The 2023 Women Build Nations (WBN) conference, held in Las Vegas, marked a significant milestone in the construction industry by celebrating the growing role of women in the trades. As the largest gathering of tradeswomen globally, this annual event, organized by North America’s Building Trades Unions (NABTU), attracted more than 3,000 women from across the U.S., Canada, and other countries, demonstrating that women are reshaping the construction landscape.
One of the most notable aspects of the conference was its emphasis on empowering women in a traditionally male-dominated industry. Tradeswomen from various disciplines—including welding, electrical work, carpentry, and more—shared their experiences of breaking into the industry, overcoming obstacles, and advancing in their careers. Over the past decade, the number of women in the U.S. construction workforce has risen from 9% to 14%, reflecting a significant cultural shift within the sector.
According to Sean McGarvey, president of NABTU, the surge in women entering the trades is not just a trend but a transformative movement. He emphasized that the Biden administration’s focus on supporting union jobs and equitable hiring practices has been instrumental in this change. “We are committed to creating an inclusive environment where women are not only welcomed but empowered to succeed,” McGarvey said during the conference.
Another key highlight of the event was the panel discussion on the New York State Thruway project, where women held 30% of the key roles. This was hailed as an example of what the future of the industry could look like, with more women occupying leadership and decision-making positions. The conference also offered a range of workshops and training sessions to help attendees enhance their skills and move into leadership roles.
Liz Shuler, the first female president of the AFL-CIO, also spoke at the event, urging women to continue pushing for more representation in the trades. “This is our moment to double and triple our numbers in the industry,” she said. Shuler noted that while the growth in women’s participation is encouraging, much work remains to be done to ensure sustained progress.
Childcare was a recurring theme throughout the conference. Many women in the trades face significant challenges balancing work and family life, especially in demanding fields like construction. Maria Ford, president of Stanley Black & Decker’s Commercial and Industrial Division, addressed the difficulties she encountered as a single mother working in the industry. “Childcare is a major issue for women in the trades,” Ford said. The event organizers have made addressing such challenges a priority by introducing initiatives to provide more support for working mothers.
For many attendees, the networking opportunities at the conference were just as valuable as the workshops and panel discussions. Vicki O’Leary, NABTU’s Tradeswomen Committee Chair and a longtime Ironworker, highlighted the importance of building a strong community among tradeswomen. “We maxed out the venue, and the energy here is incredible,” O’Leary said. She noted that five hotels were completely booked for the event, underlining its growing significance.
“We maxed out the venue, and the energy here is incredible.”
O’Leary’s own journey into the trades began on a dare from her brother, an Ironworker. She took the apprenticeship test and quickly found herself immersed in the world of construction. Over time, she earned multiple degrees and rose to become a key leader in the industry. Her story serves as an inspiration to the thousands of women who are just beginning their careers in the trades.
Another prominent figure at the conference was Erica Stewart, a Boilermaker and military veteran. Stewart spoke about her transition from the military to working in a shipyard in Pascagoula, Mississippi. She later became the first female president of her Boilermakers Local and now sits on the TWBN committee. “I want to show women that no matter where you come from, you can make a difference in this industry,” Stewart said. She highlighted the importance of mentorship and leadership in helping women navigate their careers.
The 2023 WBN conference was not just about celebrating the achievements of women in the trades; it also focused on the challenges that remain. Breakout sessions addressed issues like harassment, wage gaps, and the need for better retention strategies. One session, titled “Moving Beyond Recruitment to Retention: Building Ally Networks in the Workplace,” emphasized the importance of creating a supportive environment that encourages women to stay in the industry long-term.
According to NABTU, one of the key goals moving forward is to ensure that women feel supported not just as employees, but as future leaders of the industry. The organization has partnered with the U.S. Department of Labor to recruit and train women for all trades, addressing barriers such as childcare that have historically limited women’s participation. This partnership aims to create a pipeline for women to enter and thrive in the construction sector.
As the construction industry continues to grow, the role of women in the field is becoming increasingly prominent. The 2023 WBN conference was a testament to the progress that has been made, but it also highlighted the need for continued efforts to ensure that women are not only entering the trades, but also advancing into leadership positions. As NABTU and other organizations continue to push for greater gender equality, the future of women in construction looks brighter than ever.
