The construction industry is changing fast, and several women are leading the way in 2026. From inventing better safety gear to running billion-dollar data center projects, these leaders are proving that the job site is for everyone. Here are the ten most influential women in construction who are breaking barriers and showing us all what is possible in the trades.
1. Katy Robinson, Senior Project Manager and PPE Campaigner
Katy Robinson made history in late 2025 when she was named the UK’s Most Influential Woman in Construction. She is a Senior Project Manager for a local government council, but her biggest impact has been her fight for inclusive personal protective equipment (PPE). For years, many women in construction had to wear gear designed for men, which was often loose, uncomfortable, and even dangerous.
Katy spearheaded a massive campaign that reached over 6 million people and led to the creation of a new British Standard (BS 30417) for inclusive PPE. Because of her work, thousands of women now have access to safety gear that actually fits their bodies. She is a perfect example of how one person can identify a problem on the job site and lead a global change to fix it.
2. Nour Hachem-Fawaz, Founder and President of Build a Dream
Nour Hachem-Fawaz is a workforce disruptor who is changing how young women think about their careers. She founded Build a Dream after watching her own mother work hard in a male-dominated auto parts business. Today, Nour has spoken to over 70,000 families and helped secure over $30 million in funding to get more women into the trades, STEM, and emergency response.
In 2025, Nour was named one of the most influential people in construction by SiteNews. She is known for creating hands-on “career expos” that let students try out tools and technology firsthand. Her work is results-focused; she helps companies build inclusive cultures and gives women the confidence to aim for high-paying, leadership roles in the industry.
Keep an eye out for a feature interview with Nour very soon!
3. Tessa Ferzli, Red Seal Mason and Co-Founder of Women on Site
Tessa Ferzli is a “boots on the ground” leader who is inspiring a new generation of tradeswomen. She is a Red Seal Mason, which means she has reached the highest level of skill in her craft. Tessa co-founded an organization called Women on Site to help women in the trades connect with one another. She uses social media to show what a real day on a job site looks like. Tessa is proof that you can be an influencer while working with your hands every single day.
4. Nancy Novak, Chief Innovation Officer at Compass Datacenters
Nancy Novak is a powerful force in the world of construction tech. With over 30 years of experience, she now oversees the delivery of billions of dollars in sustainable data center projects. Nancy is disrupting the “old way” of doing things by pushing for greater automation and on-site digital tools.
She is also a huge advocate for “extending the ladder” to other women. Nancy hosts a popular podcast where she interviews female leaders in technology and construction to share their advice. Her goal is to shift the industry from a “one-off project” mindset to a “scalable product” mindset, making construction more eco-friendly for future generations.
5. Allison Scott, Director of Sustainability Growth & Engagement at Autodesk
Allison Scott works at the intersection of construction and technology. At Autodesk, she helps construction firms turn big ideas like “sustainability” into real-world actions. She is a leading voice on how “industrialized construction”, using factory-made parts and robotics, can help solve the labor shortage.
Allison is also a champion for the “digital thread.” This is the idea that data should flow smoothly from the initial design through the final handoff of a building. By making construction data-driven, she is helping the industry become less wasteful and more predictable. Her work is essential for any construction pro who wants to understand how AI and automation will change their daily work.
6. Tannis Liviniuk, CEO of Liviniuk Group
Tannis Liviniuk started her career in the field and worked her way up to become one of the top digital strategy experts in the industry. Decades ago, she was once told she couldn’t make it in construction; today, she is the person major firms call when they want to modernize their job sites.
Tannis is an expert in using AI and data to accelerate and improve project scheduling. She is a frequent speaker at big events like the Project Control Summit, where she teaches others how to use technology to solve complex logistics problems. She has built a massive following on LinkedIn by sharing honest, helpful advice about leadership and the future of “smart” construction.
7. Sandra Astolfo, Partner at WeirFoulds LLP
Beyond the realm of moving dirt and pouring concrete, there are laws and contracts that keep those projects moving. Sandra Astolfo is one of the most respected construction lawyers in North America. She was the first woman to win a major award for excellence in construction law from the Ontario Bar Association. Sandra helps companies navigate big risks and settle tough disputes. She’s walking proof that you can have a massive influence on the job site even if you work in a boardroom.
8. Jennifer Price, President and CEO of McElhanney
Jennifer Price is a leader who believes that engineers have a duty to help solve big world problems. As the head of McElhanney, she oversees a massive team that works on projects across Canada, from transportation to land development. Jennifer is a “barrier-breaker” who started her career as a chemical engineer and worked her way through senior roles at major firms like AECOM and Buro Happold. She is very passionate about making the path easier for the next generation of women in STEM and is a frequent speaker on how innovation and sustainability will change our cities for the better.
9. Sarah Petrevan, Vice President of Sustainability at the Cement Association of Canada
Sarah Petrevan is a leader in the “green” construction movement. Her current role is centered around cement and concrete, the most widely used building material in the world. Sarah’s goal is to help the industry reach “net-zero” carbon emissions. She works with the government and companies to find ways to build roads and buildings that do not hurt the planet. Because of her work, the future of construction will be much cleaner and more sustainable for everyone.
If you enjoyed learning about these trailblazers, check out these other guides from our library designed specifically for women in the trades:
- 7 common symptoms women should never ignore: a guide for women in the trades
- Building strength from the inside out: Why pelvic floor health matters for women in construction and beyond
- Mother’s day gifts for women in trades
- On the path to construction: The rise of women safety consultants
- National mentoring program launches for women in skilled trades
- How to attract more women to the construction industry
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