For Women in Construction Week, March 2-8, 2025, GBCA is proud to honor the women who are making an impact in our industry. Through leadership, active participation, and contributions to key initiatives, these women are helping to shape the future of construction.
This week, GBCA is spotlighting Lizanne Pepin, Lead Field Engineer at Hilti, Inc.
Women are taking on more leadership roles in construction. How do you think representation at the business development level can influence change and open more doors for women in the field?
An increased presence of women in business development roles have a positive impact on opportunities for all women in the construction industry. These roles are pivotal as business developers are the public faces of their companies, involved in decision-making, and active at industry events. Women in these positions become role models, showing the industry is welcoming. They excel at networking, connecting women with employers, mentors, and clients, uniquely driving change due to their visibility and focus on networking.
What is the most rewarding part of working in the construction industry?
The most rewarding part of working in construction is the combination of the remarkable people I work with, the variety of experiences, and the opportunity to make a real difference. I’ve met so many talented and genuinely caring people in this industry. I love hearing different perspectives and seeing how teams come together to create solutions that draw on everyone’s expertise. My days are never the same. One day I might be in an office presenting a technical seminar to an engineering team and the next day I could be hanging off the side of a building testing anchors. My company’s mission is to make construction better by providing products and services that boost productivity, enhance safety, and promote sustainability and I have opportunity to do that every day. It’s incredibly rewarding to spend time trying to help others in the industry save time, find more reliable solutions, and create safer buildings.
Where do you see the future of women in construction heading in the next 5-10 years?
The future for women in construction looks very bright. The industry is grappling with a significant labor shortage due to an aging workforce and declining interest from younger generations which is creating a high demand for skilled workers, including women. Simultaneously, the construction industry is rapidly adopting new technologies like Building Information Modeling (BIM), drones, robotics, modular construction, and even human augmentation devices. These advancements are opening a wider range of career paths and opportunities especially for women in the field. Over the next 5-10 years, I anticipate a significant shift as more women rise into leadership positions, serving as role models and inspiring the next generation. This, coupled with the influx of a younger, more gender-equitable workforce, will hopefully make gender bias a thing of the past.
What advice would you give to young women considering a career in construction?
Go for it! Construction offers endless opportunities, especially with emerging technologies. Explore the industry’s diverse roles and learn continuously. Step out of your comfort zone by joining organizations and attending events to network. Choose a company that values integrity, quality, safety, and growth; one that will support your development through training and resources. Earn certifications, advance your education, and learn from colleagues. Be proactive, help others, and remember, your unique talents are your strength. Strive daily to be your best self.
