Hillary Lyon Marketing Director |REGENCY CONSTRUCTION SERVICES

I’ve been influenced by strong leaders who lead with both confidence and authenticity. Mentors who take the time to share their experiences and lessons learned have shaped how I approach both leadership and collaboration. Seeing women succeed in this industry has been especially impactful and reinforces the importance of mentorship. 

I was introduced to the AEC industry while working for an architectural firm, and that experience really opened my eyes to how relationship-driven and collaborative this field is. During that time, I had the opportunity to meet with a respected construction leader to learn more about her career path and talk about her success in the industry. That conversation left a lasting impression on me. I admired her leadership and perspective, and it reinforced how powerful mentorship and connection can be in this field. 
 
What has always stood out to me about construction is the people — the trust, the teamwork, and the long-term relationships that make every project possible. That’s what drew me in and what continues to inspire me. 

One misconception that still exists is that women in construction have to prove they “belong” in the industry more than their male counterparts. The reality is that women bring valuable perspectives, leadership, and technical expertise to every aspect of the field — from operations to project management to executive leadership. Construction is about problem-solving, communication, and collaboration, and those skills are not defined by gender. 

Women bring diversity of perspective, leadership style, and problem-solving approach. When teams include different experiences and viewpoints, the solutions are stronger and more innovative. The industry benefits when women are involved at every level — from project teams to executive leadership — because diverse teams drive better outcomes. 

Don’t be intimidated by what you think the industry is — it’s far more diverse and opportunity-filled than many people realize. Be confident in your abilities, ask questions, and seek out mentors. There is room for leadership, creativity, and innovation in construction, and your perspective is valuable.