Professional Women in Building: Past, Present and Future
As we celebrate Women’s History Month, we honor the incredible women shaping the home-building industry’s past, present and future. For 70 years, the NAHB Professional Women in Building (PWB) Council has championed women’s leadership, education and innovation in construction.
The Rich History of PWB
Over the last seven decades, PWB has been the voice of women home builders. The council’s milestones include:
1955: NAHB's Women's Auxiliary is chartered.
1974: The first woman builder is elected president of the auxiliary.
1994: PWB reaches new membership drive record. A national education program is developed, promoting environmental issues in the housing industry. Barbie Wickman is named NAHB Outstanding Congressional Contact of the Year.
2014: Dissolution of NAHB PWB as an independent corporation structure. NAHB Board of Directors approves NAHB PWB as a fully integrated council of NAHB.
2025: NAHB PWB celebrates its 70th anniversary.
Women’s Part in Today’s Construction Industry
In 2024, women’s participation in the construction workforce climbed to 1.34 million, representing 11.2% of the industry — the highest share in two decades.
The industry continues to face a skilled labor shortage, and expanding the workforce remains a priority. Women increasingly entering the industry represents a potential growth opportunity for residential construction. According to the Current Population Survey, most women in the industry work in office and administrative support, management, and business and financial operations. Furthermore, only 18% of all management positions are held by women.
“Women belong and are needed in every lane of our industry — both from a workforce and a diversity perspective,” said PWB Council Chair Heather Laminack.
While construction and maintenance occupations account for the largest number of employees in construction and are where additional workers are most needed, women comprise only 4% (307,000) of such occupations.
PWB Council Vice Chair Andi Dirkschneider Bliss believes the industry must do more to attract more women.
“Recruiting more women into home building isn’t just about representation; it’s about bringing in the voices who understand the heartbeat of a household,” said Bliss. “Women run families, make the decisions that shape daily life, and know how a home should truly function. If we want to build homes for everyone, we need the women who live that reality at the drafting table, on the jobsite and in the boardroom.”
Although growth has accelerated in recent years with the number of women in construction reaching a record high, the PWB Council remains dedicated to transforming and growing the industry.
Learn more about NAHB’s Professional Women in Building Council.