Celebrating Women in Construction: Inspiring Voices from the Concrete Industry

Women in Construction Week (March 2-8, 2025) is a time to celebrate the contributions of women who are shaping the future of the construction and concrete industries. At the Tennessee Concrete Association (TCA), we recognize the dedication, expertise, and leadership of the incredible women in our field. To highlight their stories, we asked six women from various roles across the industry to share their experiences and insights.

Victoria Stokes
Mixer Operator | Screaming Eagle Ready Mix
Victoria Stokes, affectionately known as "Queen Vic" by her colleagues, has been a Mixer Operator at Screaming Eagle Ready Mix for seven years. She takes pride in witnessing the final results of structures she has helped create. For Victoria, being a woman in the concrete industry offers a fresh perspective and new opportunities. She encourages other women to consider the industry, highlighting the abundance of career paths, knowledge, and success available.

Brittany Stanton
Inside Sales Representative & Dispatcher | Irving Materials, Inc.
For Brittany Stanton, the most rewarding part of working in the concrete industry is seeing the tangible impact of her work. With three years of experience at IMI, she enjoys knowing that the structures she helps facilitate contribute to shaping communities. She draws parallels between her career and her time in the military, appreciating the sense of purpose and teamwork. Brittany encourages women to explore careers in concrete, emphasizing the opportunity to play a crucial role in infrastructure and development.

Sharles House
Plant Assistant | Irving Materials, Inc.
Sharles House has been in the construction industry for five years and is passionate about her work at IMI in Nashville, TN. She thrives on the challenges of a male-dominated field, proving that women can succeed and excel in construction. Sharles believes that education is key—many women may not realize the diverse roles available in the industry. She hopes to inspire young women to explore careers in construction, emphasizing that dedication, motivation, and a willingness to learn are essential.

Jennifer Denham
Plant Manager | Harrison Construction Company
Jennifer Denham began her career in the industry as a ready-mix driver and quickly advanced to plant manager at Harrison Construction. She enjoys the active nature of her work, preferring it to a traditional desk job. Jennifer acknowledges that while women remain a minority in the industry, their presence is growing, creating a more diverse workplace. She believes in the opportunities available to women willing to put in the effort, emphasizing that career advancement is based on skill and dedication.

Diane Schoennagel
Quality Control Technician | Harrison Construction
With 24 years in the construction industry, Diane Schoennagel’s journey has taken her from driving dump trucks and operating heavy equipment to working as a Quality Control Technician. Originally trained in computer programming, Diane found her passion in construction, enjoying the dynamic nature of the job. She acknowledges the challenges of being a woman in a male-dominated field but emphasizes the rewards of hard work and perseverance. She encourages women to explore careers in concrete, highlighting the opportunities for growth and learning in the industry.

Caroline Hoadley
Dispatch Supervisor | Harrison Construction Company
Caroline’s role in the concrete industry allows her to connect with people across the state, assisting customers with projects of all sizes. She values the sense of camaraderie among women in the industry, acknowledging the hard work of those who paved the way. Caroline believes women bring essential skills to construction, including time management, customer service, and multitasking. With a background in English Literature and experience in various industries, she has embraced the many opportunities for career development in concrete. 

As we celebrate Women in Construction Week, TCA is proud to highlight these incredible women who are making an impact in the concrete industry. Their dedication, resilience, and passion serve as an inspiration for future generations. We encourage more women to explore careers in construction and concrete—because the opportunities are endless, and the industry benefits from diverse perspectives and talents.