CHARLOTTE, N.C. — A Charlotte construction company is seeking solutions to get more women involved in the industry.
In the United States, women make up about 10% of the construction industry, according to the National Association of Women in Construction. Samet Corporation has created an employee resource group, called Women At Work, to help women in the industry. Their goal is to celebrate the women and elevate their voices while creating inclusion for all.
“You don’t see other people that look like you, that are doing it, it might not be the first thing that comes to your mind," Kassidy Barrans, Assistant Project Manager at Samet Corporation, said.
Barrans grew up around the industry but never considered it as a career. That was, until she saw the opportunities it could provide.
“There’s a huge need, and it’s an exciting industry," Barrans said.
On Friday, Samet held a luncheon as part of their employee resource group, which shows the importance of women in construction.
"Nobody's really tried to progress, so what happens if we stop complaining about it and stop talking about the obstacles for opportunities of improvement," Barrans said. “I got tired of being the only woman in the room.”
Improvements have been made through the group like equal pay and implementing parental leave.
There's also better gear to fit women properly, but most importantly there's connection and support from everyone.
“This has always been a male-run business, bringing the females in -- it’s been a new experience for all of us, the respect they getting, the quality of their work, the energy they bring to the business is pretty cool," Alton Tew, the Vice President Housing for Samet Corporation, said. “I would love to see my granddaughter doing my job one day.”
Contact Lexi Wilson at lwilson@wcnc.com and follow her on Facebook, X and Instagram.
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