Women make up just 11.2 percent of the construction industry’s workforce. Yet more women than ever are entering the trades, project management, and leadership roles. For generations, women have also served in critical project support positions that keep construction offices running.
Women in Construction Week provides an opportunity to reflect on the origin story of Women of STEEL — the first women’s membership group within the Associated General Contractors of America (AGC). Born from collaboration and determination, this Missouri-based initiative was created to inspire women nationwide to pursue and thrive in construction careers.
Being a woman in a historically male populated industry can be isolating, but the opportunities are vast.
"When I first accepted a position as a Marketing Assistant at S. M. Wilson, I knew nothing about the built environment. I quickly fell in love with this amazing industry that beautifies spaces, creates community, and transforms lives," wrote Amanda Bohnert in her chapter of "Intention: Deconstructing G.R.I.T.," part of the "Deconstructing GRIT" anthology series by Jennifer Bardot. "Through grit and the help of great mentors, I created my own career ladder."
Bohnert went on to become Chief Marketing Officer at S. M. Wilson — one of just six executives at the firm — and a Co-Founder of Women of STEEL.
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The foundation for the group began through a series of conversations among Associated General Contractors of Missouri (AGCMO) President Len Toenjes, Past AGCMO Board Chairman Ed Twehous, and Vice President of Advocacy Denise Hasty, who recognized the need to support and connect women in construction. Soon, Katelyn Twehous-LaVanchy and Bohnert joined the discussions, followed by AGCMO staff member Charlyce Ruth, and later Amanda Rodgers.
"Within months, Denise, Charlyce, Katelyn, and I were at a conference table planning our new group," Bohnert said.
As the women shared stories of adversity, success, motherhood, and balance, a clear intention emerged — to create a supportive community for women in the industry. That conversation became the foundation of Women of STEEL.
"Our mission is clear," Bohnert said. "Women of STEEL provides engagement opportunities for women working within AGCMO member firms and fosters leadership development, personal growth, and civic outreach."
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"It’s not just about professional development," added Twehous-LaVanchy, Director of Marketing and Technology for Twehous Excavating. "It’s about fostering a sense of community and belonging in an industry where women have historically been underrepresented."
Officially launched in 2022, Women of STEEL opened membership to all women within AGCMO, regardless of title or role. More than 500 women connected within the first year. The inaugural Women of STEEL Conference was held in February 2023.
"It was clear the new group had tapped into something important," Bohnert said. "We acted with intention to create change, and Women of STEEL is making a difference — empowering, elevating, and leading women in construction."
The program’s success has since inspired other AGC chapters across the country to launch similar initiatives, expanding its reach and impact.
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"As the number of women in construction continues to grow, organizations like Women of STEEL are more essential than ever," said Ruth, AGCMO’s Southwest Missouri Manager for Workforce Development. "Women in this industry still face unique challenges — from mentorship and leadership opportunities to representation at the top — and this group helps close those gaps."
The success of Women of STEEL has also helped inspire new programs for young women considering careers in construction and related fields.
Shannon Grus of State Technical College of Missouri approached AGCMO’s Women of STEEL, along with local National Association of Women in Construction (NAWIC) chapters and Women of Asphalt, to create an event designed to connect female students with mentors in the industry.
The inaugural Build HER Future event, held in September 2025, brought together 75 students and 30 industry professionals for an evening of mentorship, open discussion, and networking. The event was supported by organizations including AGCMO, Women of STEEL, Women of Asphalt, Emery Sapp & Sons, Sellenriek Construction, Capital Teams, Martin Equipment, HTS Coatings, Hitachi, Scholastic, and the NAWIC Southwest Missouri Chapter #366.
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"Our goal was to encourage young women to see themselves in non-traditional careers and connect them with mentors who can help them get there," Ruth said. "When young women see others thriving in this industry, it changes their perspective — it shows them they belong here."
