On average, women make over 90% of homebuying decisions. However, currently, women make up only 10% of the construction industry in the United States. The annual Women in Construction Weeks seeks to bring awareness to this disparity, celebrate women in the industry, and promote opportunities for more women to get involved in the trades.

To celebrate Women in Construction Week and International Women’s Day, the Parade of Homes hosted a champagne toast for members of the industry with the goal of honoring and celebrating women in Minnesota’s residential construction sector.

Attendees enjoyed drinks and appetizers while mingling with fellow women in construction and touring both the Stonegate Builders and Swanson Homes Dream Homes featured on this Spring’s Parade of Homes. The group also gathered for a champagne toast and remarks from some inspiring industry leaders.

Hosts Amy Offerman, lead designer of Stonegate Builders, and Curt Swanson, owner of Swanson Homes, shared their admiration for working women paving roads to success in the construction industry.

Finally, Jamie Tharp, president of Pulte Homes Midwest, spoke about what drew her to construction, how she balances motherhood and her career, how the industry can create more female leaders, and her advice to younger women looking to enter the industry.

Last week’s celebrations marked the 25th annual Women in Construction Week, which was officially celebrated for the first time in 1998.