Construction Advancement Foundation Launches Women in Construction Program

The Construction Advancement Foundation (CAF)  announced the launch of its Women in Construction (WIC) Program, a transformative initiative aimed at fostering equity, inclusion, and opportunities for women in the construction industry. With the mission of "Constructing Change," this program strives to empower current women leaders while inspiring and recruiting the next generation of females to consider careers in both the professional and building trades sides of the construction field.

The CAFWIC program is led by an inspiring group of women who bring unparalleled experience, passion, and leadership to the forefront. The founding members include:

• Erin Deal, Berglund Construction
• Jennifer Gough, Gough, Inc.
• Amy Henningfield, Superior Construction
• Margie Hoffman, Grimmer Construction
• Allie Komarowski, Milestone Contractors
• Lynda Niaves, Hasse Construction
• Lyndie Walton, Continental Electric
• Melody Weisberg, Construction Advancement Foundation

These dynamic leaders represent a cross-section of expertise spanning heavy civil construction, commercial projects, and more, working to build an industry where women lead and thrive.

A Commitment to Future Generations

In addition to creating a thriving environment for current professionals, the CAFWIC program is dedicated to inspiring young females to pursue careers in construction. The program seeks to break stereotypes by promoting awareness of the diverse opportunities available in both the professional side, such as project management, engineering, estimating, and accounting, and the building trades, which includes union affiliation.

“The construction industry is full of possibilities, and we want to show young women that there’s a place for them here—whether it’s leading teams on-site or managing projects from the office,” said Amy Henningfield, a founding member and passionate advocate for women in the industry.

“Through mentorship, education, and outreach, we are committed to helping women of all ages see construction as a viable, rewarding career.”

Program Highlights

The CAFWIC program focuses on:

• Recruiting and Inspiring Young Talent: Engaging with schools, communities, and organizations to encourage young females to explore career paths in construction.

• Mentoring and Empowering Women: Building a network of support to foster leadership and career growth.

• Promoting Industry Inclusion: Creating opportunities for women across all facets of construction, from the jobsite to the boardroom.

• Providing Training and Development: Offering workshops, resources, and guidance to help women advance professionally.

• Building a Community: Creating a welcoming, inclusive space for women to share experiences, ideas, and successes.

Why It Matters

As the construction industry faces a critical need for skilled professionals, attracting and retaining a diverse workforce has never been more important. By supporting women and encouraging young females to join the field, the CAF Women in Construction program aims to address workforce gaps while driving innovation and collaboration across the industry.

Join the Movement

The CAFWIC program invites women, allies, and young females across Northwest Indiana to get involved in this mission of empowerment and equity. Together, we can create a construction industry where women not only thrive but also redefine what is possible.