In an industry where women comprise merely 11% of the workforce, Miron Construction is thinking differently — and acting with intention — to change the narrative. For this forward-thinking company, innovation is about far more than cutting-edge equipment and technology; it’s about building a more inclusive and equitable future for the industry, starting with how they recruit, retain and empower women.
“At Miron, we believe the best ideas come from diverse perspectives,” said Jen Bauer, executive vice president, culture & marketing. “That’s why we’re committed to creating a culture where everyone, regardless of gender, feels empowered to grow, lead and thrive.”
Sparking interest early: Build Like a Girl
Recruiting more women to the trades means starting early, and Miron is leading the charge with its annual Build Like a Girl event. Designed to introduce middle and high school girls to career paths in construction, the hands-on event lets participants explore tools, talk with tradeswomen and envision their future in a field where women have traditionally been underrepresented. This is the ninth year of Build Like a Girl in Neenah, and the company has taken the event on the road to its satellite office locations in Cedar Rapids, Iowa and Eau Claire, Madison and Wausau, Wisconsin, and will add Milwaukee to the list later this summer.
“Build Like a Girl isn’t just a one-day event, it’s a mindset,” said project executive Amanda Manteufel. “It’s about showing girls they belong here, and that there’s a place for their ideas, their energy and their leadership in construction.”
The power of community: Miron’s Women’s Network
Central to Miron’s commitment is its internal Women’s Network, a dynamic group open to all employees, regardless of gender, that focuses on supporting women in reaching their full potential. The Network fosters a culture of inclusion and teamwork through its core drivers — collaboration, advocacy, mentorship, development and improved business outcomes — which serve as a strategic framework for advancing gender equity within the company and across the construction industry.
Members of the Women’s Network work together to volunteer in and support our communities, cultivate strong workplace and/or interpersonal relationships, promote personal and professional growth and development, and educate the women of Miron on the tools and resources available to them.
Whether it’s through peer coaching, sharing experiences or partnering with Miron’s other employee network groups, the Women’s Network is a space where employees connect meaningfully and champion one another’s successes.
A national commitment: Million Women in Construction pledge
Miron is one of the pioneering companies to sign the Million Women in Construction pledge, a national initiative led by the U.S. Department of Commerce. The initiative aims to bring one million women into the construction workforce over the next decade — a daring move to address the labor shortage and gender gap in the trades.
By signing this pledge, Miron isn’t just committing to hiring more women; they’re actively investing in systemic change. The pledge encourages companies to build inclusive workplaces, enhance outreach and provide training pathways that ensure long-term success for women in construction.
Creating a culture of respect: Be More Than a Bystander
Miron recently partnered with the North Central States Regional Council of Carpenters to offer Be More Than a Bystander training, which equips employees with the tools and confidence to speak up against harassment and bias in the workplace. This proactive training reinforces the company’s zero-tolerance policy for discrimination and underscores its commitment to fostering a respectful and people-first environment.
Building a better future, together
Miron Construction’s efforts are a clear example that companies can innovate not just in how they build structures — but in how they build culture. Through thoughtful programs, national commitments and grassroots engagement, they are reimagining what a supportive workplace looks like and investing in inclusive programming at every level. They are truly leading with purpose.
For Miron, bringing more women into construction is just the beginning. The real transformation happens when we empower, support and set them up to lead. Because when women thrive, so will the entire industry.
Company: Miron Construction Co., Inc.
Innovation: Championing women in the trades
