How Women in the Trades Are Solving a Critical Issue

The share of construction trade workers has declined from 71% in 2005 to less than 59% in 2024 in large part due to a shift toward management, business and technical roles. Even still, the need for a skilled labor force remains a top priority in the industry. This presents a unique opportunity for women across all levels of home building to make a significant impact on this niche sector.

NAHB’s Professional Women in Building (PWB) Week (Sept. 14-18) spotlights the trajectory of women in residential construction and their influence on the industry. NAHB spoke with three individuals who work in the trades about their professional journeys and why the trades are worth pursuing.

Building Relationships: Amy Ecklund (They/Them)

A passion for working with their hands, fixing things and helping people is what drew Amy Ecklund to residential construction. As the president and owner of AmyWorks, a Seattle-based remodeling company founded in 2010, Ecklund has nearly 20 years of experience in the industry. “I have a passion for teaching and empowering people about home repair and maintenance — particularly women and the LGBTQIA+ community,” as stated on their company’s website.

As a business owner, Ecklund’s perspective on women working in the trades differs from those employed at a predominantly male company who regularly experience gender-based bias. Over the years, they’ve found that many of their customers seek out AmyWorks because it is woman- and LGBTQIA+-owned.

When asked about obstacles faced along the way, Ecklund called out the persistent need for skilled workers when hiring: “The need for people that do this kind of work is growing and the supply is continuing to dwindle.”

That’s where professional organizations aimed at connecting underrepresented groups, such as PWB, can help create opportunities at every level. As a PWB member, Ecklund says: “It’s a great network for finding other women in the industry and building relationships to support each other.”

Going All In: Monica Madera (She/Her)

Despite being in a male-dominated field, pursuing a career in the trades was the right fit for Monica Madera, who has worked in the trades for about two decades.

“I realized how much I loved seeing the transformations of the projects and knowing that there were more women doing it,” she said.

After spending the first half of her career in male-dominated spaces, Madera decided to start something of her own. In 2023, she founded the Urban Painting Company, which serves the Salt Lake Valley and Wasatch Front communities in Utah. Her mission is not just to paint, but to elevate the customer experience, according to her company’s website. This includes specializing in unique finishes and delivering top-tier results on every job.

While running her own company has been a positive experience, Madera still feels like she has to prove her knowledge more than her male counterparts. Despite this, she champions the continued growth of women pursuing careers in the trades. Women tend to be more detail-oriented, she said, which benefits the industry.

Joining PWB has allowed Madera to meet other successful women working in the field, which has been empowering and inspiring. For younger women considering this career path, Madera’s advice is simple: “Go all in. You will not regret it.”

Helping the Next Generation: Caitlin Magilike (She/Her)

For Caitlin Magilike, her experience within the trades is not the norm. She’s worked in higher education for nearly eight years and is currently an assistant dean of current and emerging technologies at Bismarck State College in North Dakota. In this role, she supports and advocates for students pursuing careers in the trades.

“I was drawn to this work, because I believe skilled trades provide meaningful, hands-on careers and strong opportunities for individuals to build a successful future,” Magilike said.

A common challenge faced by the students she assists is overcoming stereotypes about who belongs in the trades. This is why representation and supportive learning environments are so important, she said. 

With her unique vantage point, Magilike has seen consistent change — including an increasing recognition that the trades are for everyone: “Women bring different perspectives, experiences and problem-solving approaches, which can be a real strength in a team environment.”

As a newer PWB member, she says: “Having access to mentorship, encouragement, professional connections and a community that supports your success can make a significant difference, particularly when you’re entering a traditionally male-dominated field.”

Learn more about the positive impact women in home building have made on the industry by going to NAHB’s Professional Women in Building (PWB) Week page (sponsored by Andersen Windows+Doors).