March is Women’s History Month, a time to recognize the contributions of women across all industries, including construction. While construction is a male-populated field, women continue to make their mark, bringing expertise, leadership, and innovation to the job site. 

Southeastern Equipment proudly supports these efforts, and this year, we took part in the Werk-Brau Women in Construction Summit, hosted in partnership with the National Association of Women in Construction (NAWIC).

The event was more than just a conference — it was a powerful space for women to connect, share experiences, and walk away with real tools to grow their careers, prioritize personal development, and build community in the industry.

Empowerment, Growth & Connection: Highlights from the Summit

Several members of our Southeastern Equipment team attended the summit, including Sandy Wallace, HR Coordinator; Megan Ringley, HR Generalist; Jackie Hill, Sales Operations & Rental Manager; Kylie Richardson, Sales Support Associate; Breanna Monter, Parts and Service Sales Representative; and Isabel Cherry, Marketing Coordinator. They gained valuable insights from industry leaders and engaged in discussions about self-advocacy, leadership, and professional development. Here are a few of their thoughts following the conference:

1. Prioritizing personal and professional success

“The most valuable takeaway for me was the empowerment to embrace my authentic self in all areas of my life and prioritize self-care. While this seems simple, as I’ve grown into my roles as a mom and leader, I’ve often put others ahead of myself, losing a bit of who I am in the process. One presenter shared that we need to rediscover ourselves through the different stages of life, which truly resonated with me. This event provided me with the tools, encouragement, and permission to dedicate time to myself — understanding that by doing so, I will better serve those around me,” said Jackie Hill.

2. Strengthening relationships within the industry

Jackie Hill also loved how “It allowed me to build stronger relationships with the women at Southeastern while also engaging more with the Werk-Brau team, deepening my sense of community within the industry.”

3. Success doesn’t mean going it alone

“Even the most successful woman have their daily struggles and it is OKAY! We like to be independent and think we know how to handle stress and issues, but sometimes we need to lean on others. The success stories of all these women were really eye-opening and made me think of ways on how I can succeed in this industry,” explained Megan Ringley.

4. Gaining confidence in career progression

“I found the panel to be very informative. Many of the panel members answered questions about how women in construction can further their careers and what that might look like, what roadblocks they may go against, and how to work around those,” explained Sandy Wallace. 

The summit featured standout sessions led by Ally Jencson and Katy Tombaugh, emphasizing the importance of “serving from your overflow”: prioritizing self-care so you can fully show up for others. They provided actionable strategies for career growth, workplace well-being, and leadership development. These conversations reinforced the importance of supporting women in construction, not just as employees, but as future leaders shaping the industry.

Why Supporting Women in Construction Matters

At Southeastern Equipment, we believe in creating opportunities for all employees to grow and thrive. Events like the Werk-Brau Women in Construction Summit help drive change by providing resources, education, and a strong support network for women in the field.

While women currently make up about 11% of the construction workforce, that number is growing. With more training, mentorship, and leadership opportunities, the industry is evolving to become more inclusive and welcoming for all.

We’re proud to have been part of this year’s Women in Construction Summit, and we’re committed to continuing our efforts to support the talented women at Southeastern Equipment and beyond.

Looking Ahead

A huge thank you to Werk-Brau and NAWIC for organizing this incredible event, and to all the women who participated, shared their insights, and inspired us.

To the women making an impact in construction: We see you, we support you, and we can’t wait to see where you go next.

Would you like to get involved in future industry events or learn more about careers at Southeastern? Connect with us here.