Recognizing Women in the Industry

Words: Cassie Mejia



Masonry was introduced to the world through the imagination, determination, and pure strength of mankind. The first masons’ unique abilities harnessed the earth around them to create the structures that provided the security that allowed us to advance. These masons were pioneers who laid the stepping stones along the path that eventually led to civilization as we know it. I was born into the industry and learned at a young age about the legacy of masonry. Today, the masonry industry continues to create the skins and structures that become our homes, places of worship, schools, and much more. While men have historically dominated the masonry workforce, women have and will continue to enrich that workforce.

Like so many other industries in the United States, the masonry industry here is full of family-run businesses. When you consider the most common term used to describe these types of businesses, “Mom and Pop,” it is easy to see that women’s value to these businesses has been present for some time. A customary setup would be for Mom to help manage the office while Pop was out building the projects. My guess is that there were exceptions to that rule back then, and the exceptions are growing increasingly regular now. Being part of a generational line, early on I began contributing to different roles within the family business. Today, women are engaged and involved in all aspects of the masonry industry. You can find them leading build teams, designing, engineering, running field crews, and even working shoulder-to-shoulder with men on the line. Over the years, women’s numbers have grown, allowing their contributions to be more frequent. As our desire to seek out and celebrate these women grows, those contributions are undoubtedly more visible.

It is hard to think of a more visible group in our industry right now than the Concrete Masonry Checkoff Board of Directors. It is hard to think of a more influential member of that board than Heidi Jandris. At a time when concrete masonry products have come under increasing scrutiny, Heidi has emerged as a leading voice in transforming the way designers and end users recognize the superior carbon sequestration properties of masonry. She and her team’s efforts on this front have effectively leveled the playing field when comparing concrete masonry’s carbon footprint to other materials. These efforts help ensure that masonry remains a viable and eco-friendly building option.

  

There are a number of women who have taken on leadership positions within masonry associations, where they advocate for industry members and the overall advancement of the industry. I do not have to look far to find one such example. My friend and mentor, Lisa Prichard, spent the better part of two decades working with the Arizona Masonry Guild and Arizona Masonry Contractors Association. Her work there benefited everyone across the state and culminated in merging these two great organizations under one banner into the Arizona Masonry Council. I first met Lisa when I volunteered to help her at industry events. Over the years, my consistent presence and the interactions we shared at these events led Lisa to trust me. When Lisa’s path led her away from masonry, that trust led her to recruit me to take a role in the council. That same trust fuels me to both keep the momentum that was built and preserve the original values the council was formed with.

Another amazing woman I had the honor to learn from and work with was Mrs. Bridget Endres. Bridget had a strong hand and a soft heart. She worked for Superlite in Gilbert for many years. Bridget made an impact in the masonry industry by being a steady and consistent support line to any and all who were building masonry structures in Arizona. During her tenure, you would be hard-pressed to find a local mason who did not have Bridget on speed dial. Bridget once said to me, “You deserve to be a part of this industry; you make sure those boys know it and so will I.” To this day, that balance in values that Bridget demonstrated is my compass as I work with and for the masonry industry in Arizona.

The masonry industry is tough, in fact, not theory. The materials and the elements do not care where you come from, who you are, or what you think you are entitled to. These elements and materials demand grit and toughness from anyone and everyone who hopes to measure up. My path into the industry was really not that different from so many others, regardless of their gender. The roadblocks and obstacles that I faced are the same that both men and women must overcome if they hope to be successful. These challenges never outweighed the fulfillment I felt standing in front of a beautifully constructed masonry building I had a part in. I learned to muster and respect the physical strength of our field teams as I worked alongside them.

 

Aside from the environment, the actual installation of certain masonry units requires considerable upper-body strength. While there are women who possess that strength, it is a barrier that many struggle to overcome. The lift-assist technologies that have been developed in recent years can be leveraged to balance the scales. Machines like the MULE from Construction Robotics that are used to place heavier and larger format masonry units can be operated just as easily by women. Wearable equipment like the Fraco EXOSKELETON by Mawashi that augments individual strength can be worn and used by women as well. These technologies can help address the workforce shortage our industry is grappling with, ensuring the masonry workforce can meet growing demands.

The growing number of women in the industry has helped create a more diverse workforce. There is now an abundance of studies showing that gender-diverse teams are more productive and profitable. Gender diversity can contribute to a balanced work environment, fostering more effective collaboration and improving overall team dynamics and morale. A diverse workforce drives economic growth. Gender diversity is not just beneficial; it is essential for the evolution of the industry. While gender diversity is important, recognition should not be segregated or curved to be viewed as more notable, strictly because of gender. Man or woman, if you are an exceptional mason, excellent builder, unique designer, or remarkable leader, you will make a difference.



Both men and women have recognized hard work and passion, in me, the way I recognized it in them. Those shared qualities and values opened doors for me, not my gender. I consider myself incredibly fortunate to have been mentored by the three women mentioned above, among others. In addition, industry titans and MCAA Hall of Fame award recipients, Mike Sutter and Brian Carney, are among the men who have contributed to my success. Through their mentorship, I grew to understand and recognize the courage to take risks and the dedication and devotion to the employees that is demanded of a business leader.

Women in masonry are not just participants; they are contributors who bring innovation, precision, and collaboration to the masonry industry. They continue to be impactful by changing narratives, enhancing team dynamics, and inspiring future generations. By recruiting and promoting women in masonry, we are building a stronger, more inclusive industry, and we will all benefit from that diversity.


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