WOMEN IN CONSTRUCTION WEEK 2026: Championing Women Leadership in Portland Preconstruction at JHC

Women in Construction Week® (WIC Week®) — led by the National Association of Women in Construction — is an annual opportunity to elevate the contributions, leadership, and impact of women in the construction industry. This year’s theme “Level Up. Build Strong.” highlights women’s influence at every stage of building — from early planning to execution.

At JHC Companies, we’re celebrating by recognizing the women whose leadership helps shape our meaningful commercial projects here in Portland

— especially during the preconstruction phase.

Why Women in Construction Week Matters to JHC

WIC Week® is not just a celebration. It is a recognition of leadership, growth, and the evolving landscape of our industry. Over the past decade, women have expanded their presence across engineering, finance, project coordination, and leadership roles in our industry. According to NAWIC, the week serves to:

Amplify women’s contributions at every career level
Educate industry professionals and the public about opportunities in construction
Inspire the next generation of builders and leaders

For us, this week is a chance to pause, acknowledge, and elevate the women who help make our work stronger every day.

PRECONSTRUCTION IN PORTLAND: The Positive Impact of Women Leading Early Project Strategy

As WIC Week® highlights the evolving landscape of our industry, it is worth recognizing how women in preconstruction roles are helping shape Portland’s commercial projects from the very beginning. By leading conversations early, asking thoughtful questions, and bringing diverse perspectives to the table, they strengthen the planning process and improve outcomes before construction even starts.

In a market like Portland — where commercial development requires careful coordination and cost control — the influence of skilled preconstruction professionals is significant. When women are empowered in these roles, projects benefit from broader insight, stronger alignment, and more informed decision-making.

Preconstruction is where foundations are formed — not just for buildings, but for partnerships. And the women contributing to this phase are helping build both.

THE POWER OF PERSPECTIVE: The Women Helping Shape Our Work at JHC

When we talk about perspective in construction, we are talking about more than ideas — we are talking about the people who bring them forward. At JHC Companies, five women play an important role in strengthening our projects and our culture every day:

Julie Garland — Senior Project Engineer
Jen Knutson — Cost Accountant
Kim Spaulding — Accountant
Diana Miranda — Project Engineer
Brittney Boone — Business Development + Marketing

Each of these professionals contributes to a different phase of the construction process, and together they help reinforce the collaborative approach that defines our preconstruction work in Portland. Together, these women reflect the range of expertise required to deliver successful commercial projects — from planning and financial stewardship to coordination and relationship-building.

WIC Week® is an opportunity to recognize not only their individual contributions, but the broader impact of women working across estimating, engineering, finance, and business development roles. Their perspectives strengthen decision-making, encourage collaboration, and help ensure that projects begin with clarity and alignment.

When diverse voices are part of early conversations, projects benefit. And at JHC, those perspectives are helping shape the future of our work — one project at a time.

THE NEXT 45 YEARS: Building Leadership from the Inside Out

As JHC Companies celebrates 45 years serving the Portland commercial construction community, we are proud of the projects we’ve delivered. But more importantly, we are proud of the people who make that work possible. The next 45 years will not simply be defined by buildings — they will be defined by leadership, mentorship, and the continued growth of our industry.

WIC Week® reminds us that the future of construction depends on expanding opportunity and elevating diverse voices. The contributions of professionals like Julie Garland, Jen Knutson, Brittney Boone, Kim Spaulding, and Diana Miranda reflect the direction our industry is moving — one that values collaboration, accountability, and strategic thinking at every stage of a project.

In Portland’s evolving commercial construction market, preconstruction will only become more critical. Owners are seeking early partnership, transparent budgeting, risk mitigation, and guidance through complex development environments. Meeting those expectations requires a team that brings both technical expertise and thoughtful leadership to the table.

That is the foundation we are building for the future.

LOOKING FORWARD: Supporting the Next Generation of Women in Construction

The future of commercial construction in Portland will depend on strong leadership, thoughtful collaboration, and a continued commitment to expanding opportunity within our industry.

WIC Week® reminds us that meaningful progress comes from intentional investment — in mentorship, professional growth, and leadership development. As more women step into roles across project engineering, finance, business development, and preconstruction strategy, they are helping shape projects from the earliest stages and strengthening outcomes for clients.

At JHC Companies, we are committed to fostering an environment where women have clear pathways to growth and leadership. That includes supporting professional development, encouraging mentorship, and standing behind organizations like the National Association of Women in Construction that advocate for advancement across the industry.

By investing in women in construction today, we are strengthening the future of Portland’s commercial building community — and the next generation of preconstruction leaders - because strong buildings begin with strong foundations. And strong companies begin with strong people.

LET’S BUILD THE FUTURE TOGETHER

If you are planning a commercial construction project in Portland, OR — and want a trusted partner with deep preconstruction expertise and a collaborative approach — our team would welcome the opportunity to connect.

WIC WEEK® 2026: Championing Women in Leadership