What Allyship in Action Looks Like at Hewson Bros

WHAT ALLYSHIP IN ACTION LOOKS LIKE AT HEWSON BROS 

The Grand Valley Construction Association (GVCA) recently shared an important piece on allyship in action, sharing how moving beyond buzzwords is essential if we want to see real progress for women in construction, and we couldn’t agree more. 

Allyship isn’t just about showing up at panels or adding “supporter” to your bio. It’s about creating real-world environments where women are given the respect, space, and encouragement to succeed. In industries like ours, that often means male allies stepping forward, not only to listen but to actively create conditions for women to thrive. 

Leadership in Action at Hewson Brothers 

At Hewson Brothers, I’ve been fortunate to see what that allyship looks like at its best. Our owners, Len, Jeff and Steve, have set a tone that goes beyond policies and into the actual culture of our business. They’ve fostered an environment where women can succeed and where challenges, whether personal or professional, are met with genuine support. 

When I started my position, I was simultaneously diagnosed with Stage 3 breast cancer, and instead of moving on to a less complicated candidate, the team rallied behind me, not only as a colleague but as a person. From daily understanding and flexibility to standing shoulder-to-shoulder with me through our PinkPrints Project fundraiser, they showed how men in leadership can step up and make an impact that ripples far beyond one individual. That experience underscored for me how powerful male support can be, especially in an industry that had a less than stellar history for welcoming women to the table. 

HERizon and the Future of Inclusivity 

This commitment to allyship is now expanding industry-wide. The GVCA’s HERizon Banquet, which has always been a celebration of women in construction, has made the bold decision to welcome male allies into the room. 

Why does this matter? Because equality isn’t a “women’s issue.” It’s a collective effort. By inviting men into the conversation, HERizon is helping us move from recognition to collaboration, building an inclusive network that acknowledges the importance of everyone’s role in shaping the future of construction. 

We’ve made progress, but there’s still work to do. Supporting women in construction means dismantling barriers, rethinking stereotypes, and ensuring that workplaces are built on respect and opportunity. That progress happens faster, and with more impact, when men and women stand side by side. At Hewson Brothers, and across the industry, we’re proving that allyship isn’t just talk, it’s action, and we’re excited to see this continue to ripple across the industry through partnerships and organizations like the GVCA. 

- Beth Marchant