Allyship in Construction: Real Change Starts With Showing Up

Over the past year, the Grand Valley Construction Association’s Women in Construction committee has continued to create opportunities for women across the industry to connect, learn, share experiences, and build relationships. One of the most important conversations emerging from this work is that creating meaningful change cannot be the responsibility of women alone. It requires an industry-wide commitment to making construction a place where everyone feels welcome, supported, and able to succeed.

At our recent Women in Construction deConstructed event, we had the opportunity to learn from Lesley Hawkins, who challenged participants to think differently about the people they surround themselves with, the allies they build along their career journeys, and the conversations they need to have to move their goals forward.

One of the most valuable takeaways was the importance of understanding who is in your corner. Career growth often depends on more than hard work and technical ability. It also depends on having people who advocate for you, open doors, make introductions, and support you when you are ready to take the next step. Lesley encouraged participants to think about the big asks that could create meaningful change in their careers and to recognize the people who could help them get there.

Allyship is a two-way conversation. While creating spaces where women can connect and speak openly about their experiences is important, we also need to consider how we bring more people into those conversations, particularly men who may not have experienced the same challenges.

Understanding another person’s perspective is an important first step toward changing it. When men in the industry take the time to listen, participate, and become part of the discussion, we create more opportunities to challenge assumptions, build understanding, and make meaningful progress. The goal isn’t simply to create more space for women. It’s to build an industry where women are welcomed into every space, their contributions are valued, and their opportunities for growth are not limited by barriers that shouldn’t exist in the first place.

That is where allyship moves from a conversation to action.

An Invitation to HERizon

One of the best opportunities to put that allyship into practice is coming up at GVCA’s annual HERizon Banquet on November 19, 2026.

HERizon is a celebration of women in construction and the people who are helping shape the industry’s future. It is also an opportunity to bring more allies into the room. With a fun, welcoming atmosphere, the evening offers a chance to experience our Women in Construction community firsthand, connect with people from across the industry, and show support for the women who are helping build our communities.

Last year’s event saw incredible support, and we want to build on that momentum in 2026. We want more men to join the conversation, meet the people behind our Women in Construction events, and demonstrate that a stronger, more inclusive industry is something we all have a role in creating.

So, here’s our challenge to the industry: Don’t just buy a ticket for a woman in construction. Buy one for yourself, too, and come with her.

Show up for your colleague, your employee, your business partner, or someone who has helped you along the way. Be part of the conversation. Celebrate the progress being made and help us continue moving it forward.

Allyship doesn’t always require a grand gesture. Sometimes, it starts with being willing to walk into a room, listen to a different perspective, and stand alongside the people working to make things better.

We hope to see you at HERizon.

HERizon Banquet | November 19, 2026

For event details, tickets, and sponsorship opportunities, Click Here!