One day, as I sat beside my dad, I couldn't help but notice the stack of work presentations he had spread out. As my eyes scanned the slides, something immediately caught my attention. I turned to him and asked, "Dad, have you noticed a common thread in all these PowerPoints you're reviewing? He glanced at them again and replied, "No, what am I missing?"

"Take a closer look," I urged him. After a few minutes of careful examination, he shook his head, saying, "I don't see what you're referring to. Is there a misspelled word?"

I pointed out, "Dad, in all the slides, all I see are white men. Where are the women? Where's the diversity?"
In response, he pulled out more materials, but to my dismay, not a single page featured a female. I felt a surge of anger. How was this possible in 2023? My dad worked in the architecture, construction, and engineering fields (ACE), a cornerstone of the economy. With the recent $1.0 trillion IIJA bill, the question became even more pressing. Where were the women?

Without hesitation, I hit Google, determined to uncover the data. What I discovered only fueled my frustration, yet it also ignited a newfound passion and determination. I learned that the industry had a mere 10% female participation overall, with leadership roles barely at  2% female. I was not just shocked, but resolute in my resolve to make a difference. It was time to get to work.

The gender disparity in ACE fields are glaring. Of the 10 million individuals in these sectors, a mere 11% are female. Shockingly, only 7.5% of women hold positions as managers, and a mere 13% of ACE firms are owned by women. These statistics are staggering, especially considering that the ACE industry is one a cornerstone of the economy.

The question looms: why does an industry of such magnitude and significance predominantly comprise white men? This was the pressing issue we set out to solve, as we deemed the skewed ratio of females to males in this crucial field to be inherently unjust.

Growing up one of three sisters, I've always championed equality. Advocating for women's rights has been a deeply ingrained belief of mine. However, I often grappled with how best to channel my advocacy. I am passionate about this cause and organization as it presented an opportunity to effect tangible and meaningful change.

The ACE community urgently requires an influx of female voices to inject fresh perspectives and diversity. Studies have unequivocally demonstrated that high school is an important time for formulating career pathways. High school females do not have exposure to ACE.

At buildgirls.org, we diligently ensure that women from the ACE industry play a pivotal role in shaping our programs and initiatives. Their insights are integral to crafting targeted and effective solutions.

Buildgirls executes our mission through our Scholars Program, Discovery Days, Interviews and Awareness Campaigns.

First, in our Scholars Program, we've joined forces with industry-leading companies to offer scholarships to high school girls. The scholarships are awarded to participants who excel in an ACE design challenge. The program enables members to apply principles of ACE to real-world challenges. 

Second, through immersive Discovery Days, our members gain firsthand access to practical experiences, providing tangible solutions to industry challenges. High school girls have the opportunity to visit, learn from, and tour construction sites, engineering and architecture firms, and ongoing projects.

Third, our interview initiative offers an engaging platform for girls to delve into specific roles in the industry. In a groundbreaking endeavor, we are building a library of interviews featuring accomplished females from across ACE. This resource will empower curious high schoolers to learn more about women in the industry. 

Fourth, through our Awareness Campaign, we've engaged with leaders, including Rep. Raskin, and have been featured in interviews by ABC, NBC, and CBS. We've even had the honor of engaging with the White House with the senior advisor to the President of the United States, Mayor Mitch Landrieu. The impact we've made thus far is beyond what we initially imagined.

Our organization's success is grounded in the assembly of an exceptional team, each member sharing our passion for effecting positive change in our community. Our advisory board boasts prominent female leaders spanning the ACE spectrum. Among them is the CEO of a $5.0 billion enterprise, distinguished professors from the world's premier universities, and a female partner at a leading ACE law firm, to name just a few. Their collective expertise and dedication form the backbone of our endeavors.

Furthermore, our high school leadership team is a powerhouse of collaboration and achievement. Comprising young women fervently passionate about engineering, construction, and architecture, they play a pivotal role in propelling Buildgirls towards genuine success. Their proactive involvement has been instrumental in organizing the events and meetings that have marked Buildgirls' past accomplishments.

The synergy between our supportive and dedicated advisory board, and our enthusiastic and driven high school leaders, ensures that buildgirls will not only continue to thrive but will also experience sustained growth. With this expanding network of advisors, leaders, and members, we're well-positioned for long-term success.

At buildgirls.org we are making a huge impact on high school females career choices. Many of our members have found inspiration to pursue opportunities in ACE fields  Through our Discovery Days, we've received heartfelt letters from participants expressing their newfound aspirations in these domains. We firmly believe that finding inspiration and receiving education are pivotal steps in determining one's path in life.

Buildgirls has not only ignited passion in our members but has also had a positive impact at an organizational level. We proudly co-hosted and initiated the annual Junior Women Build program in collaboration with Habitat for Humanity. This venture has been an extraordinary journey, enabling us to extend our influence to a wider community. As the first high school program to partner with Habitat for Humanity, we're making a significant impact on our community.

For our participants, having a platform to learn and explore their interests has been a source of inspiration. Every member actively contributes to various community events we organize, thereby enhancing both the community and their own experiences. Our commitment to fostering growth and positive change extends beyond our immediate circle, leaving a lasting imprint on the world around us.