High-Profile: Women In. Construction 2026 | Page 10

10 Women in Construction March 2026

Submitted by Girls Rising in Trades, Inc.

Skilled trades are in high demand, offering good pay, benefits, and career growth without the burden of student debt. Today, women still remain vastly underrepresented in these fields, which is due to many reasons including lack of early exposure, and limited access to mentors and networks.

Despite the fact that the number of women apprentices has more than doubled in recent years and now accounts for a growing share of active apprenticeships, gender gaps persist because many young women simply don’ t see themselves in these roles early enough. That’ s where Girls Rising in Trades, Inc.( GRIT) steps in.

GRIT, a Massachusetts-based 501( c)( 3) nonprofit, connects girls ages 10-14 with tradeswomen role models through handson workshop experiences that demystify the industry and unlock possibility. It’ s about showing young girls that trades work is rewarding, empowering, and built for anyone with resilience and curiosity.

Founded by Holly Brookes in 2025, GRIT grew out of a family legacy of union tradeswomen and Holly’ s leadership of a women-owned, third-generation construction company. Inspired by a

desire to create more opportunities for her daughters and nieces, she launched the organization to build skills, confidence, and break down barriers in the trades.

This isn’ t just about careers. It’ s about empowerment, belonging, and challenging norms that have limited who gets to build the world around us. GRIT is helping girls see themselves on those job sites, not as exceptions, but as future leaders of the skilled trades.

The future of the trades depends on who we empower today. GRIT welcomes sponsors, volunteers, and partners who believe in expanding opportunity and creating inclusive pathways for girls. Together, we can build skills, confidence, and a stronger workforce for generations to come. For more information visit www. girlsrisingintrades. org.

PROFILE:

Prajakta P. Patil, CCM, MCPPO, assistant project manager, Owner’ s Project Management at CHA Consulting, Inc., understands that buildings are ultimately an extension of the communities they serve, and that the best-built environments come from project teams that feel supported. Prajakta brings both technical expertise and an unmistakably human touch to her work. She guides projects from construction through closeout, coordinating teams of architects, engineers, contractors, and

ASSISTANT PROJECT MANAGER, OWNER’ S PROJECT MANAGEMENT

CHA CONSULTING, INC. specialists. Whether it’ s a school, library, fire station, airport, or even the MBTA, she approaches every challenge with calm confidence.

Owners appreciate how Prajakta partners with them, translating complex program requirements into solutions that make sense. She guides the design, facilitates project entitlement, procures the designer and contractor, and ensures her projects are delivered on time and on budget. She successfully guides her project teams through issues and solutions focusing on meeting her clients’ needs. For her

peers, she’ s the person who makes them feel more confident, more capable, and more connected.

In 2025, Prajakta received CHA’ s Strong Back Award – an honor reserved for someone who lifts their project teams, pushes projects forward, and carries everyone across the finish line. For Prajakta, it was a deeply meaningful recognition, which reflects the values she brings to her work each day.

Through it all, one theme defines Prajakta’ s journey: heart. She pours it into her projects, her teams, and the communities she serves. She embraces innovation and enjoys shaping the next generation of public spaces.

MA SDO WBE / MBE CERTIFIED FEDERAL SBA WOSB CERTIFIED

ELEVATING AND EMPOWERING WOMEN IN CONSTRUCTION

This week and all year long, we are renewing our commitment to clients while welcoming diverse and inclusive partnerships.

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