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The construction industry has traditionally been a space where women have to carve out their own place, sometimes with grit, often with grace, and always with determination. From jobsites to boardrooms, they’re pushing boundaries, creating inclusive cultures, and leading with vision.
We sat down with Sophia Gaines Mitchell, procurement manager at Turner, and Candiece Wilson, project executive at Turner, to explore how women leaders are driving meaningful change. Their experiences reflect a common truth that leadership is not defined by title or tradition, but rather by action, purpose, and persistence.
What is one challenge you’ve faced in your career that taught you a lasting leadership lesson?
Sophia Gaines Mitchell: Earlier in my career as a project superintendent and engineer, I experienced moments of pushback, especially early on when some subcontractors were initially skeptical of my capabilities. However, once we began working together, I consistently demonstrated technical knowledge, strong communication, and problem-solving skills that helped shift perceptions and build trust.
One specific instance was during a project that faced significant schedule delays. I led a pull-planning session with all the subcontractors, breaking the work down into clear, achievable milestones. This collaborative and transparent approach not only helped us recover lost time, but also created a sense of shared ownership across the team. It became clear that empowering others and fostering cohesion can strengthen overall performance.
Additionally, I embraced flexibility, such as rotating weekend work schedules, to support both the project’s needs and team morale. These strategies helped create a more inclusive and result-driven environment, even in the face of initial resistance.
How have you worked to create a more inclusive environment within your organization, and what impact do you hope to achieve?
Candiece Wilson: In addition to being a project executive, I am the diversity advocate for the Advanced Technology Group. I advocate for those whose voices may not be heard, particularly women in construction. I partner with executive leadership to address unconscious bias and promote equal access to training, development, and career opportunities.
My goal is to create lasting change by fostering fairness and inclusion in decision-making. I strive to increase representation in leadership programs, elevate visibility for underrepresented talent, and ensure all team members feel supported. The goal is to create a culture where everyone has a fair chance to grow and where inclusion is part of how we do business every day.
What advice would you both give to the next generation of women in construction who want to lead change in the industry?
Sophia Gaines Mitchell: One of the most valuable qualities you can bring to this industry is adaptability. In construction, plans and priorities can shift quickly, and being able to adjust while staying focused is a major asset to any team. I often go back to the phrase, “Control what you can control.” It’s a simple reminder to stay grounded, especially in high-pressure situations.
My advice is to lead with consistency and respect. When you set ego aside and show up with a strong work ethic and steady leadership, regardless of your title, you earn the respect of those around you.
Candiece Wilson: I agree with Sophia 100% and would add that it is imperative to be your own strongest advocate. Don’t wait for opportunities, create them. Be proactive and persistent in setting your career goals and take ownership of your professional development. Seek out the training and experiences you need to grow, and don’t be afraid to ask for what will help you succeed.
Be intentional, and yes, even a little selfish when it comes to learning. Stay engaged, show up with curiosity, and immerse yourself in every opportunity to build your knowledge and skills. This industry needs leaders who are not only capable, but also committed to continuous growth. By investing in yourself and staying focused, you won’t just be part of the industry, you’ll be shaping its future.
In closing, Sophia and Candiece represent two powerful faces of leadership in construction. Together, their stories and advice remind us that women are shaping the future of the industry with every decision, innovation, and courageous conversation.
To every woman stepping into this space, know that you belong, your voice matters, and your leadership is driving transformation in the construction industry.
For more, listen to episode 334 of Diverse: a SWE podcast where Leah Turner-Jenkins, special projects division manager at Turner, and Blanca Diaz, vice president & construction executive at Turner, share their personal experiences around leading change as women in engineering and construction:
