By Sonia Hartwell
Earlier this month, I had the opportunity to participate in a panel at the LEAP Women in Construction Conference in Vancouver. It is an experience I am still reflecting on, not because of the stage but because of the conversations that happened around it. What stood out most was not any single insight, but the collective energy in the room and the sense that our industry is moving in a meaningful direction.
LEAP brought together an incredible group of people from across construction, including leaders, operators and those just beginning their careers. There is a growing recognition that construction is evolving and that the people shaping its future need to reflect the diversity and strength of the communities we serve. Being part of that conversation was something I genuinely valued.
Seeing the Shift
One of the questions I was asked during the panel was what changes I am seeing for women in construction. The most encouraging shift is that more women are entering the industry, particularly in project and management roles. There is a growing awareness that construction offers stable and meaningful careers with real long term opportunity.
At the same time, I think it is important to be honest about where we still have work to do. The biggest opportunity ahead is in the skilled trades and in senior leadership. We need clearer pathways that help women not only enter the industry but understand how they can grow within it over time. When that visibility exists, it has a direct impact on confidence, retention and leadership representation.
Leadership is Built Through Experience
Another topic we discussed was leadership and how working your way up shapes your approach. For me, leadership has always been grounded in experience. I have learned the most by being given real responsibility and being trusted to work through challenges, often in real time.
That is something we try to carry forward at Berto. We focus on giving people meaningful opportunities early so they can build confidence and develop practical skills. When people are supported while also being challenged, they grow in a way that benefits both the individual and the broader team. I have seen that when women are given the same level of opportunity and mentorship, they step into leadership roles just as quickly as anyone else.
What It Takes to Attract and Retain Women
A question that comes up often, and did again at LEAP, is how construction companies can attract and retain more women. In my experience, it starts with practical steps that show up in the day to day environment.
Clear training pathways, supportive supervisors and respectful workplaces are essential. These are not abstract ideas, they are the conditions that determine whether someone stays, whether they grow and whether they see a future in the industry. When those elements are in place, people are far more likely to build long term careers.
We also need to introduce young women to construction earlier. Many people simply do not know what the work looks like or how many different roles exist. Once they are exposed to it and can see what a career path might look like, interest and confidence tend to follow naturally. There is a real opportunity here if we are intentional about how we approach it.
The Strengths Women Bring
We also spoke about what women bring to leadership in construction. From my perspective, it comes down to accountability and communication, both of which are critical in an industry that relies on coordination and trust.
Construction projects are complex and success depends on how well teams work together. Clear communication builds trust across crews, clients and partners, and that trust keeps projects moving forward. In my experience, women often bring a collaborative approach that strengthens those dynamics and improves overall team performance.
Advice for Those Considering the Industry
For women considering a career in construction, my advice is to stay open to the opportunity and take the time to understand what the industry can offer. This is a field where you can build a meaningful career and see the direct impact of your work.
There is also real potential for long term growth. If you are willing to learn, ask questions and take on responsibility, there are many paths forward. It is important to look for companies that are willing to invest in your development and support your progression over time.
A Community Worth Being Part Of
What made LEAP especially meaningful was the sense of community that came with it. The conversations did not start and stop on the panel, they carried throughout the day and into the relationships being built between people across the industry.
That sense of connection is important because progress does not happen in isolation. It happens when people share experiences, challenge each other and continue to push forward together. If you would like to see some of the moments from the event, you can view the official photo album on the VRCA site here:
Looking Ahead
I left LEAP feeling optimistic about where the industry is heading and the role women will continue to play in shaping that future. There is still work to be done, but the direction is clear and the momentum is real.
For women already in construction, your presence matters more than you may realize and your contribution is helping to shape what comes next. For those considering entering the industry, there is space for you here and there are people ready to support that journey.
I am grateful to have been part of this year’s conversation and I hope to see even more women participate next year as we continue building an industry that is stronger, more inclusive and better positioned for the future.
