The BWiC 2026 Inspire Awards honor and celebrate the most exceptional women in construction — those who embody leadership, generosity, innovation, and unwavering dedication to their careers, colleagues, and the industry as a whole.
We’re looking for trailblazers — women who are making their mark and inspiring others through their achievements, resilience, and impact.
Do you know someone who has...
- Paved the way for other women entering the construction industry?
- Overcome challenges or barriers to build a successful career?
- Championed inclusion and helped break down workplace bias or prejudice?
Or perhaps she is...
- A rising star making bold moves early in her career?
- A driven professional going above and beyond to deliver exceptional results?
- A perfectionist with passion — never settling for “good enough”?
- A role model inspiring the next generation of women in construction?
If this sounds like someone you know, we want to hear her story!
Help us shine a light on the women who are shaping the future of construction.
We are currently accepting nominations in six categories:
Visionary Leader of the Year (Owner/Developer/OPM) NEW!
This award recognizes a woman in a leadership role on the ownership, development, or owner’s project management side of the industry. She demonstrates vision, financial and strategic acumen, and drives project success from concept to completion. Beyond shaping the built environment, she serves as a role model and advocate — advancing equity, mentoring others, and inspiring the next generation of leaders.
To be eligible candidates must:
- Hold a senior leadership role in ownership, development, or owner’s project management.
- Demonstrate vision, strategic and financial acumen, and the ability to guide projects from concept to completion.
- Have a proven track record of delivering impactful projects that shape the built environment.
- Serve as a role model and advocate for equity, inclusion, and the advancement of women in the industry.
- Actively mentor, sponsor, or inspire the next generation of professionals.
Mentor of the Year:
Raw talent is seldom enough in any field, without the guiding light of those more experienced figures willing to share their best practices and life lessons, and this award is aimed at precisely those who have worked to ‘pay it forward’ to inspire, nurture and educate the next generation.
- To be eligible, candidates must:
- Must have >15 years’ experience in the construction industry
- Must have led a project team
- Must have made a significant impact on their company or industry
- Must have actively mentored one person in the industry at some point in their career
Emerging Leader of the Year:
We are looking for leading innovators and stand-out performances across the industry in this category which seeks to identify the “ones to watch”.
- To be eligible, candidates must:
- Must have 5-15 years’ experience
- Must lead their project team
Rising Star of the Year:
The award highlights individuals who are destined for great things and who are making their mark on the industry as they embark on the career ladder.
- To be eligible, candidates must:
- Must have <3-5 years’ experience
- Must be recommended by the company they work for
Trades Woman of the Year:
- This is an award for those who not only know their tradecraft, but are keen to develop it further, who show commitment to their career and to the industry, be they employed by a construction business, or operating their own outfit.
- This is an award for those who not only know their tradecraft, but are keen to develop it further, who show commitment to their career and to the industry, be they employed by a construction business, or operating their own outfit.
- To be eligible, candidates must:
- Must be currently working in the field
- Must have 5+ years’ experience
Young Achiever of the Year:
- This award celebrates a graduating female student in higher ed with a concentration in construction management. The recipient of this category will receive a $500 scholarship courtesy of the AGC MA BWiC Advisory committee.
- To be eligible, candidates must:
- Must be graduating within the calendar year.
- Must have completed a minimum of one internship within the calendar year.
Winners will be handpicked by our experienced Non-GC judging panel.
They will use their extensive knowledge of the industry to choose a woman whose name is synonymous with achievement, and is a successful role model, for women starting out in the sector or others choosing to stay and grow the impact, approach and reputation of our industry.
(New this year) The top finalists will be featured in the Gala Video and Social Media!
Awards Timeline:
Submissions open: November 1, 2025 Close January 9th
Recipients Announced January 23th.
Inspire Awards Program: March 5, 2026, 4:00 p.m. Venezia Boston (Registration Coming Soon)
SPONSORSHIP OPPORTUNITIES AVAILABLE (Coming Soon)
Brought to you by The AGC MA BWiC Advisory Committee
