Emily Mick named Tradeswoman of the Year by NAWIC 

The National Association of Women in Construction has named Emily Mick of Milestone Contractors LP as the 2026 Tradeswoman of the Year. Open to members and non-members, this award honors exceptional women in the construction trades who demonstrate outstanding skill and dedication in their field while serving as mentors and advocates for the next generation of tradeswomen. "Emily is the kind of person who can show others what's possible in meeting challenges and moving past them," said Jodi Wiemerslage, President of NAWIC. 

Emily Mick began her heavy highway career as a labor apprentice with Milestone Contractors in 2012, combining field experience with apprenticeship training. After graduating in 2015 with certifications in concrete, blueprint reading, hoisting and rigging, traffic control, and construction math, she became a leader in daily safety huddles and joined Milestone's safety committee. Her dedication earned her the 2017 APAI Safe Worker of the Year award. 

Promoted to foreman in 2020 and superintendent in 2024, Emily specializes in traffic management, incident liaison, and erosion control on Indiana interstate projects. She helped implement INDOT's Safe Zone program on I-70 that strategically placed warning signs and speed detection cameras that reduced speeding and work-zone crashes. 

Emily actively supports women in construction by recruiting them to safety committees, connecting them with NAWIC, mentoring new hires, and promoting scholarships and networking opportunities. She also visits schools, speaks at industry events, participates in media interviews, and advocates for women in the trades. Her leadership, resilience, safety advocacy, and commitment to mentorship make her an influential role model for future tradeswomen. “Tradeswomen are strong inside and out and deserve to be heard and seen,” Emily said recently. “We have earned our spot at the table. I’m grateful for my mentors and hope that I am a good example for the future of females in the trades.” 

For more information about the projects, awards, or additional images, please visit nawic.org.

About NAWIC: The National Association of Women in Construction (NAWIC) continues the vision of its founding members by advocating for the value and impact of women builders, professionals, and tradeswomen in all aspects of the construction industry. With more than 130 chapters nationwide, and over 6,000 members, NAWIC offers opportunities for professional development, education, networking, and leadership training. To learn more, visit nawic.org.