Build Me Up: Developing the Next Generation of Women in Construction with AWC

According to the National Association for Women in Construction, women still only make up about 10% of the construction industry workforce. Outreach and opportunity are critical in building a more diverse workforce and addressing the industry’s ongoing labor shortage.

The Association for Women Contractors (AWC) works to empower women business owners and service providers in construction. With a network of over 200 members – 120 of those being women-owned construction companies in Minnesota – AWC is driven to create opportunities, collaborate, and help women succeed in the industry.

Eva Sharot, a Construction Management student at Minnesota State University – Mankato and a summer intern at Kraus-Anderson, received an AWC scholarship to support her studies. In the latest episode of KA’s Build Me Up podcast, Eva Sharot, along with AWC Executive Director Barb Lau and KA Project Manager Mark Oelrich, discuss AWC and how they are creating opportunities for young women in construction.

About the Association of Women Contractors

The AWC is driven by its goal to empower women business owners and service providers. Since 1995, AWC has grown into a diverse community of members working across commercial, residential, and transportation construction in Minnesota. But they wanted to expand their reach to empower the next generation of women in construction. In 2000, they launched the AWC Scholarship Program to help recipients afford their education, connect with members, and develop a strong support system. AWC raised $1,000 the first year of its annual golf fundraiser, and has since awarded over $220,000 in scholarships. The scholarship program has expanded to include both academic track and apprenticeship track recipients.

Meet Eva Sharot

Eva Sharot is a Construction Management student with big aspirations. Her father has worked in construction for over 20 years, and she first began working in the industry for a women-owned plumbing company throughout high school. Now one of just two female Construction Management students in her class at Minnesota State University – Mankato, Eva aspires to own a construction business one day to pave the way for other young women who may feel like there isn’t space for them in the industry. She founded the Construction Management Women’s Association at Mankato with hopes of visiting local high schools to educate young women on career paths in construction. Rather than seeing it as a challenge being one of the only females in her class, Eva sees it as an opportunity.

Eva and her mentor Mark Oelrich are working on site at the White Bear Lake South Campus gym addition project. Eva is a graduate of the White Bear Lake School District and returning to her alma mater has been a real full-circle moment for her. She continues to ask questions and absorb her experience in the field. While there are only a few women on site with her, Eva is passionate about entering the construction workforce and setting an example for future women in the industry.

To learn more about the AWC and opportunities for women in construction, tune in to the latest episode of Build Me Up. You can subscribe to Build Me Up wherever you listen to podcasts.