Women in Construction Week 2026: Leveling Up at Perlo
03/01/2026
Women in Construction Week takes place March 1–7 this year, and the national theme is Level Up, Build Strong. The focus is simple: growth, skill building, and strengthening the presence of women in every corner of the industry. It’s about taking the next step, pushing for better systems, and building stronger teams and communities along the way. At Perlo, we used this week as a chance to hear directly from the women who keep our projects, departments, and teams moving forward. We asked them how they’ve grown in their careers, what motivates them, and how they see the path for women in construction continuing to expand.
Below are a few highlights from the women across our office who shared what “leveling up” has looked like for them. Among those voices is Whitney Peterson, Senior Training & Development Manager, whose journey at Perlo has been anything but a straight path and all the more inspiring because of it. From joining the company with no construction background to helping launch our new Puget Sound division in Tacoma this year, Whitney has built her career through grit, curiosity, and a commitment to lifting others as she climbs. Her story reflects the spirit of this week: taking bold steps, embracing growth, and creating pathways for the next generation of women in construction.
Spotlight: Whitney Peterson, Senior Training & Development Manager
How have you grown or “leveled up” in your role, and what helped you get there?
“I joined Perlo right out of college as a Subcontractor Coordinator with no construction experience. Owner Gayland Looney saw potential in me and encouraged me toward project management. I took a leap of faith into the Special Projects Group, where I learned the value of time management, urgency, and adaptability. Those lessons prepared me for general construction, where I later led industrial projects. Along the way, Perlo President Chris Gregg and Director of Operations Jordan Peterson taught me the ins and outs of construction and helped me through challenges I couldn’t have navigated alone. Their mentorship shaped the professional I am today.”
What strengths do you see women bringing to construction?
“Women bring a tremendous range of strengths to construction, the same strengths that men bring. Women in construction help expand the industry’s talent, perspective and leadership in ways that make our teams stronger.”
A moment when you felt especially proud of your impact on a project or team.
“I developed Perlo’s internship program and helped elevate it into a true talent pipeline. It’s incredibly rewarding to see how far it has come and even more meaningful that nearly all of our Project Engineers began their careers through this program. Watching interns grow into strong contributors and future leaders has been one of the most fulfilling parts of my work.”
Advice you’d give to women entering the field who want to grow.
“My advice to women entering the construction industry is simple: work hard and stay focused. It’s important to recognize that women are still underrepresented in this field, but it’s just as important not to let that define you. Let your work ethic, dedication, and commitment to excellence speak louder than any stereotype. When you show up, stay disciplined, and keep pushing forward, you create your own path and open doors for the women who will follow.”
What keeps you motivated?
“I’ve always been an ultra‑competitive person, and when I first started at Perlo, I had to learn how to channel that intensity in a productive way. Over time, I realized the real competition wasn’t with anyone else; it was with myself. I focus on showing up better than I did yesterday, pushing my own limits, and learning from the people around me. That mindset has shaped my growth more than anything else.”
How do you see opportunities for women in construction continuing to strengthen?
“It’s a ripple effect. Companies are recognizing the value of diverse perspectives in communication and culture. With continued advocacy, mentorship, and commitment to developing talent, the opportunities for women in the industry will only grow stronger.”
Any words to encourage more women to consider construction as a career path?
“Construction is an amazing career path. It offers stability and purpose. It is one of the few fields where you can see the impact of your work take shape in the real world – buildings, communities, and infrastructures that last for generations. This industry is constantly evolving with technology and innovated building methods, and we need skilled professionals who can take on hard work, and that includes women.”
Voices from Across Perlo
Meghan Looney
Director of Human Resources
“Being a woman in construction at Perlo means rising to challenges, growing through support and mentorship, and proving every day that our insight, resilience, empathy, and leadership strengthen this industry. I’m proud to be a small part of helping build projects and a future where more women can thrive in this industry.”
Kathleen Buono
Senior Project Manager, SPG
“Women are generally wonderful multi-taskers strong communicators and collaborators, all traits that are in high demand in construction. I’ve been a huge advocate of industry association membership during my career. Seeing the women at Perlo join committees and leadership roles in the industry associations (AGC, CREW, NAIOP, Etc.) is great to see. The only way to affect change is to be in the ranks of those who influence.”
Emily Leonard
Proposal Coordinator
“After getting a degree in engineering, I started in the industry as a project engineer and didn’t even know marketing or business development existed in construction. A mentor through SMPS nudged me toward pursuing it and helped me land my first role. Her support, and the support of so many other women, is the reason I was able to level up and am here today.”
Rebecca Cook
Senior Compliance Manager
“This past year, I’ve grown by trusting my instincts and embracing new ideas that strengthen both my company and my career. Women bring empathy, determination, and incredible strength to construction, and I’m proud when my work supports our teams and moves complex projects forward. Knowing my contributions truly matter motivates me every day. Construction is creating more space for women to lead and thrive, and I hope more women discover the powerful opportunities this industry offers.”
Lainee Perala
Project Manager
“What keeps me motivated as a woman in construction is mentoring up-and-coming female project engineers and managers as they learn and grow in this industry. It is so rewarding to see eager, driven, and passionate women truly excelling in a traditionally male-dominated industry. We are a force to be reckoned with, and the ladies in Perlo’s project management department are nothing short of exceptional.”
Allison Muttillo
Project Engineer
“One of my favorite Perlo practices is to find the common ground – it’s a big part of what makes our culture so strong. No matter our differences, we work toward shared success. Perlo creates space for women to contribute, grow, and build strong in this industry.”
Meuy Tzeo
Marketing Manager
“You really do get out what you put in. What I appreciate about Perlo is that people can grow in ways that actually make sense for them. For me, that’s meant getting involved with industry groups like NAIOP and the many associations and community organizations we support. You learn quickly that construction is a small world, and people are genuinely willing to help you succeed.”
Reese Schimmel
Marketing Assistant
“The support at Perlo has made a big difference in my early career. Mentors have taken the time to invest in my growth, and I’ve been able to witness firsthand how marketing supports our teams in building each project and bringing home big wins. Women bring strength and determination that teams rely on, and I’ve seen that impact from my very first day. It’s a big part of what helps our industry grow stronger.”
Closing Thoughts
The women across Perlo show that leveling up doesn’t look the same for everyone. It can mean stepping into mentorship, joining industry groups, trusting your instincts, changing career paths, or helping shape the next generation. What they share is a drive to keep moving forward and a commitment to building teams where more women can thrive.
We’re proud to celebrate them this week and every week, and we’re always looking for more people who want to grow, lead, and build what’s next. If you’re inspired by their stories and curious about where a career in construction could take you, explore opportunities at Perlo on our careers page.