Top 10: Women in Construction

The construction industry is a male-dominated field, often seen as one impossible for women to enter.

Despite this, there are many women who have staked their place in the sector, working to strengthen their voice and empower other women to enter the industry.

The industry is undergoing some significant changes, with the implementation of digital tools, the focus on sustainability and the growing diversity welcoming workers from all walks of life.

Here, Construction Digital explores the Top 10 women in construction who are founding new companies, developing new ways of approaching projects, or championing diversity within construction.

10. Roni Savage

Title: Founder & Managing Director
Company: Jomas Associates

Roni brings her experience in geology and engineering to Jomas Associates, where she is Founder and Managing Director. She is an advocate for diversity and inclusion in STEM and construction, having built a reputation as a trailblazer in the industry.

She has more than 20 years of experience specialising in geotechnical and environmental services, utilising her expertise and passion to make changes, both in environmental due-diligence and industry diversity. She champions sustainable solutions to secure a future for the next generation.

9. Mandy Willis

Title: Group Board Director of Corporate Strategy
Company: Mace

Mandy leads on governance and corporate restructuring activities which ensure the delivery of the Mace strategy. She is also responsible for the funding and research & development of the company.

In her role, she drives innovation within the company to ensure it follows the best practices at all times and is constantly striving to be the best. Moreover, she is a Board Sponsor for 'Women at Mace', working to grow diversity and equality across the company. 

8. Carmen Diaz

Title: Chief People and Sustainability Officer
Company: Holcim

In Carmen's role as Chief People and Sustainability Officer, she helps empower the people at Holcim while they work towards the company's shared vision for sustainable construction. She works with teams around the world to unlock growth opportunities that unlock new value.

Sustainability is a major part of Holcim's strategies, with people being a driving force of that. Carmen uses her position to improve safety and talent across the company, helping the company meet its targets and foster a positive impact.

7. Stephanie Graham

Title: CEO, Construction
Company: Lendlease

Stephanie began her career at Lendlease more than 20 years ago, entering the company as a site engineer. Over time, she has worked her way to the top, where she now sits as the CEO of Construction. During her time, she has led some of the company's most complex and large-scale infrastructure projects.

In her role, she works to improve where people work and live, championing a digital approach. She has a focus on empowering her workforce, ensuring inclusivity and equity in each space.

6. Julie Zulich

Title: CEO
Company: TESC Contracting

Julie is the owner and CEO of TESC Contracting, a leader in integrated construction services. It partners with clients on industrial, institutional and infrastructure projects. Julie nurtures young talent and celebrates innovation across the construction sector, working to develop loyal trade relationships.

She is a champion of bridging the gap, bringing together industry mentors, partners and students in order to address the challenges within construction and infrastructure, as well as help develop a workforce of tomorrow.

5. Jacqueline Hinman

Title: CEO and Director
Company: Atlas

Jacqueline has been leading Atlas since 2024, helping point the company to success through her vision of profitable growth, excellent client service, efficient operations and a great company culture. Atlas provides infrastructure and environmental solutions across the project lifecycle, focusing on agility, quality and safety.

Her leadership approach across the firm develops engagement, celebrates open communication and helps elevate careers. She uses her position to create long-term trusted partnerships and strong client relationships.

4. Nicola Bird

Title: Founder and CEO
Company: AccXel

Nicola is the Founder and CEO of AccXel, the UK's first industry-led, co-funded construction school. It is a dedicated space for construction training, helping address skills and workforce gaps in order to build a strong workforce.

Alongside this, Nicola is also the Chief Operating Officer at KW Bell Group, where she helps the company with its growth and innovation pathway and works to ensure diversity across the sector. These positions work in tandem to encourage more women to enter the sector, providing them with the opportunity to learn.

3. Sheryl Palmer Taylor

Title: CEO
Company: Taylor Morrison

Since 2017, Sheryl has served as President and CEO of Taylor Morrison, a company she has helped shape for nearly two decades. Her leadership is underscored by the firm’s 11-year streak as "America’s Most Trusted Home Builder," a testament to the brand's enduring reputation under her guidance.

An innovation-focused leader, Sheryl is currently spearheading a shift from traditional digital tools to agentic AI. This forward-thinking strategy aims to transform the home-buying process, allowing customers to virtually design and experience their future homes long before the first stone is laid.

2. Lara Poloni

Title: President
Company: AECOM

Lara has held several key leadership roles in the company, including Chief Executive of AECOM’s operations in Europe, the Middle East and Africa (EMEA) and as Chief Executive of the Australia New Zealand business from 2014 to 2017. She works across the planning, development and assessment of major infrastructure projects for public and private sector clients.

Lara helps deliver a range of solutions to some of society's most complex infrastructure challenges. She is also a member of the World Economic Forum’s Global Future Council on Infrastructure, demonstrating a desire to ensure the construction sector remains sustainable and operational for future generations. 

Much of the work Lara conducts ensures industry growth, the leveraging of competitive advantages and the deepening of client relationships in order to drive real growth and help deliver life-changing infrastructure projects.

1. Katrina Dowding

Title: President & CEO
Company: Skanska UK

Katy was appointed President and CEO of Skanska UK in 2023, bringing a 33-year career to the role. Her passion for the construction industry drives her towards success and empowers younger people to gain new insights on the sector. Within her role, she works to inspire new people to enter the industry, helping people understand the impact construction has on everything they do.

She has undertaken a variety of projects, including collaborations with the Ministry of Defence to refurbish a Grade II listed building in a major construction project. She has also worked across hospitals, army barracks and telecoms. Katy is working to drive productivity and efficiency across the construction sector, bringing in digital tools to further collaboration and reduce wasted effort on projects.

Moreover, she is passionate about inclusion and diversity within the industry, acting as the executive sponsor for Skanska UK’s Womxn’s and Pride employee networks.