Women Build It Conference 2025
Where We Are – and Where We Will Be
In the historically male-dominated construction industry, women now make up 11.2% of the workforce. But the real story lies with each of the 1.34 million (and growing) women who break barriers, drive growth… And lift each other up. They – we – are redefining the field, not only executing projects but building community. “It’s impressive and exciting to see this change over the last 15 years,” says Glass House Gallery CEO Cori Brown. It was particularly exhilarating to see this change in action at Women Build It 2025.
This one-day event forges lasting, career-building, connections – and adds fuel to the fire in all of us to deliver exceptional work, solve challenges with innovative thinking, and move the industry, and each other, forward.
Building Each Other Up
On August 27, 2025, four hundred professionals came together at the Women Build It Conference, hosted by Haven Media. In its third year, the event seeks to empower women in home building, who have been, and remain, underrepresented in the construction and design industry. It is a chance to sharpen skills, gain deeper insights, and share those stories. One that we seized with both hands.
A full line-up of speakers, panels, activities, and breakout sessions were enhanced by authentic (and lively) conversations. Cori says, “Bringing [women] together for a day of inspiration, passion, growth… It’s amazing that we have this in our local community.”
This is very much by design: A planning committee of women leaders created an intentional, thoughtful day that addressed our top priorities, our biggest pain points, and our most significant opportunities. Glass House Gallery believes so much in the mission that we also seized the chance to become a Platinum Sponsor with both hands. Cori explains,
“The Women Build It Conference is important to me because it provides an opportunity to collaborate with the most impressive and innovative women in our industry. We all have growth opportunities both professionally and personally, and this conference provides the setting and atmosphere to provide this to both the most experienced in our trade group, as well as the most novice.”
Power, Presence, and Purpose
This was the message of keynote speaker Lamiaa Laurène Daif. The leadership coach and former Apple executive said, “Power is not a personality trait, it’s a choice.” We don’t have to earn it. It’s there. We need to own it.”
That said, the “owning” looks different. Career advancement and success is a goal every participant shares, but we recognize that the path there doesn’t go over other women, nor is it achieved in isolation. It travels through networks, mentorships, partnerships, and shared goals. Yes, we are a competitive bunch, but we also know success isn’t pie. It’s no limited resource to be sliced up and doled out to a select few. Owning our leadership, our power, and reaching out a hand to the experienced, to the novice, to the dreamers, is paramount.
For the Glass House Gallery team, this spirit of camaraderie is more than a one-day exercise. It is daily practice. From being part of the all-woman team who built a show-stopping “People’s Choice” winner at the 2024 Home-a-Rama to encouraging someone starting her career to take the next steps, we can get much farther together. It’s just good business!
As incredible as Women Build It 2025 was, we can’t wait to see what’s in store for 2026. We will be there, and we will continue to reach out, connect, and empower each other. Women in home building may be a relative rarity. For now. We are changing that, one project and one partnership at a time.
Our approach to leadership in the home construction industry yields exceptional results. To see how Glass House Gallery can help you with your next project, connect with our team.
