ESA South Celebrates National Women in Construction Week

Women have long contributed to the construction industry, though their presence has often been underrepresented. Emily Roebling set a pioneering example by leading the completion of the Brooklyn Bridge when her husband fell ill. Today, women excel as architects, planners, project managers, accountants, and owner representatives.

While the construction workforce remains predominantly male, women-owned firms are gaining prominence. Female engineers, architects, and licensed general contractors are making strides, with women now comprising 14% of the domestic construction workforce, according to the U.S. Commerce Department.

ESA South proudly supports this progress. Our team includes accomplished women in roles like project management, safety management, accounting, human resources, and marketing. Ann-Marie Schwaner, a project manager, began her career as a college laborer and has since led major projects at Kings Bay, Georgia, and Camp Shelby, Mississippi. Reflecting on her experience, she shared, “I immediately fell in love with the field.”

Similarly, Alexa Harmon, project controls manager, started as an assistant project manager leading hurricane recovery efforts at NAS Pensacola. She notes, “As a woman in construction, I can contribute to a field where diverse perspectives drive innovation and growth. It’s empowering to face challenges, build skills, and inspire future generations.”

National Women in Construction Week traces its roots to 1953, when 16 women in Fort Worth, Texas, initiated the celebration. Decades later, the industry still faces gender imbalance, with women significantly underrepresented. However, companies like ESA South remain committed to fostering opportunities and encouraging greater female participation.