I had the opportunity to attend this year’s Women Inspire Construction in early October. This annual event brings women across the construction industry together from engineers, architects and designers to contractors, historic preservationists, and other in-field specialists. During the breakfast, a panel of ladies within the industry shared their backgrounds and the lessons they have learned throughout their careers.

Our first speaker of the morning was Lindsay Jones, owner and CEO of Blind Restoration. Lindsay conveyed her journey with us, from her father owning his own handyman business to her experience as an apprentice within the architectural conservation field. Her journey has allowed for her to become a leader within the historic preservation field, and it was inspiring to understand how her passion and experience have blended together seamlessly to create her business.

The second speaker to take the stage was Jamie Hadac, owner and CEO of Fire-Seal. Jamie shared with the audience how she learned to be assertive and fearlessly ask questions throughout her career, and how it is important to take the opportunity to learn something new about the industry. It was inspiring to hear her story of perseverance and her ability to adapt to new situations in combination with her willingness to continue to learn.

Denise Delong, President of Singleton Construction, also shared her story which had an extremely unique aspect. Her mother was one of the founders of Singleton construction, and due to external circumstances Denise found her way to becoming the managing director of the business. Denise disclosed how through the challenges of the recession and the change in the industry, her motivation to continue to push and improve the business came from her mother. This was inspiring to see another woman within the industry lift another woman up and encourage her to continue striving through the difficulty.

Patricia McClimon from Nationwide Children’s Hospital was the final speaker to address the group. Patricia’s daily role is different than the first three speakers, due to her duties within the construction process falling within the client role rather than on the construction side of the industry. However, Patricia was able to provide advice that strongly resonated with me. She encouraged us to not “play the woman card” but to fearlessly take our seat at the table. She also encouraged us, as women, to ask questions to further understand processes, but to phrase them as a clarification rather than wondering if the question may be considered “dumb.” Her entire speech in and of itself was inspiring and is a wonderful reminder for all of us, regardless of gender roles.

In conclusion, the morning was an amazing and — for lack of a better term — inspiring event. It was moving to see a room filled with women within multiple facets of the industry, and to hear the ways the panelists have overcome the challenges they have faced. I am most certainly looking forward to next year’s event!