Under the Hard Hat

Tag: WIC Week

  • Breaking barriers for WIC: A conversation with Stephanie Schmidt-Lehmann of ABC

    Breaking barriers for WIC: A conversation with Stephanie Schmidt-Lehmann of ABC

    Stephanie Schmidt-Lehmann, Executive Vice President of Industry Relations and Member Value at Associated Builders and Contractors, has built a career that defies expectations. From being one of five women in her engineering class to leading multimillion-dollar projects, her journey is a testament to resilience, adaptability, and strong leadership. In this interview, Stephanie shares her path into construction, the defining moments of her career, and the lessons she’s learned about leadership, self-growth, and making an impact in the industry. 

    UTHH: Can you share your story about how you got started in the construction industry? Was this career path something you envisioned for yourself?

    Stephanie: I didn’t imagine myself going into construction when I was younger. But as a kid, I always loved building things and playing ball with the boys—I was drawn to what was considered more ‘masculine’ activities at the time. When I was in high school, I wasn’t sure what I wanted to do.

    A turning point came when an advisor encouraged me to look into engineering. He recognized that I had a natural talent for it and suggested I put my skills to use. At that time, there weren’t many women in those programs, but I decided to go for it and pursued a degree in architectural engineering. I was one of only five women in my class, and I really excelled. After graduating, I started my career in project management and estimating and then moved into a construction management role at Penn State in the late ‘90s. That’s where my journey really began.

    UTHH: Who or what inspired you to pursue a career in construction, and how did that shape your journey?

    Stephanie:  It wasn’t something I always planned, but once I got into the industry, I was hooked. No two projects are ever the same, and seeing something go from an idea to a completed structure is incredibly rewarding. I also love the teamwork aspect—construction is all about working with a group of people and bringing different skill sets together.

    One person who really inspired me was a senior VP at Penn State. She was in a high-level leadership position and seeing her succeed made me realize that women could absolutely take on major roles in this industry. I had the chance to work directly with her, and learning from her helped shape how I approach my work and leadership today.

    UTHH: Were there any defining moments or turning points in your career that stand out to you?

    Stephanie:  One of the biggest moments in my career was when I was asked to lead Poole Anderson Construction. I had worked with them before on projects at Penn State, and when they decided to merge with a general contractor, they saw me as the person who could handle the transition.

    It was a big leap—we went from working on $5 million projects to managing $80 to $100 million jobs. Taking on that business management role and helping scale the company was a defining point for me. It reinforced that I had the leadership skills to drive growth and navigate change.

    UTHH: What lessons have you learned about resilience and self-growth throughout your career?

    Stephanie:  One of the biggest things I’ve learned is that you have to master your craft. Respect in this industry comes from doing good work—being prepared, knowing your job inside and out, and putting in the effort every day. Collaboration is also huge in construction. You have to respect the skills of the people around you and lean into their strengths to get the best results.

    Another lesson is to set clear career goals. Early on, I knew I wanted to run a company one day, and keeping that vision in mind helped me focus on what I needed to do to get there. And finally, say ‘yes’ to opportunities. Taking on extra responsibilities and going beyond your job description opens doors you might not expect.

    UTHH: Construction has traditionally been a male-dominated industry. What challenges have you faced as a woman, and how have you overcome them?

    Stephanie:  When I was in college, there were only five women in my program. Starting out in the industry, I was often the only woman in the room. That meant I had to develop strong soft skills, build relationships, and have thick skin.

    But I never saw being the only woman as a disadvantage. In fact, I saw it as an opportunity. If you’re the only woman in the room and you do great work, people remember you. The key is earning respect through the quality of your work and being a team player.

    UTHH: What advice would you give to women aspiring to leadership roles in this industry?

    Stephanie:  Work on your communication and soft skills. Construction is like a team sport—you have to be able to collaborate and work well with others. On top of that, keep developing your technical skills and have a clear vision of where you want to go in your career.

    UTHH: How has the construction industry evolved in terms of diversity and inclusion since you began your career? What changes are still needed?

    Stephanie:  Things have definitely improved. In 2024, women made up 14% of the construction workforce, which is the highest it’s ever been. More women are being recognized in the field, and there are more opportunities than when I started. Schools and industry initiatives are also making construction a more accessible career path for women.

    But there’s still work to do. One of the biggest things we need to improve is making job sites more accommodating—whether that’s better-fitting safety gear, health and hygiene considerations, or improving working conditions. These are small but important changes that will make the industry more welcoming to women.

    UTHH: What are the biggest misconceptions about women in construction, and how can we challenge those narratives?

    Stephanie:  One of the biggest misconceptions is that women don’t want to work in construction because it’s too physical or dirty. Another is that women in the industry aren’t as dedicated to their careers because of family responsibilities. The reality is none of that is true. Women bring a lot of value to construction and oftentimes want to get their hands dirty.

    To change these narratives, we need to do a better job of promoting the construction industry as a place for women to work with many great career opportunities. This starts with educating people on the range of career paths available to shift outdated perceptions.

