Women in Construction: Leading from the Ground Up

Women in Construction at a Glance:

• Women’s participation in the construction workforce has hit a two-decade high
• More women are advancing into senior project management and leadership roles
• Emotional intelligence, communication, and collaboration are reshaping industry dynamics
• Mentorship and visibility are critical to sustaining long-term growth in the construction field

Women now make up 14% of the construction workforce, according to the National Association of Home Builders, marking the highest level of representation in two decades. The milestone demonstrates meaningful progress in an industry experiencing staffing pressure and cultural change, as more women enter roles across skilled trades, project management, space design, and executive leadership. Reflecting broader efforts to expand opportunity in construction, this momentum signals the growing recognition that diverse teams are key to addressing the industry’s labor shortages and meeting the demands of increasingly complex projects.

In recognition of Women in Construction Week, the annual initiative led by the National Association of Women in Construction that celebrates and elevates women across the built environment, this Q&A features two of Adrenaline’s construction experts on the changes they see in the industry and what a career in construction looks like today. Jennifer Morris, Senior Director in Construction Services, and Morgan Leighton, Senior Project Manager, Construction Services, share their perspectives on what’s driving momentum in construction, where opportunity continues to grow, and how women are influencing the future of the industry.

How did you get started in construction, and what led you to Adrenaline?

Jennifer: I went to school for civil engineering, initially because it felt like the most practical path forward. During my junior year, I interned with a construction manager in Boston and discovered I loved the collaborative side of the work. Over time, I gained experience across construction management, luxury retail projects, and the developer side, where I worked closely with cross-functional teams from pre-construction through operations. That broader lifecycle experience ultimately led me to Adrenaline, where I now oversee construction within a turnkey model that integrates design and delivery.

Morgan: My path was less traditional. My degree is in English, and I started in nonprofit outdoor education before moving into administrative roles, including one at an interior design firm. That’s where I realized I loved seeing projects unfold and bringing moving parts together. I joined Adrenaline seven years ago as a Construction Administrator and have grown into a Senior Project Manager role, now leading projects from design through completion.

Why did you choose construction management as a career, and what do you love about it?

Jennifer: I enjoy helping position clients for success and ensuring projects enter the construction phase strong. It’s also incredibly rewarding to mentor team members. Early in construction careers, the path is clear. As you move into management, it becomes less defined. Helping others navigate that ambiguity and define their own trajectory is meaningful to me.

Morgan: I love that every day is different. One day might involve reviewing construction documents, another might include coordination calls with clients, architects, contractors, and municipalities. Our team sees projects from empty lot to completed building, which gives us a rare perspective across the full lifecycle.

What strengths do women bring to construction that help move the industry forward?

Jennifer: Emotional intelligence and collaboration are powerful assets. On job sites, ego can sometimes drive decision-making. I’ve found that focusing on results rather than proving a point builds trust. When people feel heard and respected, they’re more invested in the outcome. That cycle strengthens teams over time. There’s also a multitasking component. Many women balance multiple roles outside of work. That ability to manage complexity and competing priorities translates directly into construction management.

Morgan: Communication is key. Construction requires constant coordination across many stakeholders. Ensuring everyone understands what’s happening and when, keeps projects moving. I also think women bring a layered way of thinking – considering who needs what, when, and why. That perspective adds clarity and alignment.

How does mentorship play a role in advancing women in construction?

Jennifer: As more women enter the field, mentorship becomes even more important at senior levels. You see strong representation at entry and mid-level roles, but fewer women at executive levels. Supporting women as they navigate transitions – especially family life and motherhood – is critical. The goal isn’t doing everything yourself; it’s expanding your impact strategically without overextending.

Morgan: Mentorship is essential for anyone growing within our department, especially since construction services at Adrenaline operates differently than traditional construction. I try to help team members see that there is real opportunity for advancement here.

What advice would you give women entering construction today?

Jennifer: Be yourself. There can be a temptation to overcompensate in male-dominated spaces. Authenticity builds respect. Over time, your performance and experience speak louder than anything else.

Morgan: Be confident, even when you don’t feel it. It’s okay not to know everything. That doesn’t mean you don’t belong. Walk onto the job site with your head high. You earned your seat at the table.

Adrenaline is an end-to-end brand experience company serving the financial industry. We move brands and businesses ahead by delivering on every aspect of their experience across digital and physical channels, from strategy through implementation. Our multi-disciplinary team works with leadership to advise on purpose, position, culture, and retail growth strategies. We create brands people love and engage audiences from employees to customers with story-led design and insights-driven marketing; and we design and build transformative brand experiences across branch networks, leading the construction and implementation of physical spaces that drive business advantage and make the brand experience real.