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Shawmut's Commitment to Women in Construction

In an effort to shine a spotlight on the crucial roles women hold in the construction industry, Shawmut Design and Construction, a nationally recognized $2 billion construction management firm, is proud to celebrate Women in Construction (WIC) week from March 3 to March 7. This initiative, marked by various engaging activities, aims not only to recognize the achievements of women but also to foster a much-needed dialogue on promoting gender diversity across the sector.

Shawmut stands out in its commitment, boasting a workforce that is 32 percent female, significantly exceeding the industry average of just 10 percent. In the spirit of WIC week, employees will participate in a series of programs designed to inspire and empower current and future female leaders in construction. Shawmut’s employees have participated in WIC week activities for over a decade, focusing on important discussions about how the industry can enhance the recognition of women’s contributions and expand their presence in the field.

The Message from Leadership

CEO Les Hiscoe emphasized the importance of this week by stating, "Women in Construction Week is about acknowledging the critical roles women play in shaping our industry and building a robust and sustainable future for construction." Hiscoe expressed pride in Shawmut's progress and a firm commitment to fostering a workforce that mirrors the communities they serve, looking to collaborate with industry partners to maintain these essential discussions year-round.

Kickoff Event

To kickstart the celebration, Shawmut hosted a company-wide event centered on this year’s theme, "Together We Rise." The event focused on fostering collaboration, mentorship, and learning among construction professionals. A key moment included a panel discussion featuring rising women leaders, which was moderated by Chief People Administration Officer Marianne Monte. This platform provided not only insights into the experiences of women in leadership positions but also emphasized the necessity of mentorship and networking in advancing women's careers in construction.

Engaging Activities Across Locations

Throughout the week, Shawmut has meticulously organized a variety of activities, including site visits led by female leaders to showcase significant projects:

• - Harvard University's Mixed-Use Redevelopment at 175 North Harvard Street, featuring a new American Repertory Theater and additional university housing.
• - Excel Miami, a 24-story residential tower located in Miami's vibrant Arts and Entertainment District.
• - Greystone Elementary School in Providence, Rhode Island.
• - FM’s New State-of-the-Art R&D Center in Norwood, Massachusetts.

These visits not only allow participants to gain insights into ongoing projects but also to interact with the women leading these efforts directly.

Moreover, Shawmut will host a comprehensive panel discussion in Los Angeles featuring women within the field, alongside a networking event in Boston. Employees will also engage in programming sessions focused on addressing unconscious bias, a key component of fostering an inclusive workplace environment.

Ongoing Commitment to Workplace Equity

Shawmut’s dedication to promoting gender equity and inclusion doesn’t stop with WIC week. The company actively pursues year-round initiatives aimed at ensuring workplace equity. These initiatives include regular reviews to maintain pay and promotion equity, establishing sponsorship relationships that elevate high-potential employees to leadership roles, and a mentorship program designed to mitigate unconscious bias. Moreover, Shawmut prioritizes comprehensive training programs that focus on recognizing and addressing unconscious biases, building a more inclusive environment overall.

As a 100% employee-owned firm with over 80% of its business stemming from repeat clients, Shawmut underscores its commitment to a culture of ownership, proactive solutions, and lasting partnerships that are essential to the future success of the construction industry.

For more information on Shawmut Design and Construction and their initiatives, please visit www.shawmut.com.