    UTHH: How do you see the role of women shaping the future of the construction industry?

    Stephanie:  Women bring a different perspective to projects, which improves outcomes and enhances collaboration. They also help create a workplace culture that makes people feel valued, which can attract more talent to the industry.

    UTHH: What message would you share with young women considering a career in construction but unsure if it’s the right path for them?

    Stephanie:  Construction is a growing field with great earning potential and relatively no pay gap between men and women. There are so many diverse roles—whether you want to be in leadership, project management, or hands-on building, there’s something for everyone. If you want a career where you can make a real impact, construction is worth considering.

    UTHH: Are there any programs or initiatives you’ve been involved in that you believe are particularly impactful for women entering the field?

    Stephanie:  For anyone interested in construction, I’d say get involved in programs and national peer groups early and focus on your strengths. Finding a niche that plays to your abilities will set you up for success. Here at ABC, we’ve held chapters that create leadership opportunities specifically for women. Girls’ camps are also a great way to give young women hands-on experience and help them see what’s possible in this field. It’s about getting involved, as there are opportunities out there now, you just have to look.

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  • Alisa Bailey of Waystone Consulting on being a woman in the AEC space: Part 1

    Alisa Bailey of Waystone Consulting on being a woman in the AEC space: Part 1

    When I was asked to write this article series, I struggled to solidify how I really felt about being a woman in construction. On the one hand, I love the industry and love my work, but on the other hand, it has been a grind, never seeming to become easier. I also wanted to ensure that the great men and women that I have had the pleasure of working with did not feel I was painting my whole experience as negative. And at the same time, I also wanted to be truthful about the realities that I and other female colleagues have and still face. 

    With that, here is part 1.

    Part 1: The pros and cons of a woman being in the field

    There are pros and cons to being a woman in construction

    The pros:

    1. You hold a unique position in the world, being only ten percent in your industry. And because of that unique position, you are an inspiration to the women and girls looking to follow in your footsteps.
    2. You have an opportunity to make a difference in how the world treats and views women.
    3. You provide a different viewpoint and perspective in a world dominated by men.
    4. You get to work in the AEC (Architecture, Engineering, and Construction) industry.

    The cons: Well…they are the same as the pros.

    And therein lies the challenge. 

    First, let’s talk about that unique position and becoming an inspiration to others. You are often revered for making it in a man’s world, with people musing about how hard it must have been and how great it is that you persevered…and succeeded. You also want to encourage those women and girls to join and stay in the industry. That the industry is amazing, dynamic, challenging, and fun. That you have loved your career, and even with the challenges you would not want to do something different. But that creates an immense burden, a feeling that you have to stick with it, even when it is really hard. Because if you quit, what message does that send to the women around you, and what message does it send to those who wanted you to fail? And yet, you don’t want to sugarcoat the reality of what women face, so they are shocked when they get in and are jolted by the reality of what their woman-ness means in that space. Even with all of my success, I still face some of those challenges and have had to create strategies to keep myself sane and healthy.

    Then, there is the amazing opportunity to make a difference. How many people can say that they have a real chance to change how their gender is perceived and to improve the existence of those who come after them? That is an amazing pro, and is a lot to put on the shoulders of so few. When things are not right and need to change, you feel the responsibility to stand up and speak out while also longing for the day that you can just be and not have to constantly be an advocate and, ultimately, an outsider. 

    And then there are the days when something happens, or something is said, and instead of fighting the good fight, you smile and nod or just sit silently. Whether it is a client saying it and you don’t want to offend or lose the deal, or you just don’t have it in you that day to say something, or you were so shocked that it even happened (and everyone else in the room just stood and watched as if nothing happened) that you couldn’t find words in the moment. Those are the moments you think about for a long time, either reliving the details and how you would do it differently next time or regretting your lost opportunity to do something. 

    Moving the industry away from egos and ‘win at all cost’, towards a foundation of collaboration, understanding, and respect for each other’s unique skillset and voice is the change the industry needs.

    Providing a different viewpoint, this is something that has taken many years to embrace, and now I understand and value that difference as the key to my success. In the early years of my career, I had no idea how to harness it and was loudly opinionated about far too many things (some that might not have been worthy of the isolation it garnered me). Through leadership training and a lot of personal growth, I was able to embrace my unique viewpoint and express it in a way that others could understand. I now recognize that every one of us has been molded by our one-of-a-kind experience in life and those differences create the amazing teams that we get to work with.  

    Moving the industry away from egos and ‘win at all cost’, towards a foundation of collaboration, understanding, and respect for each other’s unique skillset and voice is the change the industry needs. Shifting to a culture that encourages individuals to own their uniqueness, invites greater diversity, and fosters a kinder, more caring workplace will make the industry better. And it will ultimately help our industry with labour shortage issues and support skillsets that can better deal with the mental health issues that are finally being recognized in the industry.  

