Habitat Pinellas and West Pasco is excited to join the National Association of Women in Construction (NAWIC) in celebrating Women in Construction (WIC) Week March 6th – 12th, 2022. WIC Week raises awareness of the opportunities available for women in the construction industry and emphasizes the growing role of women in the industry. This year’s theme is “Envision Equity”. NAWIC’s President chose this theme because she wants NAWIC’s mission to not only focus on bringing equity to women, but to everyone in the industry.
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the construction industry is comprised of only 11.0% women, making it one of the most male dominated career fields in 2021. Even less than this percentage is the number of women working on the front line of the job sites – only 1 out of every 100 women. In honor of Women in Construction Week, Habitat for Humanity of Pinellas & West Pasco Counties would like to highlight one of our Hammers & Heels supporters and volunteers, Judy Mitchell. Our affiliate is proud to have such generous support from a woman with extensive experience in the construction field.
Judy graduated from the Ohio State University with a degree in accounting and spent her entire career working with construction related businesses until she retired in 2011. “In 1999 I bought a commercial construction management firm with two other partners,” Judy tells us. “I was with the firm for over 25 years and as President since 1992. Our firm did mostly public sector projects including K-12 schools, higher education classroom buildings and dorms, courthouses, county jails & administrative buildings.” She has also served on the board of the Bank of Tampa since 2002. Currently, she serves on the board of SPFC and the advisory board of USFSP Kate Tiedeman School of Business and Finance. “I chair board committees for Tampa Preparatory School, Morton Plant Mease Healthcare, and Amplify Clearwater. I’m also active with Habitat Pinellas and West Pasco particularity with Hammers & Heels.”
Judy’s proudest moment in the construction field was when she bought her construction management company. “I had a personal goal of owning my own company. Being in this particular industry and being a woman made for an interesting journey.”
“To women considering entering the construction field:
If this is what you want, then don’t let anything stop you. Surround yourself with people who want to see you succeed and find mentors (men & women) who you can learn from. Be comfortable being the only woman in the room and learn to work with others and advocate for yourself. Besides the technical skill sets required to do the job, communication and people skills are also very important.”
“I believe in the mission of Habitat,” Judy says. “Giving someone a hand up and a chance to better their life for themselves strengthens their families and the community.” Our affiliate is extremely grateful for all the time, dedication, and support Judy has given to our mission. Thank you, Judy, for all your hard work and dedication!
“I strongly believe that you should give back to your community be it time, talent or treasure. Not only does it help others but its very rewarding for yourself. I’ve met so many amazing people serving in these organizations, including many life long friends.”
Interested in joining Hammers & Heels along Denise? Learn more here, and contact Development Officer, Devin West, at dwest@habitatpwp.org with any questions.
