Where Education Meets Opportunity: Women Leveling Up in Construction
At KBE Building Corporation, Women in Construction Week is a time to celebrate the women strengthening the construction industry, including the students preparing to lead it.
This year’s theme, “Level Up. Build Strong.”, reflects the important role education and mentorship play in shaping confident, capable professionals. In construction, leveling up begins with a strong foundation built in the classroom, reinforced through hands-on experience, and strengthened by guidance from those already shaping the industry.
At KBE, supporting education and mentorship is part of our company culture. Through the KBE Foundation’s Construction Careers Scholarship, we provide opportunities for students pursuing careers in the trades and construction management. The scholarship is designed not only to offer financial support but also to encourage continued growth, industry engagement, and long-term career development. When students are supported early, they are better prepared to build strong careers and take on leadership roles in the AEC industry.
Spotlighting the Next Generation
This Women in Construction Week, we are proud to feature four recipients of last year’s KBE Construction Careers Scholarship. These young women represent the drive, determination, and potential needed to shape the future of our industry.
Georgia Cunningham
What is your intended career path and how did you decide to pursue it?
Currently, my career goal is to build up from being an entry level Shipfitter to a Nuclear Welder. At the time, being able to experience these two trades while just being in high school was an eye opener. I knew this is what I wanted to do because I actually paid attention. I was intrigued by the sparks and complexity of welding.
What do you consider to be your greatest accomplishment so far?
My greatest accomplishment would be stepping out of my comfort zone. Communication is critical in construction for safety, quality, and teamwork.
Tu-Lanh Criscuolo
What is your intended career path and how did you decide to pursue it?
I am currently studying construction management at Central Connecticut State University. With that I am also pursuing a career path on the field engineer side, hoping to work my way up to a superintendent. Going into the construction industry, I have always known I wanted to be on the field side, and being more involved in what goes on in the field. Being hands-on and involved has always been the way to go for me, when it came to the construction side it was a quick decision for me.
Why does representation of women in the construction industry matter to you?
Representation of women in the industry means power to me. It matters because women in this field are being more normalized, times are changing, generations are advancing. Being able to go into this field, that was prominently dominated by men for years now and be welcomed brings such a warmness for me. Being young and a women, I am not looked down upon, not judged, but instead my team is excited to have me, excited to teach me and grow with me. It is a huge turning point, and I could not be happier.
Asha Humphrey
What is your intended career path and how did you decide to pursue it?
My intended career path is to be an electrician. I decided to pursue this career path in my freshman year of high school when I first discovered this was an option for me. When applying to trade school I was sure I'd pick cosmetology or health technologies because those seemed like the most apparent options for a young woman like myself. When I was given the opportunity to try something new, I fell in love and knew that the electrical field was for me.
If you could give any advice to younger students considering construction, what would it be?
My advice to younger students considering construction would be to give it a chance. It could be challenging learning something new from scratch but if you stick with it, you can do it. It's an amazing thing to be young and learn a trade that you can use for the rest of your life.
Sadie Murray
What is your intended career path and how did you decide to pursue it?
I don't currently have one specific job title in mind. I just know that I want to build a career somewhere within the construction industry. I'm hoping that as I continue taking construction management classes and gaining hands-on experience, I'll discover exactly which fits me best. What excites me the most about construction is the variety of opportunities it offers and the ability to be a part of something impactful.
Who or what has been your biggest inspiration in choosing a career in construction?
My biggest inspiration comes from my coworker Caitlyn Fontaine. She is one of the hardest workers I know. Being a woman in the Electrical field can be challenging, and I've been fortunate to watch her overcome obstacles with confidence and determination. Seeing her work ethic, resilience, and knowledge has shown me what's possible and motivates me to push myself in this industry.