California Construction News staff writer
California’s construction industry is changing, and women are playing an increasingly important role in that transformation.
This year, California Construction News is proud to honor 10 outstanding women who are helping shape the future of construction in California. Nominated by industry leaders and their peers, the honorees represent the talent, leadership and expertise women bring to an industry that has historically been dominated by men.
Their recognition comes at a time when the numbers tell an important story.
Women accounted for 14.2% of construction-industry payroll employment in the United States in November 2024, representing roughly 1.2 million workers, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.
That figure includes the broader construction industry, including management, administrative and professional positions. Representation is considerably lower in the skilled trades.
California Department of Industrial Relations data show that as of March 31, 2026, there were 2,507 active women apprentices in the state’s building trades, representing just 3.64% of all active apprentices.
The numbers also vary considerably across different areas of construction. Women represented about 24.1% of employment in residential building construction and 12.7% among specialty trade contractors in November 2024. In highway, street and bridge construction, women represented less than 10% of employment.
Those statistics demonstrate both how far the industry has come and how much opportunity remains.
The women being honored by California Construction News demonstrate what is possible when talent, determination and opportunity come together.
They are leading companies and projects, working in the skilled trades, managing teams, designing and engineering buildings, navigating complex construction challenges and mentoring the next generation.
Their careers also challenge outdated perceptions about who belongs in construction.
Rebecca Llewlyn, Deborah Wilder and Lee Cunningham are featured in special 750-word profiles. The following seven women are recognized for their achievements and influence across the industry:
Lise Bornstein — KFA Architecture
Lise Bornstein is an influential figure in Los Angeles architecture, working at the intersection of design, development and community needs. At KFA Architecture, she contributes to housing, civic projects, schools and mixed-use developments across the region. Her work comes at a critical time for Los Angeles, where housing demand, limited land and evolving public policy are reshaping the built environment. Bornstein’s career demonstrates how architects can help turn planning and development goals into projects that shape communities and address some of California’s most pressing housing and development challenges.
Giovanna Brasfield — Brasfield & Associates LLC
Giovanna Brasfield is helping advance diversity, equity, inclusion and accessibility in construction by turning those principles into practical workforce strategies. Through Brasfield & Associates LLC, she has worked with organizations on training, accountability and initiatives designed to expand opportunity. Her approach recognizes that meaningful DEIA progress requires changes in how companies recruit, develop and retain talent. Brasfield’s work comes as California’s construction industry faces intense competition for skilled workers, making the development of a broader and more inclusive workforce increasingly important to the industry’s future.
Leah Wimberly — Women in Construction Operations
Leah Wimberly is a strong advocate for women in construction, with a focus on mentorship, professional development and developing the industry’s next generation of leaders. A member of the Women in Construction Operations (WiOPS) Governing Board, Wimberly has helped advance opportunities for women working in construction operations. Her influence extends beyond the industry; she was named one of Orange County’s 125 Most Influential People for 2025. Her commitment to mentorship reflects her belief in recognizing those who opened doors for today’s professionals while creating new opportunities for those coming next.
Renee Self-Gibbons — Chameleon Design
Renee Self-Gibbons has made a lasting contribution to Southern California’s homebuilding industry through her work with Chameleon Design. Her career was recognized in 2026 with her induction into the Building Industry Association of Southern California’s Hall of Legends. Self-Gibbons represents the important role design professionals play in creating successful communities, helping shape the character and identity of residential developments. Her recognition places her among industry veterans whose careers have made a lasting contribution to Southern California’s homebuilding sector.
Mary Teichert — Teichert Inc.
Mary Teichert represents one of California’s longstanding construction legacies. A fifth-generation leader of Teichert Inc., she has worked across virtually every aspect of the business, from quality assurance and plant management to estimating, project management and executive leadership. She became CEO after serving as chief operating officer and president. Teichert Inc. has a major presence in California infrastructure, including roads, highways, airports, bridges, dams and levees. Teichert’s combination of hands-on construction experience, executive leadership and industry advocacy makes her an important voice in California’s infrastructure sector.
Emily Cohen — United Contractors
Emily Cohen is an influential voice for California’s construction industry through her leadership of United Contractors. As CEO, she advocates for contractors on issues including workforce challenges, regulation and the business environment. Cohen has also become a strong advocate for developing the next generation of construction leaders, encouraging professionals to take an active role in shaping the industry’s future. Her leadership comes at a pivotal time for California contractors, who face significant workforce and regulatory challenges while the state works to expand housing and infrastructure.
Valerie Hardman — Outdoor Dimensions
Valerie Hardman represents an important, often behind-the-scenes part of Southern California’s homebuilding industry. Through her work with Outdoor Dimensions, she has contributed to the outdoor design elements that help define residential communities and give developments their character. Hardman’s career was recognized through her selection for the 2026 Building Industry Association of Southern California Hall of Legends. Her recognition highlights the many specialized professionals whose expertise extends beyond the construction of individual homes and helps create complete, attractive and livable communities.
