How is the landscape changing? Traditionally, men have dominated the construction and restoration industry with statistics showing women comprise around only 11% of the workforce. To change these statistics the trades have begun recruiting from schools and into apprenticeship programs. Franchises are promoting women-owned companies, recognitions such as the Women in Restoration Award established by Restoration & Remediation help celebrate the achievements of women throughout the industry, and organizations are being created addressing the unique challenges faced by women in the industry. The National Association of Women in Construction (NAWIC) and The Storm Restoration Contractor Summit (WCS) are two that have had an enormous impact allowing women contractors nationwide to engage in learning, interacting and building connections with like-minded women to share experiences and celebrate success. 

Disasters such as hurricane Ida and Hellene, the wildfires and even the Covid-19 pandemic in America have revealed the grit of a women-owned restoration companies. Owners such as Lisa Cordasco of New Crystal Restoration (NY) winner of the Powerful Women of Distinction award 3 years in a row notes “With NY being the epicenter of the COVID-19 pandemic, we, as essential workers, stepped up assisting the medical facilities with their decontamination cleaning, converting meeting spaces to patient rooms and whatever else was needed”. Becky Edgren of PuroClean Restoration (OH) has led her team in providing rapid and effective restoration services since 2008. Her dedication earned her the Franchise Rock Star award, recognizing her leadership and community impact. Kris McMath DeWald of Rainbow Restoration (MO) was instrumental after the recent tornados in the Mid-west leading storm recovery initiatives. With her team she coordinated response and ensured restoration services to the affected communities across two states. These are just a few women leading and breaking boundaries in America, but worldwide events such as the 2023 earthquakes in Türkiye also had women-led organizations at the forefront of response and recovery. Women are now leading the way for restoration development and resiliency addressing the immediate needs of catastrophe preparedness and laying the groundwork disaster recovery.

Acknowledging and inspiring young women to enter the restoration and construction field is vital for our industry's growth. Offering vocational education, internships, mentoring and celebrating women's contributions and individual achievements will inspire a pursuit in these professions. Highlighting successful women within these industries will open doors and encourage more young women to follow suit.

Women, working together and supporting our communities will build a more inclusive and efficient industry. It will also enhance the resilience and well-being of the communities in which we live. Women in leadership and the contributions of women in restoration will undoubtedly play a pivotal role in shaping a better and more resilient future for our communities and industry.