Women in Construction Week 2025
Each year, McKinstry joins industry peers in celebrating Women in Construction (WIC) Week during the first week of March. Started by NAWIC and now in its 27th year, WIC Week shines a light on the vital contributions of women in the industry, raises awareness of challenges faced and highlights pathways for future opportunities. It also aligns with International Women’s Day on March 8, a global celebration of the achievements of women across all industries and a call to action for accelerating women’s equality.
To celebrate, McKinstry employees across the country are gathering to screen the documentary Women of Carbon. The film features women professionals thriving in built environment industries. These professionals are redefining our relationship with carbon by repurposing living materials, reengineering waste into valuable chemicals that clean the climate and driving decarbonization.
Following the Seattle showing, McKinstry’s Caroline Traube, principal and director of Zero+ decarbonization planning is leading a panel discussion with employees and other women professionals to discuss the impact of the film and work.
The film highlights several professionals, projects, and organizations McKinstry engages with, including Stacy Smedley, executive director, Building Transparency; Rena Simon, Principal, ZGF Architecture, Portland Airport; and Kate Simonen, professor of Architecture, University of Washington and board chair of the Carbon Leadership Forum.
“I was excited to learn about this unique movie that not only takes a close look at how progress in our industry can have a positive impact on the environment, but also focuses on the important contributions of women in these fields,” said Caroline. “I’m looking forward to screening this film and celebrating WIC Week with teammates.”
Project W
McKinstry believes that diversity makes us stronger and actively engages in the recruitment, retention and elevation of women in the trades. Along with our annual support of WIC Week, throughout the year McKinstry celebrates and supports women in construction through our Project W initiative.
Elements of Project W include:
- McKinstry Alliances that support women and advance gender equity
- Collaboration with pre-apprenticeship programs that support women entering the skilled trades including ANEW and Oregon Tradeswomen
- Partnership with industry groups to address broader topics of inclusion and gender equity including the Mechanical Contractors Association of Western Washington’s DEIB Committee, the Sheet Metal and Air Conditioning Contractors’ National Association (SMACNA) WW DEIB Committee, and the Society of Women Engineers (SWE)
- Building Good community service projects focused on women in construction including through Camp BuildHER and other organizations
- An internal Mentorship Program that pairs women with inspiring mentors
- Vendor Diversity program efforts including ScaleUp advisory to women-owned businesses and outreach externally with the Women’s Business Enterprise National Council
- Our B.L.U.E. internship program
Get Involved This Week and Beyond
McKinstry is celebrating WIC Week in our offices, in our communities, on McKinstry.com, and on our social channels. There are many ways you, too, can get involved this week and beyond:
- Attend events and webinars: Many organizations, such as NAWIC and its regional chapters, hold events and webinars during WIC Week providing opportunities for connection.
- Share your story: If you are a woman working in the industry, consider sharing your story on social media or in your community to inspire others and raise awareness. Use hashtags #WICWeek and #WICWeek25
- Mentor or sponsor women in the industry: If you are in a leadership role in the industry, consider mentoring or sponsoring women in the field, helping women to overcome barriers and achieve their goals.
- Advocate for diversity and inclusion: Whether you are a woman in the industry or an ally, you can advocate for diversity and inclusion in the industry.
- Promote awareness: Use your social media platforms and other channels to promote awareness of WIC Week and the importance of promoting diversity and inclusion in the industry. By raising awareness, you can help to build momentum towards a more equitable and inclusive construction industry. Don’t forget to use hashtags #WICWeek and #WICWeek25
