Women in Construction Week 2025: Celebrating Women at The Collective
Published: March 3, 2025
Since its inception in 1998, Women in Construction Week has grown into a global movement celebrating and promoting the invaluable contributions of women in the construction industry. Running from March 2 to March 8, 2025, this year’s theme, ‘Together We Rise,’ focuses on the strength and expertise of women and the vital role they play in shaping the industry’s future.
Recent data shows that women make up between 11 and 17 percent of the construction workforce, with 11.2 percent in the U.S. (source) and 16.3 percent in Canada (source). While these numbers reflect progress, there is still much work to be done to ensure women are represented, supported, and empowered.
At The Collective, we are committed to fostering equity within our workforce and the broader Architecture, Engineering, and Construction (AEC) sector. In support of this initiative, we are proud to spotlight two inspiring women from our Architectural Products Division who are driving meaningful change.
Read on to learn more about Katie and Tanya’s journeys and the experiences that have shaped their careers.
Katie Bunton, Account Manager, Architectural Products Division
How did you get involved in the Architecture/Engineering/Construction (AEC) industry?
I earned my bachelor’s degree in interior design and my master’s in interior architecture. Right out of college, I joined The Collective in the Architectural Products Division, where I was fortunate to have a mentor, Mike Clow, who introduced me to the construction side of the business. I quickly became fascinated by job sites and the ongoing coordination required to bring large-scale projects to completion—on time, within budget, and with multiple trades working seamlessly together. While our storefronts are just one piece of that puzzle, they demand extensive coordination, site visits, and problem-solving. It’s a challenge I’ve grown to love tackling!
What do you enjoy most about being in the AEC industry?
What I enjoy most about being in the AEC industry is how much I’ve learned—and continue to learn—every day. There’s always something new to discover, whether it’s through problem-solving on a project, seeing job sites evolve from start to finish, or learning from the incredible people I meet along the way. There’s a real satisfaction in watching our products come to life and knowing they’re part of a larger puzzle that makes a project successful. The constant learning, collaboration, and seeing tangible results make this industry so rewarding for me.
What is your favorite part about working at The Collective?
My favorite part about working at The Collective is definitely the people. The members of my team have become like a second family to me. We support each other and collaborate constantly, which makes tackling projects so much more rewarding. Everyone’s dedicated to ensuring that each project is completed successfully, and that team dynamic really makes a difference in the work we do.
What advice would you give other women hoping to start a career in the AEC industry?
My advice to other women hoping to start a career in the AEC industry is simple: do it! When I first started going on job sites, I was nervous and unsure of myself. But over time, I became more comfortable, and now it’s something I look forward to—sometimes even going solo! The learning curve can be intimidating, but the knowledge you gain is worth it. You’ll learn more than you ever imagined, make great connections, and see how much you’re capable of. Don’t let the nerves hold you back—go for it!
Tanya Clark, Operations Manager, Architectural Products
How did you get involved in the Architecture/Engineering/Construction (AEC) industry?
I’ve always been in the construction industry, I started in landscape construction, went back to school for Interior Design after I had my daughter.
After graduating I was offered a position with a demountable partition manufacturer in their design and engineering division. Over the last 25 years I have worked with 4 different manufacturers in various positions, design, management and operations.
What do you enjoy most about being in the AEC industry?
Every project comes with its own challenges, we are pushed on a daily basis to excel.
What is your favorite part about working at The Collective?
The daily support from our division vice president.
What advice would you give other women hoping to start a career in the AEC industry?
The AEC industry needs your expertise, regardless of gender. You’re not defined by being a woman in the industry, but by your qualifications and the value you bring. You’re a highly qualified individual who will be an asset to any company you choose to take a position with.