On March 6, 2025, industry leaders, advocates, and policymakers gathered at the California State Capitol’s West Steps to celebrate Women in Construction (WIC) Week. The event, marked by the WIC Week Brunch & Resolution Celebration, recognized the critical role women play in shaping the construction industry. A key highlight was the passage of Senate Concurrent Resolution 30 (SCR 30), which formally honors women’s contributions to construction and underscores the importance of expanding opportunities in the field.
A Resolution for Progress
California’s SCR 30 acknowledges that women have played a vital role in the construction industry for decades and highlights their increasing presence across all levels, from skilled trades to leadership and business ownership. The resolution also recognizes the historical underrepresentation of women in construction, with women comprising only 9% of all apprenticeships and 10.9% of construction trade jobs nationally, reaffirming the need for education, training, and workforce development programs to support their advancement.
The Impact of WIC Week: Voices from the Event
For many attendees, the WIC Brunch & Resolution Celebration was a powerful reminder of both progress and ongoing challenges in the industry.
Emilie H Phuong, EIT, Staff Engineer at Miyamoto International, a first-generation college graduate and woman of color in the field, shared:
“It’s not often that a citizen gets the opportunity to watch legislative proceedings, let alone one so close to home. I am a first-generation college graduate and a woman of color in an industry where women make up 11% of the workforce. Sometimes I forget the reality of my accomplishments, but events like the WIC Brunch & Resolution remind me that I am breaking generational cycles and glass ceilings. I’m very grateful to the folks at the Sacramento Regional Builders Exchange and Construction Industry Education Foundation for all their hard work on the resolution.”
Priyanka Singh, P.E. Singh, Sr. Project Engineer at Miyamoto International , who has faced barriers, reflected:
“Being born a woman in a third world country, I first-hand witnessed all kinds of struggle women have to endure just to survive. It’s so disheartening that women’s struggles are often dismissed as complaints or seen as privileges instead of valid concerns that deserve attention.
Platforms like WIC are crucial because they offer support and solidarity, showing women that their experiences are not only valid but shared by millions. It’s vital to have spaces that reaffirm these struggles rather than minimize them. In the busyness of day-to-day life, it’s easy to lose sight of progress and milestones. Taking moments like this to reflect and feel proud of how far you’ve journeyed is so important. It’s not just about surviving these challenges but finding strength and resilience within them. [An] event like this is a reminder to celebrate victories, big and small, and to continue pushing for change”
Gon Ng-Xu, Associate Principal at Miyamoto International , emphasized the importance of representation:
“It was great to join the other amazing women at the WIC event today. This event reminds me that women’s representation in leadership roles in the construction field is still quite limited, but there has been progress over the years. More women are breaking through and taking on leadership roles. Hopefully, more construction companies and design firms will be owned by women in the near future.”
NAWIC: Decades of Empowering Women
Since its founding in 1953, National Association of Women in Construction has been a pillar of support for women in the industry. What started as a small group of 16 women in Fort Worth, Texas, has grown into a national movement with 115 chapters and international affiliates. NAWIC’s initiatives—including scholarships, training programs, and leadership development—have played a vital role in increasing women’s participation in construction.
One of the most impactful efforts is WIC Week, which brings national attention to the growing presence of women in construction. The event is a time to celebrate successes, inspire future generations, and push for more inclusive policies across the industry.
Looking Ahead: Building an Inclusive Industry
The passage of SCR 30 is a significant step toward greater recognition and equity for women in construction. The resolution serves as a call to action for industry leaders, policymakers, and educational institutions to invest in training, mentorship, and career pathways that help women thrive in all areas of construction.
The foundation has been laid—now it’s time to build on it.
