Building a Stronger Future: Women in Construction Week at Richard Chicago Construction Company
Construction has long been a male-dominated field, particularly among Chicago construction companies. According to recently released data from the U.S. Census Bureau, only 11.5% of payroll employees in the construction industry are women. However, a promising shift is underway.
In recent years, the Department of Labor's Women in Apprenticeship and Nontraditional Occupations (WANTO) grant program has allocated millions of dollars to bolster women's participation in industries like construction. And with the construction industry facing a massive worker shortage—estimated to exceed half a million workers—recruiting women into construction roles has become not just a priority, but a necessity for sustaining growth and meeting demand.
As we celebrate Women in Construction Week, we're proud that women make up 21% of our team at Richard—well above the industry average of 11.5%. These talented professionals bring unique perspectives and exceptional leadership to our projects every day.
We asked some of our female employees what makes women stand out in this industry and what advice they have for those considering a career switch or just getting started in construction.
How Women Are Making the Difference at Richard
"In my experience, women bring attention to detail that's often overlooked. Sometimes it's the little things that make customers believe in you and your team the most." — Kaylee Scollard, Quality Control Manager
"In construction, I've learned that integrity must come first—never compromise. You'll work harder to earn your voice, but when you do, the payoff is immeasurable. Women bring detail orientation and empathy that create more comprehensive solutions by considering the complete picture." — Laurie Jarvis, Senior Superintendent
"Construction has historically been a male dominated field. Women in construction have challenged traditional norms and reshape its dynamics, allowing the construction world to grow and expand. Our presence helped open minds to considering new approaches, allowing 'what-if we did it differently' to be asked. This shift in thought is critical to drive progress. As women in this field, we're evidence that change brings innovation, collaboration and success.” — Ashleigh Trbovic, Senior Capture Manager
"Women bring fresh perspectives to construction—from how we build to how we present ourselves. Having worked in male-dominated industries before joining Richard, I've seen firsthand how female participation creates positive change. Different viewpoints, whether from the field or office, lead to better solutions and stronger outcomes. When diverse voices contribute, we simply build better." — Colleen Richardson, Director of Marketing
"A fresh, balanced, and organized perspective! Some of our most successful projects are managed by women—so cool to see as we rapidly grow and the impact our women in the field can have." — Paige Priest, Director of Administration
Advice for Women Entering Construction
"Embrace the challenges, don't be discouraged by obstacles—each experience furthers growth. You'll constantly be learning, even decades later. But how amazing it is to look back at something you built." — Ashleigh Trbovic, Senior Capture Manager
"Take the leap and do it! Construction is a dynamic industry with a ton of opportunity, whether it be in the field or in the office, there is plenty of space to bring your voice. And be confident! "— Paige Priest, Director of Administration
"Finding the right company like Richard gave me the voice I'd always wanted. Now, I get to uplift other women in construction—watching colleagues like Kaylee Scollard show such tremendous growth in her new role reminds me why creating pathways for women in this industry matters so much." — Laurie Jarvis, Senior Superintendent
"If you enjoy challenges, construction offers incredible rewards. My advice? Girls should dive in! I've seen firsthand how industries transform when women participate fully. At Richard, we're creating purpose-driven builders who love seeing how their work—from healthcare facilities where people heal to data centers powering technology forward—directly improves human lives. Don't hesitate—your unique perspective is exactly what this industry needs." — Colleen Richardson, Director of Marketing
Career Paths for Women at Richard
Women at Richard excel across diverse career paths including:
Project Management
Finance
Operations
Administration
Business Development
Marketing & Communications
Our Diverse Building Expertise
As one of the leading Chicago general contractors, Richard has demonstrated comprehensive capabilities across multiple sectors including:
Healthcare construction - hospitals, medical offices, and specialty care facilities
Educational facility construction - from K-12 schools to university building projects
Commercial building projects - retail spaces, office buildings, and mixed-use developments
Industrial construction services - warehouses, manufacturing facilities, and distribution centers
Government building projects - municipal construction, Department of Defense, US Army Corps of Engineers, Veteran Affairs and public works
Our female team members contribute their expertise across this diverse range of projects, bringing valuable insights that enhance our work in every sector.
We've Only Just Begun
While we're proud of our progress in creating opportunities for women in construction, we recognize that we've only scratched the surface. By bringing more women into our industry, we're not just addressing a workforce shortage—we're creating breakthrough moments that come from looking at challenges through different lenses.
The construction industry benefits tremendously from diverse perspectives, innovative thinking, and varied approaches to problem-solving. That's why we remain committed to increasing representation of women across all levels of our organization.
Join Our Team
Incredible opportunities await at Richard, one of Chicago's fastest growing building contractors. If you're interested in exploring a career with us, visit our careers page to learn about current opportunities.
Join us in building remarkable projects across Chicago and the United States, from healthcare construction to government facilities, and help shape the future of construction with one of the most diverse teams in the industry.