WIC Week 2021
Women in Construction Week is an opportunity every year for women to connect, learn and empower one another to continue growing their careers in an industry in which they’ve long been underrepresented. Mortenson is proud to lead this weeklong event as part of our ongoing efforts to diversify the construction workforce and promote parity for women and people of color in our industry.
Women in Construction Week (WIC Week) began March 8 this year with a Day of Service. Sixty-five Denver team members volunteered at nonprofits that support women and education. Their efforts included:
- Repairs and preparing for the renovation of the outdoor recreation area at Girls Inc.
- Painting sheds, organizing and cleaning toys at Florence Crittenton.
- Volunteering at Food Bank of the Rockies.
- Cleaning up the Safe Outdoor Space at Colorado Village Collaborative.
- Volunteering at Transportation and Construction GIRLS.
In addition to their volunteer efforts, as part of WIC Week, each project site will host a breakfast or lunch to celebrate the efforts of the women on their project teams.
New this year, Mortenson’s Women’s Affinity Team also announced a recognition program called We See You that encourages employees to lift up team members – men and women alike – who act as advocates and mentors to women in the company’s Denver and Salt Lake City offices. WIC’s We See You program celebrates these advocates and mentors for the everyday actions they take all year long to help women build their careers and find success in construction.
WIC Week 2021 at Mortenson also included an annual industry event with a keynote speech from Barbara Jackson, director of the Franklin L. Burns School of Real Estate and Construction Management at the University of Denver, and a panel of women from across the construction spectrum. In addition to an introduction from Maja Rosenquist, senior vice president at Mortenson, this year’s panel featured:
- Amy Aldridge, partner at Tributary Real Estate
- Christy Cook, owner of Phoenix Masonry
- Anna Fontana, internship and outreach coordinator for Colorado State University’s construction management program
- Mecayla Cobb, principal at Smith Group
This virtual event sought to highlight the growing role of women in leadership positions in the construction and adjacent commercial real estate industry and raise awareness of the opportunities available for women.
Click HERE to watch the testimonial videos of women at Mortenson!