Here at Greenup Industries, diversity matters. The best way to approach a project is with varying perspectives from various individuals. As the construction industry has grown less inclusive following COVID-19, Greenup Industries has taken the initiative to recruit more diverse employees, particularly women.
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, only 10.9% of the construction workforce are women. This number has grown substantially within the past few years, a change that has considerably diminished the stigma of women in construction jobs since 2016. Yet still, there is a long way to go in achieving gender parity in the construction industry. Greenup Industries is proud to be at the forefront of promoting and celebrating women in construction, breaking down barriers, and creating opportunities for talented individuals regardless of gender.
Initiatives at Greenup Industries
At Greenup Industries, we recognize the importance of providing a supportive and inclusive environment for our entire team. Here are some of the initiatives that we have implemented thus far to empower and celebrate our women in construction:
1. Recruitment and Mentorship Programs
We actively work to promote and encourage women to pursue careers in construction through targeted recruitment efforts and mentorship programs. By providing mentorship opportunities, we help women gain the confidence and skills necessary to advance their careers and excel in current and future roles.
2. Training and Professional Development
We invest in training and professional development programs accessible to all employees, not just women in construction. These programs allow everyone, including women, to enhance technical skills and foster leadership abilities to promote career advancement.
3. Networking and Community Engagement
Greenup Industries organizes networking events, conferences, and workshops that unite women in construction by providing a platform for knowledge sharing, networking, and inspiration. We also actively engage with professional organizations and community initiatives that support and empower women in the industry.
Success Stories
At Greenup Industries, we have witnessed numerous success stories of women making significant impacts in construction. From project managers and engineers to architects and valued tradespeople, we have seen women excel in diverse roles and directly showcase their expertise and leadership. One such success story is Naiika Bass. Bass was introduced to the construction industry in 2007 by her Mom, who worked as a certified pipefitter. After graduating from South University with an Associate of Science degree in Criminal Justice, she pursued her Occupational Safety & Health degree from Columbia Southern University and her NCCER certification in Construction Site Safety Technician (CSST), Construction Site Safety Supervisor (CSSS), Field Safety, OSHA 30, and First Aid/C.P.R. For the next six years. She worked in the oil and gas industry as a safety professional. It was her responsibility to ensure each location was in compliance with safety rules and regulations. "When I first began working as a safety professional, it was evident that there was a lack of trust between the field workers and management. I embraced the challenge to change this culture. After developing relationships with the field workers, they soon realized I was looking after their best interests and that my main goal was to make sure they got home safely to their families," she said. In 2017, Bass joined Greenup as its Health and Safety Manager.
Greenup's CEO, Rodney Greenup, believes Bass provides a great example of how women can successfully advance to leadership positions within the construction field. "Naiika has shown her ability and initiative to address the challenges in her work. Because of her attention to detail and her tenacity in regards to following up and following through, we have earned numerous safety awards. We welcome the opportunity to promote her and trust that her career will continue to grow with us," he said.
The Future of Women in Construction
The future looks promising for women in construction in many ways. As more companies, like Greenup Industries, prioritize DEI efforts, we expect to see increased opportunities and support for women in construction. This shift benefits individual careers and contributes to better innovation, decision-making, and general project success. We are building a stronger, more inclusive industry by celebrating and empowering women in construction. We are creating an environment that encourages women to thrive through recruitment mentorship programs, professional development, networking, and community engagement. Let's continue to break barriers, challenge stereotypes, and shape a future where gender equality is the norm in construction.
About Greenup Industries
Greenup Industries is based in Kenner and offers contracting and specialized construction services for industrial, commercial, and municipal clients. The company's proprietary software, the Greenup Tracker, can connect third-party vendors with facilities that need painters, plumbers, groundskeepers, carpenters, etc.
If you want more information on our diversity efforts, don't hesitate to contact Greenup Industries at 225.283.4843 or info@greenupind.com.