Chelsea Thompson Talks Women in Construction for International Women's Day

This past week the construction industry celebrated Women in Construction Week (March 1-7) to strengthen and amplify the success of women. Today, as I reflect on the events of the past week, I find great synergy with the International Women’s Day theme #EachforEqual. As a life-long member of this industry, I’d like to share a few thoughts.

Being a woman in construction and development, I find myself in situations where more often than not I am the only woman present in meetings, or even part of a project. I grew up in this industry—on job sites and in job trailers. I consider myself fortunate that I have a sense of comfortability that other women may not have their first day walking on site. For that reason, I try to focus on two important factors in the continuing efforts to move the needle on women joining this industry.

First, mentorship and women supporting each other. Mentorship among men in this industry is organic in nature. However, there are significantly fewer female leaders to come up alongside young women entering the field. This is a huge priority to not only attract, but retain top talent.

Secondly, it is important to normalize women being present in project meetings, making decisions, walking the jobsites, being in the job trailers, wearing the site boots and hardhats. The work itself is not more difficult for women than men. It’s the white noise that surrounds the work that creates barriers of entry, and certainly career advancement.

I’m not a female Developer, I’m a Developer. I wasn’t a female Project Manager, I was a Project Manager. Normalizing these standards is something I believe in very strongly.  I didn’t think I could be more passionate about it until I had my now four-month-old baby girl. I’ve realized that my thick skin won’t necessarily transfer to her. We need to keep bulldozing this path so it’s more clear for every woman whom comes in behind me. The next woman up needs to continue to do the same. If this happens, when it’s Charlotte’s turn there will be a clear path for her and all future generations of little girls, no matter which path they choose.

Chelsea Thompson is the Vice President of Operations at Rebar Development. She is a seasoned construction professional and has built her career overseeing public and private sector projects with a focus on efficient management of project costs. Chelsea is an active member of Indy CREW, a national organization of commercial real estate women, and co-chairs the membership committee. She is also a member of the National Association of Women in Construction.