPE) are now designed and fit for women.
Women Bring Unique Skills
“In my experience, women pay close attention to detail. This not only makes them safe employees, but they can look forward and anticipate needs rather than address them as they arise,” said Logistics Manager and Jasmine’s supervisor Stephen King.
Melanie added, “Women are open-minded and bring unique perspectives and skills.”
Brittany Grant spent time serving our nation and is now a Gaines and Company equipment operator.
“Brittany runs a rubber tire loader like nobody’s business,” said Danette. “It doesn’t matter that she is female – she’s the real deal!”
Gaines and Company believes everyone deserves the same opportunity, regardless of gender identification, orientation, and demographics, which is why they offer training to ensure all employees have exceptional industry knowledge and skills.
Danette, who has only been in the industry for two years, is grateful for the opportunity to expand her knowledge base through continuous training.
She said, “I don’t have the mindset that it’s a man’s job. I think to myself, ‘If I can’t do what he’s doing, I better figure it out.’ I feel so lucky to have management that supports me in continually learning.”
Women Earn Respect
Melanie admits it was difficult earning respect early in her career. However, it taught her to be more confident in her skills and training. She has achieved regard by delivering successful projects that she manages from start to finish.
“Women are breaking down gender barriers and bringing fresh perspectives to construction,” said Melanie. “As we challenge stereotypes, we prove our leadership roles within the industry.”
About Jasmine, Stephen said, “Jaz is certainly an inspiration. She gets a lot of respect from the guys on the crew, and it is well deserved.”
Danette added, “Women want to show our capabilities. What better way to do that than enter a male-dominated field, earn respect, and succeed? Think of the message that sends to future generations.”
Gaines and Company’s female site employees… in action!
Gaines and Company is a full-service, site development company with over 60 years’ experience, specializing in underground utilities, grading, excavating, erosion controls, and road work. Its clientele includes home builders and developers, general contractors, state, federal and municipal authorities, and military installations in Maryland, North Carolina, Washington D.C., and Delaware.
