Two transportation construction companies with innovative programs aimed at promoting women leaders within their organizations were recently recognized with the 2024 Glass Hammer Award from the American Road & Transportation Builders Association (ARTBA).
During ARTBA’s national convention in Amelia Island, Florida, the award was presented to Superior Construction, which operates throughout the Southeast and Midwest, and Sain Associates, based in Birmingham, Alabama.
Superior Construction’s commitment to advancing female talent and driving innovation in the industry underscores their leadership and dedication to diversity, ARTBA said in announcing the award.
In 2022, the company launched the Superior Women in Construction (SWiC) initiative, designed in collaboration with a certified executive and team coach.
“We created the SWiC program because empowering women is essential to driving progress in the construction industry,” said Superior Construction CEO Nick Largura. “Our goal is to create more opportunities and support for women across the company as they grow into leadership roles.”
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In the inaugural year, company executives selected 11 women leaders to take part in the pilot program. Participants had access to monthly group coaching on leadership topics, individual career coaching sessions, a mentor program, and opportunities to learn about various parts of the construction industry. They also completed team projects centered around creating value for Superior Construction.
“The mentorship was especially helpful because it gave me greater access to various aspects of our company and business operations,” said SWiC member Amy Henningfield, who has been with Superior since 2011.
As part of the program, SWiC members were encouraged to volunteer with organizations working to advance and empower women in construction. Their activities included attendance at high school and university career fairs to increase awareness about roles for women in the construction industry; taking part in a non-traditional employment workshop to introduce construction career possibilities to eighth-grade girls; and speaking at an American Heart Association Women in Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Mathematics event.
The inaugural SWiC program members graduated in fall 2023 and many of them now serve on the program’s steering committee. The second class is completing their yearlong program.
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“The support Superior’s senior leadership gives the SWiC LEAD (Leaders Evolving and Developing) program enhances participant visibility,” said Sherice Rivas, Corporate Risk Manager at Superior Construction and a member of the inaugural class. “It makes you feel seen and valued. I felt empowered to share my career goals, more so than I ever had thus far in my career. There is also a strong emphasis on helping the next generation of women in construction that I really appreciate.”
“At Sain Associates, we have witnessed firsthand the tremendous impact of having diversity in our leadership,” said Alicia Bailey, P.E., Practice Leader/Senior Principal. “Our commitment to inclusivity has played a large role in making our company a great place to work.”
The company’s leadership team includes three female shareholders, with two of five senior principals being women. The firm offers in-house leadership development programs focused on strategic thinking, people management, and executive presence and encourages female employees to pursue leadership roles in industry organizations like the National Association of Women in Construction.
In 2015, Sain became involved in the annual Introduce a Girl to Engineering Day initiative, engaging over 200 middle school girls in STEM activities.
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“Our female staff, as well as other women in the AEC industry, have embraced this event and see it as a valuable opportunity to inspire young girls to explore careers in historically male-dominated fields,” Bailey said.
In announcing the Glass Hammer Award, ARTBA noted Sain’s dedication to fostering a supportive work environment for women.
“It is a great honor to be recognized with the Glass Hammer Award, and we will continue to empower the next generation of female engineers,” Bailey said.
