5 Women Who Changed the Construction Industry

Since 1995, presidents have issued a series of annual proclamations designating the month of March as “Women’s History Month.” These proclamations celebrate the contributions women have made to the United States and recognize the specific achievements women have made over the course of American history in a variety of fields.

Women have been making significant contributions to the construction industry for many years. From engineers and architects to construction workers and entrepreneurs, women have played an integral role in shaping the built environment. So as another March is coming to a close, we thought we would round out Women's History Month 2023 with a quick look at 5 women who, in their own times and ways, changed the construction industry.

Emily Roebling

Emily Roebling was born in New York City in 1843. She married Washington Roebling, an engineer who was working on the Brooklyn Bridge at the time. When he became ill with caisson disease, she took over his duties and became the first woman to earn a degree in civil engineering from an American university in 1869. She continued working on the bridge until its completion in 1883. Her contributions to the construction of the Brooklyn Bridge have had a lasting impact on the industry.

Lillian Gilbreth

Lillian Gilbreth was an industrial engineer and one of the first working mothers in America. In her work, she focused on time and motion studies to improve efficiency in the workplace. Her work had a direct impact on the construction industry. She developed techniques that are still used today to streamline construction projects and improve productivity. She also wrote several books on her findings, which served as valuable resources for those in the construction industry. Gilbreth's groundbreaking work earned her the title of "mother of modern management."

Linda Alvarado

Linda Alvarado is a Mexican-American entrepreneur and the founder of Alvarado Construction, Inc. She is the first Hispanic woman to own a major league baseball franchise and has been recognized for her contributions to the construction industry by numerous organizations. Alvarado has also been a strong advocate for women and minorities in construction, working tirelessly to break down barriers and create opportunities for women and minorities in this field.

Lorraine Grillo

Lorraine Grillo is the president and CEO of the New York City School Construction Authority, responsible for managing the design and construction of public school facilities in New York City. Grillo has been recognized for her leadership in the industry and her efforts to promote diversity and inclusion in the construction workforce. Her leadership has helped to create a more inclusive and diverse industry, and she is an inspiration to many women who are pursuing careers in construction.

Sache Ivy

Sache Ivy is the Founder of Pink Hard Hatz Construction in Chicago, IL. Pink Hard Hatz has been in business for over 15 years and is the largest female minority-owned construction company in the Chicagoland area. Ivy's contributions to the construction industry have been immense. She has created jobs and opportunities for women and minorities in construction, and her work has helped to break down barriers and create a more inclusive industry.

Women have been making significant contributions to the construction industry for many years. The women we have highlighted here are just a few examples of the many women who have helped to shape this industry. As another Women's History Month draws to a close, let us recognize and celebrate the contributions of women to the construction industry. Crane Solution Supply is proud to be woman-co-owned, and will continue to promote diversity and inclusion in this field. By doing so, we can create a more vibrant, innovative, and prosperous construction industry for all.