News

Women in Construction Week: Celebration of Epic Women

For many years, industries like construction, engineering, architecture, and demolition were reserved only for men. But now, more and more women are breaking the barriers and pursuing successful careers in these male-dominated fields. This is evident through celebrations like Women In Construction Week every first week of March and programs like DemoChicks.

Founder, Robin Thorne, at the launch of DemoChicks. 
Founder, Robin Thorne, at the launch of DemoChicks. 

Women are the backbone of society therefore empowering a woman means empowering an entire society. This can be done by changing stereotypes and providing new opportunities. Held by the National Association of Women in Construction, the Women In Construction Week highlights the important role that women play in the industry and also helps promote awareness of such opportunities for women in construction.  

According to the Labor Statistics from the Current Population Survey, the share of women in the construction industry currently stands at only 10.3 percent. Another report by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics shows that the Employment of construction laborers and helpers is projected to grow 11 percent from 2018 to 2028. And as the industry continues to face a massive shortage of workers, there’s a call for more women to join this lucrative industry which is full of opportunities.

Robin receiving a proclamation from the City of Long Beach signed by the Mayor and Councilmembers presented by the 9th District Councilmember representative. 

LISC LA co-sponsored the “Celebrating Epic Women” event held in Long Beach last year. The event was coordinated by CTI Environmental and was produced in an effort to prove that women can venture and move forward in the construction, engineering, demolition, and architectural industries.

The gathering recognized women who were leaders in their fields and a special highlight of the evening honored Robin Thorne and her company CTI Environmental, which was celebrating 10 years in business. Thorne also launched DemoChicks, a nonprofit focused on helping young girls and women venture in the fields of engineering, architecture, construction, and demolition.

Robin with 4 of the 5 young ladies who were the first DemoChicks scholarship recipients.
Robin with 4 of the 5 young ladies who were the first DemoChicks scholarship recipients.

DemoChicks offers services such as mentoring, job training, and personal internships whereby participants are given a chance to experience a career without committing before entering college or an apprenticeship program. Although most women tend to shy away from a non-traditional career path, Thorne believes that if they were to be exposed to the opportunity, they could potentially develop an interest and desire to acquire the skills and knowledge.

This event aimed to support DemoChicks which shares our mission of supporting talent in underinvested communities with the skills and credentials to compete successfully for quality income and wealth opportunities.