18   Quarter 2  2026   BUILDERSDIGEST 
INTENTIONAL 
INTENTIONAL 
LEADERS 
LEADERS 
CONSTRUCTION PRIORITIES: WOMEN IN CONSTRUCTION
“ACROSS EVERY SECTOR OF 
construction, women are leading 
major projects, running successful 
companies, driving innovation, 
influencing public policy and shaping the 
future of the built environment,” says 
TCA vice president of operations  
Suzana Fernandes.
But more impressive, she says, is that 
“many women have achieved these 
successes while navigating barriers 
that simply did not exist for previous 
generations of men. Their resilience, 
determination and leadership have 
helped transform workplaces and 
challenge longstanding assumptions 
about who belongs in construction.”
These qualities were evident on March 
24, when TCA’s Young Construction 
Leaders (YCL) hosted their third annual 
women’s panel discussion, showcasing 
Women in Real Estate & Construction. 
Panellists included Danica Crouch, 
Teknion; Jennifer Balcerak, QuadReal 
Property Group; Lisa Wagner, Turner & 
Townsend; and Elaine Jenkins, CBRE.
“We can’t run enough of these kinds of 
seminars,” says TCA president and CEO 
John Mollenhauer. “I am overwhelmed 
by the talent pool, and I love that so 
many of the leaders in our industry who 
are women are so willing to mentor and 
share best practices.”
Construction has historically been 
male-dominated, but that’s changing, 
says Fernandes. “It’s important that 
we continue to accelerate that change. 
By highlighting the achievements 
and contributions of women, we help 
create visibility, break down outdated 
perceptions and demonstrate that there 
are rewarding career opportunities for 
everyone in our industry.”
Recognition also matters because 
representation matters, Fernandes says. 
“When young women see successful 
female leaders, project managers, 
tradespeople, engineers, executives and 
entrepreneurs thriving in construction, it 
helps them envision themselves in those 
roles. Through initiatives like TCA’s YCL 
group, we can foster mentorship, create 
meaningful connections and help build a 
stronger, more diverse industry for  
the future.”
The panel was moderated by Jennifer 
Hann, HOK’s principal and interiors 
practice leader. “Hosting this event 
each year means a lot to me,” she says. 
“The consistent feedback, from both 
women and men, is how much people 
appreciate the honesty and candour 
of the discussion. Creating space for 
open conversation is powerful. When 
people feel comfortable sharing their 
experiences, it allows others to feel 
understood and supported, and that kind 
of connection has real impact.”
Hann says two themes stood out 
prominently in the discussion. The 
first was that “intentional leadership 
INSIGHTS FROM YCL WOMEN’S SEMINARS SERIES
By Sarah Hood

View this content as a flipbook by clicking here.