In an industry historically dominated by men, two trailblazing women are helping reshape the narrative—one student, one job site and one summer camp at a time.
Amy Henningfield, Midwest contracts and compliance manager at Superior Construction, and Merideth Hughes, senior plant accountant at Milestone Contractors, are leading voices behind Women IN Roads, a growing initiative under the Work IN Roads program, supported by Indiana Constructors, Inc. (ICI). Their mission? To empower young women to explore careers in heavy civil construction and to challenge long-standing gender norms in the field.
Amy, with over 31 years in the construction industry, has seen firsthand the challenges women face. “When I started, there were hardly any women in the field,” she recalls. “Now, we’re seeing a shift—not just in numbers, but in culture.”
That shift is evident in the data. According to the National Association of Women in Construction (NAWIC), women now make up 11.2% of the construction workforce—a modest but meaningful increase. At Superior Construction, that number is even higher, Amy says, thanks in part to leadership that values diversity and inclusion.
Merideth, who began her career in project accounting and now works as a plant accountant, brings a personal perspective to Women IN Roads. “I never thought I’d end up in construction,” she says. “But once I found my community, I knew I was here to stay.”
In 2024, the Women IN Roads initiative emerged from the broader Work IN Roads program, which aims to introduce high school students to careers in heavy highway construction. Recognizing the need for more female representation, Eric Fisher, director of Talent Development at ICI, brought together Amy, Merideth and others to launch a dedicated effort focused on women.
Their first major project was a two-day, all-female-led summer camp designed to give high school girls hands-on exposure to the industry. From visiting asphalt plants and rock quarries to learning about safety and equipment, the camp offered a comprehensive look at what a career in construction could entail.
“We had six students and a plethora of volunteers,” Merideth says. “It was overwhelming in the best way.”
The summer camp was more than an educational experience—it was a catalyst. One student’s enthusiasm inspired a family member to explore a career in construction, proving the ripple effect of visibility and mentorship.
Amy and Merideth are already planning to expand the program. Next year, they hope to double the number of participants and launch additional camps in other regions, including in the Fort Wayne-South Bend area. They’re also exploring mentorship programs and scholarships to support young women entering the field.
For Amy and Merideth, the goal isn’t just to increase numbers—it’s to change perceptions.
That’s why they’re committed to speaking at schools, attending career fairs and encouraging other women in the industry to do the same. Whether it’s through social media, classroom visits or job site tours, they believe every interaction counts.
Women interested in joining the movement can connect through the Work IN Roads website or follow the initiative on social media. Amy and Merideth encourage women from all backgrounds—whether in skilled trades, project management, accounting, IT or marketing—to get involved.
“There’s only so much bandwidth we have,” Amy says. “We need more women willing to talk to students, mentor them, take them on job site visits or simply share their stories. Every bit helps.”
They’re also exploring future initiatives like scholarships for work gear, transportation and education, removing barriers that often prevent young women from entering the field.
The message from Amy and Merideth is clear: Systemic change requires intentional effort. It requires visibility, mentorship and a willingness to challenge outdated norms.
“If you’re a company, why wouldn’t you want to be on the forefront of creating positive change?” Amy asks. “This isn’t just a trend—it’s a solution to a real workforce problem.”
And for the women considering a career in construction?
“Just try,” Merideth says. “Reach out. Ask questions. You don’t have to know everything—you just have to be willing to learn.”
With plans to expand the summer camp, launch mentorship programs and increase outreach to schools across Indiana and beyond, Women IN Roads is just getting started. What began as a pilot program is quickly becoming a movement—one that’s building not just roads, but futures.
As Amy puts it, “You can’t be what you don’t see. So, we’re making sure they see us.”
