Purdue Fort Wayne to host Women in Construction Day, connecting students with industry leaders

Posted: 03/13/26

Author: Ryan Wooley

Categories: Engineering and Technology

Purdue University Fort Wayne will host Women in Construction Day on Monday, March 16, an event designed to inspire and support women pursuing careers in construction management and related fields. The event will take place in the Classic Ballroom at Walb Student Union from 9 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.

Hosted by Purdue Fort Wayne's School of Polytechnic, the event will bring together approximately 100 college students, high school students, and community partners for a day of networking, learning, and hands-on experiences within the construction industry.

Women in Construction Day is sponsored by Hagerman, Holder Construction, the City of Fort Wayne, and the National Association of Women in Construction.

The event was initiated, founded, and is led by Wedad Abu Adi, assistant professor of construction management in Purdue Fort Wayne's School of Polytechnic. Designed as a three-in-one engagement experience, the event blends career exploration, professional networking, and hands-on learning to introduce participants to the opportunities within the construction industry.

Attendees will have the chance to connect with industry leaders and companies, explore internship and career pathways, participate in mini challenges, interact with live demonstrations, and tour Purdue Fort Wayne's construction management labs and facilities.

The event also serves multiple audiences across the education and workforce pipeline.

For high school students, Women in Construction Day offers an opportunity to explore the construction field in ways they may not have previously experienced. Students will learn about the wide range of career paths within construction management and the built environment, including leadership roles, earning potential, and opportunities for long-term professional growth. By hearing real stories from industry professionals and interacting with university students, participants can begin to envision themselves in these careers and see that the field's possibilities are expansive.

For Purdue Fort Wayne construction management students, the event offers an opportunity to represent their program, engage in demonstrations, and connect directly with industry professionals. Students will participate in conversations about internships and career development, strengthening their professional identity and expanding their network within the regional construction community.

For industry professionals, the event creates a platform to connect with both current and future talent. Companies and leaders can share their expertise, inspire the next generation of professionals, and build stronger relationships with Purdue Fort Wayne while expanding their networks across northeast Indiana's construction sector.

"Women represent an incredible and growing opportunity within the construction management field," said Abu Adi. "The industry is actively seeking talented professionals who bring new perspectives, leadership, and problem-solving skills. Events like Women in Construction Day help introduce students to the wide range of opportunities available and demonstrate that women are not only welcome in this field-they are essential to its future."

A highlight of the event will be a panel discussion featuring leaders from across the construction and civic sectors, including Mayor Sharon Tucker, Andi Adams of Crosby Excavating, Nikki Holt of Hagerman, Melanie King of Hagerman, Holly Peak from the City of Fort Wayne, Dawn Ritchie from the City of Fort Wayne Greenways and Trails, and Anne Marie Smrchek from the City of Fort Wayne.

The event also reflects Purdue Fort Wayne's commitment to building stronger connections between students and regional employers.

"This event is about creating pathways," said Katy Henry, director of engagement at Purdue Fort Wayne. "By bringing students together with industry leaders and employers, we are helping them see the possibilities ahead-whether that's an internship, a first job, or a long-term career in construction and project management."

Women in Construction Day highlights Purdue Fort Wayne's ongoing efforts to support workforce development in northeast Indiana and expand access to high-demand careers in the skilled trades and construction management fields.

For more information about Purdue Fort Wayne's construction management program and events within the School of Polytechnic, visit pfw.edu/polytechnic.