Women Leaders in the Industry Share Career-Building Insights
As Careers in Construction Month wraps up, Builders Mutual is excited to share the latest episode of its Building Progress podcast. The episode includes a live recording from the North Carolina HBA’s Women in Construction panel.
“Breaking the Concrete Ceiling” took place on the final day of the HBA’s 21st Century Building Expo and Conference and featured a celebration of women in the industry.
The panel was moderated by Andi Dirkschneider Bliss, president of Brookline Homes, and featured three leading women in building:
- Alicia Huey, NAHB chairman, and a custom home builder and developer from Birmingham, Ala.
- Mollie Elkman, author of The House That She Built
- Nora El-Khouri Spencer, CEO and founder of Hope Renovations, and the 2022 NAHB Woman of the Year
The panelists discussed how they each got started the industry, what needs to happen to get more women involved in building, who inspires them, and much more.
Latest from NAHBNow
Jan 16, 2026
Builder Sentiment Loses Ground at Start of 2026Builder confidence in the market for newly built single-family homes fell two points to 37 in January, according to the NAHB/Wells Fargo Housing Market Index (HMI) released today.
Jan 15, 2026
NAHB Participates in Capitol Hill Housing ForumNAHB Chief Lobbyist Lake Coulson participated in a Housing Affordability Roundtable hosted by the New Democrat Coalition. Lawmakers and housing stakeholders discussed ways to address affordability challenges and enact federal housing finance reforms.
Latest Economic News
Jan 16, 2026
December Mortgage Activity Softens Even as Rates EaseMortgage application activity declined in December despite a modest easing in mortgage rates. The Mortgage Bankers Association’s (MBA) Market Composite Index, a measure of total mortgage application volume, fell 5.3% from November on a seasonally adjusted basis, though it remained 47.1% higher than a year ago.
Jan 16, 2026
Builder Sentiment Loses Ground at Start of 2026Builder confidence moved lower to start the year as affordability concerns continue to weigh heavily with buyers, and builders continue to contend with rising construction costs.
Jan 15, 2026
Remodeling Market Sentiment Strengthens in Fourth Quarter of 2025In the third quarter of 2025, the NAHB/Westlake Royal Remodeling Market Index (RMI) posted a reading of 64, increasing four points compared to the previous quarter.