INDIANAPOLIS, IN — The National Association of Women in Construction (NAWIC) has named Emily Mick of Milestone Contractors LP as the 2026 Tradeswoman of the Year. Open to members and non-members, this award honors women in the construction trades who demonstrate skill and dedication in their field while serving as mentors and advocates for the next generation of tradeswomen.

“Emily is the kind of person who can show others what’s possible in meeting challenges and moving past them,” said Jodi Wiemerslage, 2026-27 President of NAWIC.

Mick began her heavy highway career as a Labor Apprentice with Milestone Contractors in 2012, combining field experience with apprenticeship training. After graduating in 2015 with certifications in concrete, blueprint reading, hoisting and rigging, traffic control, and construction math, she became a leader in daily safety huddles and joined Milestone’s safety committee. Her dedication earned her the 2017 APAI Safe Worker of the Year award.

Promoted to Foreman in 2020 and Superintendent in 2024, Mick specializes in traffic management, incident liaison, and erosion control on Indiana interstate projects. She helped implement the Indiana Department of Transportation's Safe Zone program on I-70 that strategically placed warning signs and speed detection cameras that reduced speeding and work-zone crashes.

Mick actively supports women in construction by recruiting them to safety committees, connecting them with NAWIC, mentoring new hires, and promoting scholarships and networking opportunities. She also visits schools, speaks at industry events, participates in media interviews, and advocates for women in the trades.

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"Tradeswomen are strong inside and out and deserve to be heard and seen,” Mick said. “We have earned our spot at the table. I’m grateful for my mentors and hope that I am a good example for the future of females in the trades.”