DMV Women in Construction | MDCHCA Community Services

DMV Women in Construction Collaborative

OVERVIEW AND INTRODUCTION

The DMV Women in Construction Collaborative, an initiative of Metro DC Hispanic Contractors Community Services, Inc., is a regionally rooted initiative committed to advancing women’s professional and economic opportunities in the construction industry. Designed with a deep understanding of the structural barriers that
women—especially those from underrepresented communities—face in entering and succeeding in the construction trades and business ownership, this program presents a bold, nonpartisan pathway toward inclusive prosperity and long-term industry impact.

Drawing on insights from the February 20, 2025 Confidential Roundtable on Economic Mobility for Women Through Construction and the foundational framework of the ElevateHER Construction training initiative, this strategic plan outlines a short- and long-term roadmap to support women as they launch, grow, and lead in the construction space. The program is anchored by training, mentorship, business development, and
workforce connectivity—with a focus on real market access and sustainability.

In its early phase, the initiative will recruit and support low- to moderate-income women who have prior exposure or interest in the construction field. Through a hands-on, two- phase curriculum, participants will gain the tools to start businesses, obtain licenses, and build key professional competencies. As it matures, the program will scale through school partnerships, a formal mentorship network, and a business accelerator to support the evolution of women-led construction enterprises.

What sets the DMV Women in Construction Collaborative apart is its focus on achievement thru a strengths-based approach whereby we pull resources, talents and come together with key industry partners elevate women to elevate women’s leadership and economic success. It’s not about checking boxes; it’s about opening doors.
Through this collaborative, we aim to foster a vibrant ecosystem where women can build careers, launch companies, shape policy, and transform the face of construction in the Metro DC region for generations to come.

MISSION

The DMV Women in Construction Collaborative has a mission to equip, elevate, and empower women—especially those from underrepresented communities—to thrive as leaders, entrepreneurs, and skilled professionals in the construction industry across the DMV region. Through training, mentorship, and systemic collaboration, we break
barriers, create pathways to prosperity, and transform the face of the industry.

VISION

To build a thriving and self-sustaining community of women in construction with equitable access to economic opportunity, safe and inclusive workplaces, and meaningful civic leadership, empowering women to shape the industry future.

We envision a future where women lead at every level of the construction industry—owning businesses, shaping policy, and building inclusive, equitable workplaces that fuel economic opportunity and generational wealth across the DMV.

CORE VALUES

1. Empowerment
We uplift women by providing the tools, resources, and support needed to grow, lead, and thrive in the construction industry.

2. Equity
We advocate for fair access to opportunities, wages, and career advancement—regardless of race, background, or gender.

3. Leadership
We nurture and promote the development of women leaders who can influence change and drive progress in the construction field.

4. Inclusion
We cultivate safe, respectful, and inclusive environments where every voice is heard and valued.

5. Community
We foster strong networks and partnerships that unite and strengthen women across the DMV region.

6. Integrity

We commit to transparency, honesty, and accountability in all our actions and partnerships.

7. Safety
We promote physical and psychological safety in all work environments, ensuring that women can succeed without compromise.

8. Civic Engagement
We encourage active participation in shaping policies and decisions that impact women and communities in the construction sector.

OUR APPROACH

The DMV Women in Construction Collaborative proposes focusing on three support levels.

Level 1: Building the Trades: Women and Professional Development We will conduct programs and activities to support building a pipeline of women who want to enter the building trades and provide job opportunities for women and high school girls to explore technical or professional careers in the construction industry.

Level 2. Entrepreneurship Programs

Our entrepreneurship programs will be developed to target women at various stages of their businesses.

Our ELEVATEHer Construction Introductory course will provide foundational knowledge on what it takes to start a construction business. It is geared to women interested in exploring having a construction business (residential or
commercial) or have been in business less than 2 years, and or revenues under $250,000.

Our ESCALA Program is geared to women entrepreneurs who have been in business for over three years and have $300,000 or more in revenue and want to take their business to the next level by exploring government contracting
opportunities at the local, state, and Federal levels.

Level 3. Mentoring and Opportunities for Leadership. We will conduct activities to encourage learning, mentoring, and collaboration.

Activities will include, but are not limited to:

Leadership Training for Business Owners
Lunch and Learn Series of Business Topics
Understanding Financial Management and Increasing Profits
Wealth Management, Building Legacy, and Business Exit Strategies
Women Summit and Networking Opportunities/Events We look forward to collaborating with partner organizations.

For more information on our Women in Construction Initiative please contact Cely Argueta, 301-401-7317 or via email at: metrodchccommunityservices@gmail.com