COMANCO is Celebrating Women’s History Month
COMANCO is celebrating Women’s History Month. Join us as we take the month of March to honor the women who have influenced us in the past and present, as well as those who are setting the next generation of women up for success in the future. Today, we want to recognize just a few women who have specifically impacted the Construction industry.
Emily Roebling (1834-1903)
Emily Roebling was the first woman field engineer and is known for her role in completing the Brooklyn bridge. Upon its completion, she was named the Chief Engineer of the Brooklyn Bridge. Her work in this highly technical engineering feat empowered women to perform in areas outside of their typical role in factories.
Norma Merrick Sklarek (1926-2012)
Norma Merrick Sklarek, a pioneer in architecture, was the first registered black female architect in New York. In 1962 she became the first black female licensed architect in California. In 1990 she became the only black woman elected to the American Institute of Architecture (AIA) College of Fellows.
Mary Kenney O’Sullivan (1864-1943)
This American labor leader worked tirelessly to improve factory conditions through the organization of unions. Starting as an apprentice dressmaker in the 1800s, she took her distaste for poor factory conditions and eventually became the founder of the Women’s Trade Union League. Her work in unions has helped women in construction to this day find support and representation.
Lillian Gilbreth (1878-1972)
Known as the woman of modern management, Lillian Gilbreth had an education, a career, and 12 children. This mother applied a scientific approach to workplace efficiency and management. A government consultant during the Great Depression and WWII, she found creative solutions to complex problems. Additionally, she invented shelving in refrigerator doors and the foot-pedal garbage can. Her application of science to the workplace ultimately streamlined processes and helped increase productivity in the construction industry.
Hattie T. Scott Peterson (1913-1993)
Hattie T. Scott Peterson was the first Black woman to earn a bachelor’s degree in civil engineering. She was likely the only Black woman engineer in the United States at that time. In 1954, she joined the local U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE), where she was the first woman engineer and encouraged engineering as a profession for women.
Kris Young (unspecified – to present)
After working her way up at the Associated General Contractors of America, Kris Young served as President of the AGC in 2011. Young was also the President and CEO of Miller the Driller in Des Moines, Iowa. With over 40 years of industry experience, she continues to push for employee rights with her work in many committees, such as the Labor Policy Committee and the EEO/DBE Advisory Council.
Frances Perkins (1880-1965)
Frances Perkins was FDR’s Secretary of Labor and the first woman to serve as cabinet secretary. She defended the minimum wage and helped develop the Fair Labor Standards Act. Her work in government illustrated a determination to not only break new ground but excel at her endeavors.
Who is an important woman in your life?
No doubt, we all can think of many. Never underestimate their influence and reach. Because it would be a loss for any business to count them out. So, lift up, trust, and empower the women in your life. For construction, the jobs are out there. Ladies, you can get your OSHA 10 or OSHA 30 training and join us!
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COMANCO IS AN ENVIRONMENTAL, COMMERCIAL, AND CIVIL CONSTRUCTION COMPANY SPECIALIZING IN CONSTRUCTING CONTAINMENT FACILITIES. WE ARE THE NATION’S LEADING SERVICE PROVIDER TO THE GEOSYNTHETICS MARKETPLACE.