Heavy industrial construction has always been the backbone of progress. It powers our cities, fuels economies, and shapes the infrastructure of modern life. From refineries and power plants to Liquid Natural Gas (LNG) facilities, hydrogen hubs, and mining operations, these projects define innovation and resilience. Yet, despite their importance, one thing hasn’t changed enough: the lack of women in construction.

Women make up less than 11 % of the overall construction workforce based on Institute for Women’s Policy Research (IWPR) [1], and an even smaller fraction in the heavy industrial sector, the most complex and technically demanding side of the industry. For decades, construction has been a male-dominated space, with limited visibility, mentorship, and pathways for women to enter and advance. But that’s starting to change, and NAWIC’s Heavy Industrial Construction Council (HICC) is leading the charge.

HICC was formed with a clear vision: a future in which women are not only present but thriving in heavy industrial construction, where their leadership, innovation, and grit make the industry safer, more productive, and more inclusive.

By leveraging the HICC Leadership Team, whose diverse experience spans the entire construction value chain including craft and trades to strategic business development and organizational culture, we unlock the insight and influence needed to drive real change. Members include senior level professionals in heavy industrial construction companies and consulting firms, directors of organizational development, executive coaches, project managers, and leaders in engineering, field operations, business development strategy, and emerging professionals. Our backgrounds allow us to mentor and sponsor women at every career stage, sharing real world insights from both the field and the boardroom. We also design and implement programs that build technical skills and leadership acumen while driving cultural transformation through inclusive modeling. Inclusive leadership and advocating for systemic change within organizations.

Our mission is to build partnerships and collaborative efforts that drive a positive step change in the participation and impact of women across the heavy industrial construction. These projects are large, fast-paced, and multidisciplinary. They demand teamwork, precision, and creative problem-solving. And that’s exactly where women excel. Across engineering, project management, the trades, and executive leadership, women are proving that they bring not just capability, but also collaboration, communication, and a fresh perspective that strengthens outcomes at every stage.

At HICC, we’re focused on creating pathways for the next generation. We’re connecting women across disciplines, breaking barriers to entry, and building mentorship networks that inspire others to see a future in this field. When young women see female superintendents, engineers, and project directors leading major projects, they begin to see themselves there too.

Empowering women in heavy industrial construction isn’t just about equity; it’s about excellence. The future of our industry depends on innovation, diversity, and shared leadership. Together, we can build a stronger, smarter, and more inclusive construction industry, one project, one leader, and one opportunity at a time.

The NAWIC Heavy Industrial Construction Council (HICC) Leadership Team Empowering women. Breaking barriers. Building the future of construction — together.

Cathy Farina, CET, PMP
Rosalia Voss Cunningham M.A., ICF-ACC, C.M.C., SHRM-PHR

Cathy Farina, CET, PMP, is an industry-recognized modularization and execution efficiency specialist and Vice President of DyCat Solutions. With over 26 years of experience, she has pioneered manufactured approaches, standardized modular well pad programs, and the OptiMod Layout methodology. Cathy frequently supports global projects and provides training for EPCs, owners, and universities. She also serves as Vice Chair of CII’s Modularization Community and is an active contributor to industry research and publications.

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