Featuring Dr. Adeeba Raheem, University of Texas El Paso (UTEP) Assistant Professor, Department of Civil Engineering and Teri Jones, Sundt Construction, Building Group President.
The share of women in construction reached just over 14% in 2024, according to the U.S. Department of Commerce. With a projected 650,000 new roles annually, the traditionally male-dominated construction workforce will continue to change. Dr. Adeeba Raheem, a leading construction management academic at UTEP, shares insights from her inspiring story and career as she continues to prepare the next generation of construction professionals.
Recently, Teri Jones, Building Group President at Sundt Construction, discussed with Dr. Raheem about her trailblazing career and the changing dynamics of women working in construction.
This interview has been edited for length and clarity.
Teri Jones: Dr. Raheem, it’s an honor to interview you today. Can you start by telling us a bit about your current role, and what inspired you to pursue a career in construction?
Dr. Raheem: Absolutely. First of all, thank you so much for having me. I graduated from the University of Florida with a Ph.D. in construction management and master’s degrees in civil engineering, environmental engineering, and building construction. It was a very interesting and enriching experience for me. And it’s not just that we had the best professors there, but it was a very inclusive, diverse environment with an international community. I really enjoyed the peer mentoring process. Now that I’m here at UTEP, I want to give that experience back to our student community here.
Teri Jones: How did you perceive gender dynamics in your field during your studies and early career? Did you face any challenges, and how did you navigate them?
Dr. Raheem: Time and again, I was reminded that I am not pursuing the right program, architectural engineering. And that I will not be able to get a job after I graduate. At some point I started asking, why not? I started ignoring those noises and really listening to the voices of my mentors and leveraged the support structure around me. Being part of these professional networks exposed me to the experiences of other women engineers, particularly their stories of resilience and determination in overcoming obstacles. Hearing first-hand how they dealt with these difficult situations, ranging from workplace challenges to personal doubts provided me with both inspiration and practical advice. And the confidence I gained from this collective wisdom has been really pivotal in keeping me motivated and pushing forward in my career.
Teri Jones: What’s one crucial lesson about construction management that you learned on the job through a more hands-on experience?
Dr. Raheem: The importance of adaptability because no matter how well a project is planned, there are always unexpected challenges. Whether it’s a delay in materials, changing in the client requirements, or unforeseen site conditions, being able to think on your feet, problem solving and adjusting your plans without really losing sight of the overall objectives. That’s the key. It’s essential, and it’s not just managing your task or timelines. It’s about how you are leading your team through those uncertainties with clear communication and maintaining a solution-oriented mindset.
Teri Jones: That’s a great perspective. Let’s talk a little about the talent pipeline and women in the field. What are the challenges and opportunities for women in the construction industry?
Dr. Raheem: The industry has made significant progress, but there is still a lot more to do when we talk about diversifying this field. Many of those challenges are tough to deal with because of the persistent stereotypes and workplace culture of the construction industry. This makes it difficult for women to feel fully integrated and supported, in my opinion. There are basic considerations for women we are not able to provide on a larger scale like the personal protective equipment (PPE) or having clean restrooms on jobsites. Women are still significantly underrepresented, especially in skilled trades and leadership roles, making it harder to find mentors or role models within the industry.
I think women, by nature, are multitaskers. They are really good at management. And with more and more technology involved in construction processes, there’s a lot more that women can do while getting a good pay rate. And some of the considerations that they’ll be having like maternity leave, managing their work-life balance. Looking at the huge footprint of the construction industry, there is a huge gap, and women, through their capabilities and better preparation, can play a really important role.
Teri Jones: How is UTEP preparing its female students for careers in construction?
Dr. Raheem: The industry is changing, and we have seen more technology involved. People are talking about sustainability, reducing the carbon footprint of the industry itself. And we are paying close attention and trying to develop our curriculum, making sure that we are touching on these aspects. The students are ready. And when you talk about women, we are motivating them. We are encouraging them and providing opportunities for leadership roles, specifically in our professional organizations.
Having those firsthand experiences with these roles is preparing them for the future. Also, we are trying to get more role models connected with these young professionals through those organizations or through guest lectures, internships. So, they don’t have any surprises, and they learn from these women who are doing an excellent job in the field.
Teri Jones: How can the private sector partner with universities to create more pathways for women in this industry?
Dr. Raheem: Gone are the days of companies and academia working in silos. If we are not connecting our students with the industry while they are pursuing their academic careers, we are not doing a good service to our students. We need programs like the internship credit that we have embedded in our program at UTEP. Realizing the value of that integration and partnership so more companies provide the opportunities for students and getting them to the jobsites.
Teri Jones: As a distinguished academic and industry professional, how do you approach mentorship of the next generation of women in these fields?
Dr. Raheem: Never ever give up on your dreams. You have to be resilient. You have to be strong and passionate about what you are doing. If you ever feel dejected, remember the stories of those women who were the first ones in their field. Their journey was the hardest one. But they made an impact and opened the doors for so many others. And continue your professional development. Get design build certifications when you are in your junior or final years. And to those women who are already in the field, keep sharing your story. Because it’s very important for other young women to hear it from you. We must create that support system around us and others to have more diversity in this field.
Dr. Raheem’s journey shows the power of mentorship, resilience and advocacy for women in construction. As the industry continues to evolve, creating inclusive environments, providing role models, and fostering industry-academic collaborations will be essential in attracting and retaining talented women in the field.
A huge thank you to Dr. Raheem for sharing her story and to Teri Jones for leading this insightful conversation.