Anonymous woman
“What is the biggest challenge you have faced as a woman in the A/E/C industry?
The fact that the majority of companies are having a hard time with a “changing of the guard” – meaning people who have been in the industry for a very long time are in leadership positions and accustomed to “knowing what’s best” or utilizing their institutional knowledge to make decisions rather than (wisely) tapping younger, new talent who may have some different or creative ideas that could be explored. Unfortunately, the vast majority of these people in leadership positions are men and white. It results in a lack of modernization and creativity, which has an impact on company culture and attracting talent.
“What do you think the biggest opportunity is for overcoming or breaking down this barrier?
More and more companies are beginning to embrace diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) initiatives as guidance when continuing a company’s growth and representation in the market. By bringing in multiple different types of voices, we can break down these barriers that exist and build stronger, meaningful and more creative solutions.
Hannah Fleck, Civil Engineer and Sustainability Lead, JQOL
“What is the biggest challenge you have faced as a woman in the A/E/C industry?
Finding opportunities where I can grow creatively. People don’t associate engineering with creativity, but there’s a lot of artistry in site design. Creative opportunities tend to go to men by default without anyone questioning this because its seen as business as usual. Receiving credit for my work and receiving good critical feedback has also been an issue.
“What do you think the biggest opportunity is for overcoming or breaking down this barrier?
Say the barrier were a glass ceiling then I see my own voice as a hammer. When voices work in unison around an issue they become a battering ram. Women have to show up for other women and the next generation of women in their careers. It is the only way.
Anuya Sant, International Associate, LEED AP BD+C Graduate Architect, MD Architects, P.C.
“What is the biggest challenge you have faced as a woman in the A/E/C industry?
I think the biggest challenge women face in our or any industry is our inability to fully own our successes. Humility and empathy in leadership is an extremely positive attribute, but sometimes it is taken for granted. We need to own our accomplishments and the value we bring.
“What do you think the biggest opportunity is for overcoming or breaking down this barrier?
We now have more women in the A/E/C industry than what we had a decade ago. The sheer number is our most powerful asset to educate more girls and women together to empower and be each other’s biggest champions. We need to stand together.
Brianna Wetzel, Healthcare Project Architect at American Structurepoint
What is the biggest challenge you have faced as a woman in the A/E/C industry?
The biggest challenge I have faced as a woman in the field would be unconscious bias. Truthfully we deal with it daily at varying degrees across the entire industry. It can range from people assuming our role on a project as we walk into a meeting or on the job site to small degrading side comments that most people hardly notice as they are said in a joking manner. The inequality we constantly face tends to stem from the lack of awareness that it is happening as it has been the accept norm for years.
What do you think the biggest opportunity is for overcoming or breaking down this barrier?
Awareness and mindfulness would be the biggest help in breaking down this barrier. We all need to be aware that it is happening and our role in it. By allowing or participating in bias towards others it causes barriers to be built within the industry. We all need to be mindful of our own actions so we aren’t being a hindrance to others, and speak up when we see bias occurring to help bring awareness. Changing unconscious bias to conscious bias is the first step towards change.
