Women in Construction Week Celebrates Those Who Build What’s Next
5 minute read
Recognizing the women who continue to level up the construction industry through leadership, skill and collaboration.
5 minute read
Construction is built on progress, and nowhere is that progress more visible than in the growing presence and influence of women across the industry.
Founded in 1998 by the National Association of Women in Construction, Women in Construction Week highlights professional development, industry trends, ethical workplace practices, and the many paths women take to build strong careers and communities.
From March 1-7, this year’s theme Level UP: Build Strong – Communities, Careers, Futures invites companies to recognize how women strengthen the industry while creating opportunities for others to rise.
The week reinforces DPR's commitment to supporting women in construction, with a focus on field involvement, project-based responsibilities and long-term career growth.
“We want employees to find a community that they feel safe with,” said Celia Hoag, DPR regional sustainability leader and Build(Her) women’s employee resource group co-lead. “They can network and feel a sense of belonging, in a space where they can have courageous conversations and share experiences and backgrounds.”
This week, offices and project teams across the country are hosting their own activities, including networking touch points, learning sessions, jobsite spotlights and community events.
“DPR has done a really good job of setting up the idea that you don't have to fit into a specific mold to be in construction,” said Claire Stein, senior project manager and Build(Her) women’s employee resource group co-lead. “We naturally gravitate towards respecting differences and welcoming people regardless of who they are and what their background is.”
Voices of DPR Women
Meet some of the women contributing to projects across the country and hear, in their own words, what drives their work and shapes their careers.
Q: How did you get into this industry?
“I studied engineering and fell in love with construction on my first internship. I spent many years out in the field, learning the ins and outs of how things are built, and seeing how teams are organized. I eventually found myself in preconstruction, planning for the next project, getting projects set up for success, and I really enjoyed that side of the business. I love that I get to work on many projects at different stages of progress.”
– Darcie Fowler, Preconstruction Leader, Austin, Texas
“Growing up in the San Francisco Bay Area, there was no shortage of new buildings and projects being built around me. I liked how tangible construction was. When commuting to school, I would pass by the same construction site every day and see the project progress day after day. It was so cool to see, and I wanted to be part of it.”
– Kayla Curameng, Sr. Project Engineer, San Francisco, California
“I was always interested in a career in construction since I was younger. My mother was a roofer, and my grandfather owned a small construction company in the tiny town I grew up in. I was on jobsites since I was little, from clean-up crew, to helping make sandwiches for the crew, then helping with some home remodels and building decks.”
– Keila Heitmeyer, Superintendent, Phoenix, Arizona
“I became interested in construction because I love building things that last and being part of something tangible. Growth in this role comes from collaboration with others and learning from their experiences.”
– Lina Ortiz, Assistant Superintendent, Orlando Florida
Q: How have you felt supported as a woman working in construction?
“I have an incredible community of women who have helped me reach this point. From my very first internship, I was fortunate to be supported and uplifted by strong, talented women who encouraged me to grow, take on new challenges, and step confidently into this field. Their guidance has shaped my journey and continues to inspire the way I show up in this industry.”
– Abigail Manciu, Project Engineer, Sacramento, California
“I have been very fortunate in that I have always felt supported by my mentors, peer groups, and project teams throughout my career. Whether navigating a challenging work situation, having career development conversations, or simply needing someone to talk to about my passions outside of work, I’ve consistently felt backed by the people around me. I credit that to DPR’s culture.”
– Katie Gutzwiller, Project Manager, San Diego, California
“The mentorship and opportunities I've had at DPR have truly shaped my career. Last year, I had the chance to travel to present to different business units and industry professionals about our Southeast Self-Perform Virtual Design and Construction workflows. Showcasing the success of our model to field workflows, especially with the support of my team and a special shoutout to Bo Snyder, has been incredibly rewarding.”
– Kelly Klein, VDC Engineer, Orlando, Florida
“Over the past eight years, I’ve walked through several different seasons of life. In each one, I’ve felt genuinely encouraged both professionally and personally. As I get ready to welcome our first baby (any day now!), that support has meant even more. I’ve really appreciated the chance to learn from the men and women in our office and region about how they make work and family life fit together. Watching leaders who are great at what they do and still prioritize their families has been both inspiring and reassuring in this season.”
– Lexie Young, Preconstruction Manager, Dallas, Texas
“I encourage everyone to find someone who will be your cheerleader. I learned from many mentors, not just one, and each shaped the leader I am today.”
– Lilly Starnes, Superintendent, Washington, D.C.
Q: In what ways do you find fulfillment and enjoyment in your role?
“I am proud of the healthcare project I worked on because being able to build something that directly impacts people's lives, especially children's, is probably one of the most rewarding experiences that will be available to me in this industry."
– Gabriela Cartaya, Project Engineer, Tampa, Florida
“My advice to anyone considering construction is to go for it. It is a great environment, and you will enjoy it. I chose construction because I love the changing environment, the challenges, and working with people in the field every day.”
– Paige Martonik, Superintendent, Washington, D.C.
Video Spotlight on DPR Superintendents
For Women in Construction Week, we asked a few of DPR’s superintendents to share what brought them into the industry, the advice they have for women considering the trades, and the mentors who helped pave the way.
Women Who
Build
The number of women in construction is growing. Hear from and read about some of them, from inside the office to out in the field. Meet the women of DPR who are building great things every day and influencing commercial construction.
Posted on February 27, 2026
Last Updated March 6, 2026
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