Four Steps Construction Employees Can Take to Support Women in the Industry

“I believe we've crossed a threshold. We are at a moment of change,” said George Pfeffer, DPR Construction CEO and Leadership Team member, referring to data showing more women in the construction workforce than ever. Addressing attendees of the Engineering News-Record’s recent Groundbreaking Women in Construction Conference in New York, Pfeffer encouraged attendees to keep pushing for change.

“Let’s all let our gains empower us to keep moving, because it shows momentum,” Pfeffer said. “And that momentum is needed. If we do the right things, that growth in representation will be sustained and even grow.”

“The health and future success of our industry – and our ability to change what it is to work in construction – depends on this,” Pfeffer added.

With more than 300 attendees from across the construction industry in attendance – including 30 DPR employees representing a variety of roles and tenures – Pfeffer listed four actions people in a variety of roles can take to help continue to not only attract women to the construction industry, but deliver career opportunities that retain them.

“A community-driven workforce isn’t built passively, it takes consistent, intentional action and allyship,” said Lauren Arabia, a senior project engineer who was in attendance and also leads DPR’s Women’s Employee Resource Group (ERG) in the Northeast.

Speaking directly to industry leaders both in and outside the room, Pfeffer encouraged everyone to use the full power of their positions to forge change.

“Let’s continue breaking through barriers of the roles we think we can play and truly commit to changing our workplaces,” Pfeffer said. “We have the ability to forge change and set things in motion to create change. We should use that ability.”

Pfeffer shared personal stories from his career, especially how women helped shape his own leadership style.

“It’s about seeing every individual and trying to know them enough to know when to have that side conversation or to ask someone to give their perspective in a meeting. It is those diverse perspectives that make a great team,” he said.

“Let’s continue to break through the idea that someone outside our industry needs to tell us the path forward. We know the path and we simply need to follow it with listening, learning and action,” Pfeffer said.

Noting the progress made by industry collaboration with things like safety, Pfeffer highlighted the power the industry has to change its culture all on its own. By sharing more and more successes, Pfeffer said, the industry as a whole will continue to build more belonging.

“Imagine if the top 20 contractors on ENR’s annual list comprising more than 200,000 employees all [took action],” Pfeffer said. Our industry can forge change when we align.”

Arabia, who started in the industry 10 years ago, said that at the time she didn’t have the same opportunities as her male counterparts and never felt like she’d fit in with her peers. But since joining DPR, she’s started to see things change.

“Over the past four years I have watched more women join the industry in various roles and I started to learn the importance of empowering women to speak up,” said Arabia. “I realized that I am part of the change and that I can make an impact.”

Pfeffer encouraged all attendees to not feel like they don’t have a voice even if they’re new to the industry.

“Keep advancing as you break through whatever your role is and realize the power you have individually and as a group,” Pfeffer said. “I’m not saying it will always feel comfortable to act, but you all have ways and places you can give feedback that gets heard.”

Pfeffer noted that little actions add up and change the industry’s overall trajectory. He noted how an internal team at DPR speaking up has led to pilots for running-water jobsite bathrooms, onsite wellness rooms and even changes to benefits to include pregnancy leave for craft employees. 

“What I’m saying to you is, some days you may feel like it’s just you and the work in front of you, but sometimes you can't see change until you take a moment to reflect and look at it over a longer period of time,” Pfeffer said.

Pankhuri Pimpley, DPR senior project engineer who was also in attendance, shared her view: “In roles within the construction industry, whether you are entry level or in a leadership position, you are part of shaping the world around you. The opportunity to contribute to something bigger than myself is my driving force.”

Pimpley added that one of the lessons she’s learned is to lead by example. “Demonstrate the behaviors and values that you want to see in others,” she said. “Whether it’s showing integrity, work ethic, or how to handle challenges with grace, the way you lead by action speaks louder than words.”

“Let’s all break free from the idea that we’re limited in what we can do because of the ways things have always been done,” Pfeffer said. “The past decade of construction has demonstrated a tremendous ability and appetite to try new things in all facets of our business.” Pfeffer noted that there’s no reason to be beholden to the many “legacy” processes and norms in the industry.

“It’s okay to question why something has to be that way. Things like jobsite work hours...why does everyone need to be on the jobsite at the same time every day?” Pfeffer asked, referring to how caregivers often have things like school drop-off that don’t align well with traditional jobsite hours.

“There may not always be an easy solution. But I hope some of those answers can come from the people in this room,” Pfeffer said. “I’d challenge all of you to ask those questions and push for change as we work toward solutions.”  

Lisa Ruano, DPR communications and brand lead for the Northeast, also reflected on the event, saying: “If something ignites your passion, don’t just follow it—master it. Become the go-to expert, bringing fresh insights that set you apart. Knowledge and perspective are your greatest assets—invest in them to build confidence, credibility, and opportunity. Don’t wait for permission to grow—seek learning, ask questions, and share your expertise to drive innovation and make an impact.”