Mandy Bujold's Column April

Growing Together: Kicking Off Our Women in Construction Series

This month, we were proud to officially kick off our Women in Construction programming with an event that invited us to slow down, reflect, and focus on something we don’t always make space for when things get busy, growth.

Our terrarium-building workshop was more than just a creative, hands-on experience. It was an opportunity to bring our community together in a meaningful way and explore what growth looks like, both personally and professionally as we look ahead in 2026.

Throughout the session, we heard from members of our Women in Construction committee and broader community, each sharing their own perspectives on growth. For some, growth meant stepping outside of their comfort zone—taking on new roles, speaking up in rooms where they once felt uncertain, or pursuing opportunities that felt just out of reach. For others, it meant building resilience, learning to navigate challenges, and continuing to show up even when the path forward wasn’t clear.

What stood out most was that growth doesn’t look the same for everyone and it doesn’t happen overnight. Much like the terrariums we built, growth requires intention, the right environment, and consistent care.

As we layered soil, selected plants, and created something of our own, it became a powerful reminder: what we nurture, grows.

These small ecosystems we took home symbolize the commitment we make to ourselves and to each other. To invest in our development, to support those around us, and to continue building a stronger, more inclusive industry.

Building on the momentum from this kickoff event, we’re excited to continue the conversation through our deConstructed series—returning this spring with a familiar format and renewed energy.

On May 21st, we will bring our community back together for the first session in the series. Much like last year, Deconstructed is designed to create space for honest conversations and shared experiences. Each session will feature two speakers who will offer unique perspectives on their careers, challenges, and lessons learned along the way.

It’s an opportunity to step away from the day-to-day, enjoy a light lunch, and connect with others in the industry who are navigating similar paths. More importantly, it’s about learning from one another—hearing real stories, asking questions, and continuing to build a network that supports growth at every stage.

If our kickoff event reminded us that growth starts with intention, deConstructed is where we continue to unpack what that growth looks like in action.

We look forward to seeing many of you there as we keep the momentum going.