Women in Construction Week is a time to recognize and promote the vital role women play in the construction industry. While construction has historically been a male-dominated field, progress is steadily being made. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, women currently make up 14% of the construction workforce, and this number continues to rise as access, education, and leadership opportunities expand.
At United Group, we are fortunate to have two women on our Construction team. That includes Hannah Galarneau, Assistant Construction Project Manager, and Kaitlyn Robinson, Construction Project Specialist. Both play an integral role in supporting United Group’s large-scale projects, contributing to coordination, budgeting, documentation, and overall project execution.
In recognition of Women in Construction Week, we sat down with Hannah and Kaitlyn to learn more about their roles, their experiences in the industry, and their perspective on where the construction industry is headed next.
Questions:
Can you explain your role at United Group and what your day-to-day responsibilities look like?
Hannah: As a Construction Assistant Project Manager, I support the planning, coordination, and execution of construction projects from pre-construction through closeout. My daily responsibilities include assisting with scheduling and subcontractor coordination. I help manage project documentation, RFIs, submittals, change orders, and contracts, while ensuring compliance with quality standards. I also participate in site meetings, track progress, assist with cost control, and communicate regularly with project managers, field teams, clients, and vendors to resolve issues and maintain project momentum.
Kaitlyn: As the Construction Project Specialist my job includes a little bit of everything. I have to understand the roles and responsibilities of others to be able to assist on anything, but independently I oversee our procurement and relationships with our designers.
United Group oversees more than $250 million in construction projects annually. What does it mean to you to contribute to work at that scale? What are some of the notable projects you’ve had the opportunity to work on, and what was your involvement in them?
Hannah: Contributing to work at the scale United Group operates at is both motivating and meaningful to me. Being part of large, complex projects means having the opportunity to make a real impact, not only on the success of the project but also on the communities these developments serve. Working at this level pushes me to stay highly organized, detail-oriented, and proactive, while continuously improving my technical and leadership skills.
Some notable projects I’ve had the opportunity to work on include the APEX at Crossgates, Arbella at Bramble Hill , and City Station North. My involvement has included assisting with scheduling, subcontractor coordination, material procurement, project documentation, RFIs, submittals, and cost tracking. I have also supported on-site operations by attending meetings, helping resolve field issues, and ensuring work aligns with project plans, schedules, and quality standards. These experiences have allowed me to gain hands-on exposure to all phases of construction and better understand how large-scale projects are successfully delivered from planning through closeout.
Kaitlyn: I have been lucky to be on this team since 2021, so the first project I ever stepped foot on was Arcadia Gardens. I’ve been on all of our construction projects since,and they all hold different notable memories. I like to quantify these projects by the homes we’ve been able to provide our residents (over 1,000 units!) rather than the dollar amount, and knowing I had an impact on so many peoples homes is the most rewarding part.
Women make up a relatively small percentage of the construction workforce, and an even smaller percentage in field roles. Why do you think that gap still exists?
Hannah: I think the gap still exists largely due to long-standing industry stereotypes, limited early exposure, and a lack of visible role models for women in construction and field leadership roles. Construction has traditionally been seen as a male-dominated industry, which can discourage young women from considering it as a viable or welcoming career path. Without early encouragement, mentorship, or representation, many may not realize the range of opportunities available within the field. I believe increasing visibility, support, and opportunity will help close this gap and strengthen the workforce overall.
Kaitlyn: There are a lot of harmful stereotypes against women that clash with the traditional roles they’ve been within, and the idea that they’re not as strong and emotional are doing buildings everywhere and numerous companies a disservice. Women in Construction week, though only starting officially in 1960, finds a lot of its roots from immigrant women fighting for decades to have safe labor conditions. It’s where we get OSHA from, and as women started branching out professionally they upheld that caring and protective oversight everywhere. Women have always been in these roles and are just better at surviving it and getting respect for it as time passes.
For young women considering construction, what different career paths exist beyond field labor that they may not know about?
Hannah: There are many career paths in construction beyond field labor that young women may not be aware of. These include roles such as project management, estimating, scheduling, procurement, quality control, safety management, design coordination, and construction administration. There are also opportunities in engineering, architecture, interior design, sustainability, development, client relations, and operations management. and building science, as well as roles in accounting, human resources, and marketing that are specific to the construction industry.
Kaitlyn: The entire world of STEM (science, technology, engineering, mathematics) needs more women, and any branch of that path that interests young women has no reason not to be pursued. They all have a level of technical detail, and women’s unique perspectives need to be heard in these spaces.
How important is early exposure in encouraging young women to enter the construction field?
Hannah: When students are introduced to construction at a young age through school programs, job site visits, internships, or mentorship opportunities, it helps break down stereotypes and shows them that construction offers diverse, rewarding, and attainable career paths. Exposure builds familiarity and confidence, allowing young women to better envision themselves in these roles. This is why I joined the She Built Foundation an Ambassador, I have the opportunity to speak with young girls about my job and spark their interest in the industry. I hope to serve as a role model for young girls who may want to work in Construction.
Kaitlyn: There is a beautiful quote attributed to Mark Twain that says, “they didn’t know it was impossible, so they did it.” Telling a young girl they can’t be in these fields can be crushing and confusing, as before they were told the question of allowance to participate never crossed their minds. Representation keeps the dream alive and shows the possibility and success in those areas for generations to come.
What does the future of women in construction look like to you? Have you seen positive changes in the industry since you started?
Hannah: The future of women in construction looks very promising to me. I’ve already seen positive changes in the industry, including increased awareness and stronger mentorship programs (especially after attending the NAHB International Builder’s Show last month). As more companies continue to invest in mentorship, education, and inclusive workplace cultures, I believe the construction industry will become more diverse, innovative, and strong, creating long-term opportunities for women at every level.
Kaitlyn: I hope for a bright future where people are correctly judged for the quality of their work and not something like gender or race. I believe everyone should be properly compensated for their work and work ethic. Though the change in the industry is slow and hasn’t been drastic in my time working I have faith that future generations will carry the touch and continue to push for the necessary changes.
If you could change one thing about the industry tomorrow, what would it be?
Hannah: I would make sustainability a central focus in every project and decision. While the industry has made progress, there is still an opportunity to reduce environmental impact through more efficient building practices, waste reduction, and the use of renewable materials. By embedding green practices into every stage of construction, we can build smarter, more resilient projects that benefit the environment and create long-term value for clients, communities, and the workforce.
Kaitlyn: If I could change one thing about the industry it would be for companies tailored to this industry to take women’s position here seriously. So often women are limited in PPE and forced to use products designed for men, and though that doesn’t seem to be a large issue it can impact the safety of everyone. Having properly designed and fit items in a high risk field can make or break things, and everyone deserves to go home safely at the end of the day.
Anything else you want people to know about being a woman in construction or the construction industry in general?
Kaitlyn: I always want to remind people that women are greater for rising above the barriers put in place for them, and it takes everyone to start breaking them down. I have met the most inspiring, resilient, and loving women in this industry and we all understand how hard it can be to go into work some days. Have grace for your local lady in construction, and remember what she’s up against so you stand with and not against.