As part of a series featuring women in the concrete industry, Concrete Contractor has queried a few individuals to represent various aspects of the job and share their points of view on the industry.
In December 2024, ForConstructionPros.com announced the winners of its inaugural PACER Award program which recognizes construction pros on the jobsite and in the office for their accomplishments in shaping the construction industry. Lizabeth Howard, P.E. Superior Construction Senior Project Manager was presented the Women in Construction award as part of the Concrete Contractor segment. We connected her over email for a few questions.
Howard’s career began in the early 2000s when she started in the heavy civil industry. She was the only woman engineer at her workplace and has spent most of those early years on construction sites, striving for constant interaction with the field, owners, subcontractors, and vendors to develop the knowledge required for each role. Howard is also a member of the steering committee of the Superior Women in Construction (SWiC) professional women’s group, designed to support, empower, and advance women in construction.
Q. What got you interested in the concrete industry?
My interest in the concrete industry started when I was in college at Tulane University. A professor—who was a great mentor to me—recognized that I had a passion for building things and guided me toward construction. That led to me getting an internship at a large construction company.
After completing my master’s at The University of Texas at Austin, I was drawn to concrete work since it’s so prevalent in the Southeast, particularly in foundations and bridges. I’m still fascinated by the fact that combining a few components can create something so lasting and durable.
Q. How is 2024/2025 different as compared to years past?
There are significantly more women in the industry today than when I started in the early 2000s. I was the first female intern and engineer hired full-time at my company. Now, women have a growing presence, especially in commercial construction.
At Superior Construction, we’ve formed a group called Superior Women in Construction (SWiC) to increase visibility and advocacy. This industry has a labor shortage, and if we can get more women to join us, it will be all the better.
Q. What were the biggest challenges you’ve faced? How have you overcome them?
One of the biggest challenges was earning respect in a male-dominated field. I overcame this by being a “sponge”—constantly learning from everyone around me, regardless of their position. I asked lots of questions and worked closely with experienced superintendents and project managers who were willing to teach me. I’m also a pretty direct communicator and that has helped me.
Q. How do you think these challenges are changing?
In the earlier part of my career, I saw some resistance to putting women in management roles in the field. But that’s changing as the industry becomes more inclusive. Organizations like SWiC and the National Association of Women in Construction are gaining traction, helping to tap into women’s potential in the industry. There’s greater awareness now of the value women bring to construction.
Q. What is one of your favorite stories from throughout your career? How has this affected your work?
One of my favorite experiences was working at a young age as a project manager on Sanibel Island, Florida, in the early 2000s. It was challenging but incredibly rewarding. I worked on a second project on Sanibel Island in September 2022 when I was part of Superior’s emergency repair team that restored access to the island after Hurricane Ian. We rebuilt three roadway sections and five washed-out approaches in just 15 days. To me, the Sanibel Causeway emergency repairs reinforced the importance of teamwork, adaptability, and using knowledge from past experience to solve urgent problems.
Q. What advantages do you feel a female perspective lends to your job performance and success?
A female perspective can bring an analytical advantage to problem-solving in construction. One of my biggest successes has been seeing team members I’ve mentored advance within the company. I believe in investing in employees for the company’s future. Regardless of their experience or starting job position, if someone is willing to put in the effort, I will support them in every way possible.
I’m also proud of the success of the Sanibel Causeway emergency repairs, where I was able to contribute my prior experience and relationships with a new team for successful outcomes in the wake of this catastrophic event.
Q. The industry is still experiencing skilled labor challenges, what’s happening right now that are getting more women involved in concrete work?
There’s a growing recognition of women as an untapped resource in addressing labor shortages. Programs focused on women in construction are gaining momentum, such as our SWiC group. These initiatives provide support, mentorship, and professional development opportunities specifically tailored for women entering the field. I also attend forums, socials, and networking events that connect industry professionals and highlight available opportunities in concrete construction. The number of women attending these events has definitely increased over the years.
Q. Where do you think women can find the most opportunity to break into concrete work with contractors? Why?
Women, like any eager individual, can find great opportunities in roles such as maintenance of traffic, quality control, and equipment operators. These classifications are entry-level but still help employees learn valuable skills. As experience is gained, women can move into more specialized roles like operating pavers or cranes, or transition into management roles.
The industry’s increased focus on safety is also making these jobs more appealing since, for some women, the idea of working in an inherently higher-risk environment like a heavy civil construction jobsite is daunting. Some tasks require natural strength which cannot necessarily be completed by women, but the integration of new equipment and safety processes has expanded opportunities for all while minimizing hazards across the industry.
In 2024, Superior Construction took a big step in safety culture by introducing PPE specifically designed for women. Before this, women often had to deal with oversized vests, gloves, hats, and goggles that didn’t fit properly. It was a hassle managing bulky gear that wasn’t made for them. Now, with the new PPE, we can ensure that everyone can work safely and comfortably, with the right equipment to help them succeed.
Q. What was the best advice you received? In what ways did this advice help?
One of the best pieces of advice I received was about the importance of every individual having a role in a company, regardless of their traditional career path. This advice helped me appreciate the value of diverse perspectives and roles within our industry, and it has influenced my approach to team building and leadership.
Q. What advice do you have for concrete contractors?
Keep an open mind and realize it’s a level playing field — everyone is on equal footing. Be adaptable and recognize that the industry is evolving. Embrace new perspectives, technologies, and methodologies because they can lead to significant improvements in efficiency and quality. Investing in training and support for all employees at all levels will help you attract and retain talent, including women.
Q. What message do you have for the women already in the concrete industry?
We’re used to seeing women in supportive roles like HR, accounting and admin—which is wonderful—but our goal should also be to get more women working in the field. I would tell women: don’t be afraid to take on new challenges and roles. Remember that the focus on safety, ergonomics and visibility has really improved working conditions for everyone. Support and mentor each other, and keep paving the way for future generations of women in concrete. It’s been incredible to see how women in our SWiC group support each other.
Q. What research, technology, or innovation has caught your interest recently? What impact do you think it will have?
I’m always interested in new equipment and technology in our industry. One development that has caught my attention is the new contract style implemented by FDOT, which was first used in the Sanibel Causeway Emergency Repairs. It’s a phased design-build approach that encourages collaboration and innovation between FDOT and contractors. This contract style can result in expedited execution of major construction projects. I believe this contracting method could have a significant impact on advancing the construction industry, particularly in how we approach large-scale, time-sensitive projects.
View the original article and our Inspiration here
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