Not long ago, it was unusual to find more than a few women working in a skilled trade or leading a team on a construction project. Although women only make up about 11% of the construction workforce, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, more join the industry every year as superintendents, project managers, department directors, tradesworkers and CEOs.

In 2025, women not only work to build some of the country’s largest and most important projects, they also help draw others into construction. These leaders serve as mentors, teachers and advocates to help elevate the industry and make it an attractive career option for other women.

This year, as part of Construction Dive's fifth annual Construction Champions program, editors examined more than 300 entries, scrutinizing each nominee’s impact and depth of experience as well as her commitment to leadership and mentorship. They were nominated in five categories:

Rising Stars — Although they are still early in their construction careers, these women have already made a mark on the industry.

Up-and-Coming Leaders — They are known as hard-working change agents in their companies and in the broader construction community.

Mentors — These women not only help others break into the industry but have long strived to make it a better place for all who work in it.

Tradeswoman Leaders — They use their hands and their heads to shape commercial construction and promote the industry’s career benefits for all.

Industry Veterans — These women are stalwarts of the industry, well known in their fields and respected by those who work with them.

The 31 talented women selected as this year’s Construction Champions stand as shining examples of how intuition, dedication and intelligence are making the industry a more diverse, productive and welcoming place for all.

Read on for more about each of these exceptional women, and know that there are many more like them working for construction firms throughout the country.