The room buzzed with energy as laughter and conversation filled the air. Women engaged in meaningful networking, crafted vision boards to map out their futures, and delved into discussions on professional development, AI, and effective communication. This year’s ACGMO Women of STEEL conference provided an incredible opportunity to forge valuable professional connections and lasting friendships.
“Our annual conference is by far our most attended and impactful event. Each year, it brings together women from all corners of the construction industry to connect, learn, and grow. The conference has created a space where women can share their experiences, gain valuable insight from industry leaders, and leave feeling empowered to take on new challenges,” said Katey Twehous, one of the founders of Women of STEEL, an Associated General Contractors of Missouri (AGCMO) organization, and the Director of Marketing and Technology with Twehous Excavating.
“It’s not just about professional development—it’s about fostering a sense of community and belonging in an industry where women have historically been underrepresented. This event’s energy, support, and motivation make it a highlight of the year for me and many of our attendees.”
Founded in 2022, Women of STEEL (WOS) – Seeking to Engage, Elevate, and Lead – empowers women to grow, connect, and lead. Living up to its mission, ‘Women of STEEL provides engagement opportunities for women in AGCMO member firms, fostering leadership development, personal growth, and civic outreach.’
“We seek to engage, elevate and lead women of all ages and backgrounds to enrich their lives and enhance the construction industry,” said Amanda Rodgers, a member of WOS Leadership Team. Rodgers also serves as the Communications Coordinator with the AGCMO.
Women creating Vision Boards at the 2025 WOS Conference.
In its first year, the organizers exceeded their expectations, reaching more than 500 women and engaging member firms throughout the state.
“As the number of women in the construction industry continues to grow, organizations like Women of STEEL are more essential than ever. While progress has been made, women in construction still face unique challenges, including access to mentorship, professional development opportunities, and representation in leadership roles,” said Charlyce Ruth, a Women of STEEL Leadership Team member and the AGCMO’s SW MO Manager / Workforce Development.
Women of STEEL was founded by Katey Twehous, Charlyce Ruth, Amanda Bohnert, S. M. Wilson’s Chief Marketing Officer and Denise Hasty, who retired as the Vice President of Advocacy with the AGC in the fall of 2024. This was the first female-centered group of its kind for the AGC.
“When we founded Women of STEEL, our mission was clear—to empower women in our industry by expanding their professional horizons, fostering learning from shared experiences, and creating opportunities for growth,” said Amanda Bohnert. “We recognized the chance to elevate member engagement and provide a valuable resource for our member companies.”
Women of STEEL provides a supportive network that fosters career growth, advocates for inclusivity, and helps ensure that the industry continues to evolve into a more diverse and equitable space, Ruth said. “Organizations like this support individual success and strengthen the entire industry by empowering women and amplifying their voices by fostering a more dynamic and skilled workforce.”
Since its inception, Women of STEEL has inspired other AGC chapters to adopt and implement the program, extending its impact across the industry.
Women networking at the 2025 WOS Conference.
INCREASE OF WOMEN IN CONSTRUCTION
Traditionally a male-dominated field, the construction industry is starting to see a growing number of women entering the workforce. Women are making significant contributions to the industry, and the numbers are steadily increasing.
As the industry celebrates this week’s 27th Annual Women in Construction (WIC) Week, a renewed sense of urgency focusing on empowering women to take on leadership roles, embracing emerging technologies, and fostering a culture of mentorship and equity. Women constitute approximately 11.5% of the construction workforce nationwide, a notable rise from previous years, as of January 2025. In Missouri, this figure stands at 10.5%, reflecting the state’s commitment to embracing gender diversity in traditionally male-dominated fields.
“Even in my short time in the industry, I’ve noticed more and more females,” said Emily Klackner, who has worked at S. M. Wilson for seven years. “There’s definitely a place for us, I think the industry benefits from the diversity of thought brought by women in construction.”
Klackner, a project manager, entered the construction industry after gaining an internship with a General Contractor in college and another with S. M. Wilson. Everything seemed to click for her.
“The people,” Klackner said when asked what has kept her at S. M. Wilson. “My team during my internship (at S. M. Wilson) was great, I felt respected and valued as a team member. I noticed during my internship that quite a few young females were working full time, which was encouraging.”
S. M. Wilson’s Emily Klackner on a jobsite.
TOGETHER WE RISE
Access to mentors and professional development is one of the most significant drivers of progress for women in the construction industry. Traditionally underrepresented in construction, women benefit greatly from programs that foster connections with experienced leaders, provide hands-on training, and create pathways to leadership.
“We are people. We are all involved. We’re a core group – everyone at the table has the opportunity to rise. There is power in numbers,” said Diana Wilhold, Deputy Executive Director & Chief Operating Officer, Construction Forum.
By providing training, mentorship and advocacy, women are empowered to excel in various roles, from on-site trades to executive leadership. The collective impact of these efforts can be seen in the increasing number of women entering and thriving in the construction sector, fostering a more diverse and inclusive industry.
This week, an All Women Construction Career Expo offered an opportunity to learn more about skilled trades apprenticeship training programs, professional careers offered by the National Association of Women in Construction, and companies seeking new talent and mentorship connections. The Career Expo was made possible through collaboration with women’s groups and associations.
“We’re preserving the future and continuing to move forward,” Wilhold said.
Supporting organizations included AGCMO Women of STEEL, Mid-America Sisterhood of Carpenters, Missouri Women in Trades (MoWIT), Construction Forum, Missouri Works Initiative, St. Louis Council of Construction Consumers (SLC3), and SITE Improvement Association.
HOW WE RISE TOGETHER
A more inclusive and equitable workplace is being established by raising awareness of women’s challenges in the industry.
“In today’s construction industry, providing opportunities for continued professional development and leadership growth is imperative. Organizations such as WOS are vital in connecting women across Missouri and improving the industry for current and future skilled trades workers,” said Bohnert.
Women celebrating one another at the 2025 Women of STEEL Conference.
For more information about AGCMO’s Women in STEEL, contact Amanda Bohnert at amanda.bohnert@smwilson.com.
As a trusted partner, the company has built its reputation for over 100+ years as a design/build, construction management and general contracting firm. Always putting people first, our company is committed to adding significant value and building client partnerships. S. M. Wilson enriches lives by building spaces to live, work, heal, learn and play. Our expertise is in many specialty markets, primarily education, commercial, municipal, healthcare, industrial and retail. S. M. Wilson continues transforming landscapes and communities throughout the country, especially in the Midwest.
To learn more about S. M. Wilson, go to www.smwilson.com.