espite making up half of the entire US workforce, women only make up 11 percent of the construction industry workforce. National Association of Women in Construction, or NAWIC, hopes to change that through education. And one way it educates women and people in the construction industry about the benefits of construction industry careers is through Women in Construction Week, which was held March 6-12.

Several Associated General Contractors of Alaska, or AGC, member companies with women leaders shared the spotlight during WIC Week. One of the first women to be profiled this year was past AGC of Alaska board president, Life Board member, and this year’s Hard Hat awardee, Meg Nordale. President of GHEMM Company, Inc., Nordale has been working in the construction industry in Alaska for thirty years and has been a mentor to many women in the construction industry in that time.

Here’s what Nordale says is her favorite thing about working in the Alaska construction industry: “I get to work with a diverse group of dedicated, resourceful people doing very interesting projects in support of Alaska and Alaskans.”

Nordale shared a tidbit of advice for women interested in careers in the construction industry: “It’s an industry for you! The opportunities are vast and your skills are valuable.”

Davis Block & Concrete Vice President Regina Daniels Davis’ career in construction also began about thirty years ago, scaling trucks in a gravel pit. Much of her business and construction background has been self-taught—she says that’s the best training a person can get.

Davis worked in other areas of construction before becoming part of the Davis Block & Concrete family. Her passion for advocacy for the Alaska construction industry makes her a natural leader; she serves as the co-chair of the AGC Legislative Affairs Committee.

Her favorite thing about working in the Alaska construction industry: “I’ve always loved the rush of summer work and winter downtime and of course the people are some of the best folks out there!”

Davis’ advice for women interested in construction industry careers: “I can’t tell you how important it is to network. Join your local chamber, attend events, and network with local business owners. Get to know your community and make contacts. And most importantly—join AGC and get to know your local contractors!”

AGC of Alaska board member Kirstie Gray, owner of Gray Services, LLC, partners with construction industry members through payroll, bookkeeping, project assistance, and more. She is a lifelong Alaskan whose parents instilled in her the drive to become a successful businessperson. One of her first industry-related jobs was working with Teri Gunter at Senco Alaska.

Her favorite thing about working in the construction industry, she says is: “The people. They are hardworking, honest, full of integrity—but also can enjoy the Alaskan lifestyle with the money they make in construction.”

Gray’s advice for women considering a career in construction: “Don’t be afraid to just jump in and find your niche. There are a lot of potential careers and plenty of places to go for support and direction. Join associations that will also help guide and lead your career, including AGC, NAWIC Alaska Chapter, and SMPS [the Society for Marketing Professional Services].”

Gray leads AGC of Alaska in Political Action Committee ticket sales and member recruiting. She recently earned her gold-level All-Star pin in recognition for her incredible recruiting skills for AGC, and she says she is pursuing the platinum-level All-Star award, currently only held by longtime AGC member Dave Cruz.

Rounding out the WIC Week spotlights this year was AGC of Alaska Executive Director Alicia Amberg. Amberg grew up in a construction and mining family, having conversations around the dinner table about Alaska’s economic drivers, which piqued her interest at an early age and helped her become an effective and informed advocate for the industry.

Amberg, profiled on the NAWIC Facebook page, answered a different question than the women AGC profiled for WIC Week. There, she was asked what advice she would share to someone new in the industry.

Her answer: “Alaska’s construction industry is growing, and there’s a place for everyone in this industry. Whether you’re interested in technology, safety, design, working with your hands—you can find good-paying jobs that provide endless opportunities for advancement.”