A Q&A with Tara Runion, Project Manager
Recently, Project Manager Tara Runion attended the Women in Construction Conference, an event designed to celebrate and elevate the role of women in the construction industry. This three-day conference, held annually, focuses on leadership, skill-building and networking while addressing the unique challenges faced by women in construction. Attendees like Tara participated in both general sessions and specialized breakouts tailored for women in residential and commercial construction.
Tara returned from the event inspired and motivated, ready to share her key takeaways and use the insights she gained to build a better future for women in construction. We sat down with Tara to discuss her experience at the conference and what lessons she brought back to BELL.
Q: What was your overall impression of the Women in Construction Conference?
Tara: If I had to sum it up in one phrase, I’d say, “empowered women, empower women.” This conference was a powerful opportunity for women to pause from their day-to-day roles and truly invest in one another. The sessions allowed us to gain fresh perspectives, share our experiences and discuss how we can lift each other up.
The breakout sessions were especially valuable. With pathways designed for both residential and commercial construction professionals, we had the chance to explore specific challenges related to our fields. It wasn’t just about developing technical skills but also learning how to navigate and thrive in the industry.
Q: What were some key themes of your learnings?
Tara: A few major themes came through clearly—equality, collaboration and impact. There was a strong emphasis on pushing for gender equality within the industry, but also on recognizing and embracing the natural differences between men and women. We discussed how we can lean into our unique strengths to thrive in construction.
The power of collaboration was another theme that resonated with me. By sharing our collective experiences, we were able to see how collaboration can create outcomes far greater than we could achieve alone. The conference fostered a sense of camaraderie, emphasizing that success in this industry isn’t just about individual achievement, but about lifting each other up and making a collective impact.
Q: How do you plan to apply what you learned at the conference to your work at BELL?
Tara: The biggest takeaway was the importance of building a strong community. I’m eager to get involved with the National Association of Women in Construction, a local network of women who share their knowledge and support each other in this challenging field. The conference reinforced how vital it is to lean on each other’s strengths, and I’m excited to bring that mindset back to BELL.
I plan to apply the lessons I’ve learned by encouraging more open dialogue, mentorship opportunities, and an inclusive environment. It’s not just about my growth—it’s about creating spaces where everyone can thrive. My hope is to continue contributing to a larger movement that empowers women and changes the way we think about leadership in construction.
Q: What advice would you give to other women in construction based on your experience?
Tara: My advice is to get involved and stay connected. One of the best things you can do is find a network of women in your area or company who you can turn to for advice and support. The sense of community and shared experience is incredibly empowering, and you’ll find that by lifting each other up, you all succeed together.
Also, don’t be afraid to bring your full self into your work. The conference reinforced that we don’t have to change who we are to fit into the industry. Our unique perspectives and strengths as women are assets, and we should embrace that fully.
Have questions about BELL’s opportunities for women in construction? Please contact us.