    So, you ask, why is there also a con? Because being in the minority and being different is exhausting. Fighting a system that has worked one way for so long feels like continuously pushing a boulder up a hill only to have it fall back down whenever you are close to the top.   Remaining confident in that path takes a toll. I’ve learned that to keep driving change and maintaining confidence in my path, I must remind myself that a boulder can’t continue to be pushed up the hill and fall back down without slowly eroding away into a grain of sand. Change is possible.

    Finally, item 4.  I love working in the AEC industry and couldn’t imagine myself doing anything else. I love learning new things every day, working with so many different people in so many different disciplines, finding ways to achieve seemingly impossible targets as a team and standing at the end of a project, seeing what your client described in words, looking back at you in three dimensions. The con, then? Well, the AEC industry is an industry that takes a long time to accept new things and to change. I am hopeful that with more people shifting into leadership positions, they want to see a change in the industry and don’t want others to have to experience the same issues that they encountered in their career journey; that we can start making exponential leaps forward in making this industry even more exceptional.

    Alisa Bailey

    Waystone Consulting

  • UTHH Women in Construction Week highlight: Build Like A Girl Canada

    UTHH Women in Construction Week highlight: Build Like A Girl Canada

    The carpentry and construction industries are often seen as a man’s game, and that’s what Build Like A Girl Canada is looking to combat. Founder Nikki Rhea aims to help women build beautiful woodworking pieces for their homes and self-confidence so they can realize their full potential. Since 2017, Build Like A Girl Canada has empowered thousands to try a new hobby in DIY construction and bridge the gender gap, one workshop at a time. 

    How Nikki Rhea turned wine rack requests into a successful business

    It all started with a demand for Nikki Rhea to build small items like shelves and wine racks. Known in her community for her woodworking and carpentry talent, she quickly became unable to keep up with the demand, with projects and requests only growing. 

    Instead of tackling everything herself, Rhea took to teaching a workshop. This way, the women would get the items they requested, learn a new skill, build confidence, and remove some of the barriers women typically encounter when it comes to building and construction. An evening dedicated to fulfilling one order turned into an output of 10+ items, and with Rhea still generating revenue with teaching, everybody won. 

    Nikki Rhea, founder of Build Like A Girl Canada

    The outpouring of positive feedback was unexpected, according to Rhea. Women were walking in timidly and walking out with a completed project they wanted and a sense of accomplishment. 

    These workspaces, also called SheShops, quickly snowballed into what is now known as Build Like A Girl Canada. Rhea’s vision is to inspire and empower each woman who leaves a SheShop. 

    What to expect from a workshop

    Each workshop varies in scope, and builders can sign up for a drop-in workshop using an online form to start small. All necessary materials will be prepped upon arrival, and tools will be available for each student.

    Workshop attendees will have all of the information about what they are building from the online form and can even choose custom sizing by emailing the team directly. Build Like A Girl stocks many paint brands and fusion mineral paints in colors like picket fence, chocolate, coal black, and trophy. 

    New builders should arrive in comfortable clothing, expect to learn a lot, and make a sizeable mess.

    Current workshops 

    Workshop types vary depending on the time of year, project demand, and other factors. Some examples of workshops that new builders could expect include:

    • Tiny Home Build (SOLD OUT): This tiny home build course teaches builders how to build a tiny home, from design to blueprints to cutting, framing, and final touches. It even gives students information on working with a plumber and an electrician and how to install a well and septic system. 
    • Custom Build 5-week course (SOLD OUT): In this custom build course, builders can get creative by finishing their own woodworking project over five weekly sessions. 
    • Knowledge of Tools Crash Course: This one-day crash course teaches builders the fundamentals of tools such as circular saws, table saws, jig saws, miter saws, and more. Students then take home a small project, thanks to their newly developed skills. 
    • Drop-in and Build: The aptly named drop-in and build course allows students to choose a project, choose a day that works for them, and show up and build it! This course offers 50 different project options, making it a fun workshop to attend again and again. 

    What the community is saying

    Build Like A Girl Canada has been involved in various ways in the local community and greater Canada. Not only does it host workshops, but Rhea also speaks at events around the country, advocating for women in construction and carpentry disciplines and making a difference by speaking up in these surrounding communities.

    Build Like A Girl Canada has long supported Girl Guides Canada and worked with them to help younger girls learn the basics of power tools. This allows them earn their “tool belt badge” and fosters an empowering, can-do spirit in our next generation of women. 

    They have also worked with school boards like Trillium Lakelands, appearing at speaking events and teaching woodworking classes. Schools like the ones in Trillium often lack these types of programs, and when they are offered, they are typically dominated by men. Build Like A Girl aims to show young women that carpentry and other trades are great career choices in a stable industry. 

    “The workshops are fun and rewarding. What a great experience to start with a pile of wood and to leave with a beautiful home decor piece that I built myself. The instructors are knowledgeable and very inspiring. Looking forward to attending more workshops in the future.” – Janet Moreira, workshop participant.

    The workshops are also promoted as deeply therapeutic, and mental health awareness is an important cause for the team at Build Like A Girl Canada. The concentration and mental focus in each SheShop help students achieve a state of meditation and clear their minds. 

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