The Superior Women in Construction
In the ever-evolving landscape of transportation infrastructure, where innovation and progress take centre stage, one name has risen above the rest in 2024—Superior Construction.
This American family-owned company has long been a leader in delivering cutting-edge projects across the United States. But this year, they’ve earned a particularly prestigious accolade—the American Road & Transportation Builders Association (ARTBA) Glass Hammer Award.
This honour recognises companies that actively support the advancement of women in transportation construction, and Superior Construction’s pioneering approach to fostering female leadership has set a new industry benchmark.
The Superior Women in Construction (SWiC) Initiative
Superior Construction’s journey toward promoting women leaders began in 2022, with the launch of the Superior Women in Construction (SWiC) initiative. At the behest of Chief Executive Officer Nick Largura, this internal talent development program was created to address a glaring gap in the industry—underrepresentation of women in leadership positions. Collaborating with a certified executive and team coach, SWiC was designed not just to empower women but to cultivate a more diverse and innovative leadership pipeline.
The SWiC program stands out because it goes beyond mere lip service. In its inaugural year, Superior Construction selected 11 rising women leaders to take part in a comprehensive talent development experience. These women engaged in monthly group coaching sessions focusing on leadership skills, received individual career coaching, participated in a mentor program, and explored various facets of the construction industry through hands-on learning. The program was as practical as it was inspiring, with team projects centred around adding real value to Superior Construction.
“The mentorship was especially helpful because it gave me greater access to various aspects of our company and business operations,” said Amy Henningfield, a SWiC participant who has been with the company since 2011. Her sentiment encapsulates the core success of the program—bridging the gap between potential and opportunity.
Empowering Through Community Engagement and Education
One of SWiC’s defining features is its commitment to extending its influence beyond the company walls. The program actively encourages members to volunteer with organisations that promote women in construction, reflecting Superior’s mission to advocate for women both internally and externally.
From attending high school and university career fairs to working with local community groups, SWiC members are on the front lines of changing perceptions about women in construction. Their involvement in a non-traditional employment workshop for eighth-grade girls is a perfect example of how Superior Construction is making tangible strides to introduce young women to the possibilities within the industry. Furthermore, SWiC participants have shared their insights at STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Mathematics) events, such as the American Heart Association’s Women in STEAM gathering, where they inspired future generations to explore careers traditionally dominated by men.
The first group of SWiC graduates completed the program in autumn 2023, and many of them now serve on the SWiC steering committee. As the second cohort works through their yearlong development, the impact of SWiC continues to ripple throughout the company and the wider industry. Superior Construction has demonstrated that fostering a diverse leadership pipeline isn’t just about ticking boxes—it’s about creating an industry standard that others will undoubtedly follow.
The Significance of the Glass Hammer Award
Receiving the Glass Hammer Award is no small feat. ARTBA’s recognition is reserved for companies that have gone above and beyond to promote women within their organisations and the wider construction community. The Glass Hammer Award doesn’t just highlight innovation—it showcases commitment. Superior Construction’s SWiC initiative has proven to be an industry game changer, earning the respect and admiration of peers across the country.
At the ARTBA national convention in Amelia Island, Florida, earlier this month, members of the SWiC steering committee proudly accepted the award, marking a significant milestone for both Superior Construction and the industry at large. Their win underscores the importance of fostering inclusive work environments that drive innovation and success, not just for women, but for the entire industry.
A Legacy of Innovation and Leadership
Founded in 1923, Superior Construction has a long and storied history. Initially established as the J Largura Company, it quickly evolved into the business we know today, a fourth-generation family-owned infrastructure contractor specialising in design-build projects.
Superior Construction has built a solid reputation for delivering projects across various delivery methods, always prioritising innovation, safety, and value for clients, employees, and the community. The company’s ethos is one of forward-thinking leadership, demonstrated not just through its projects but in how it cultivates talent.
Women Leaders in Transportation Design & Construction
The Women Leaders in Transportation Design & Construction Awards by ARTBA are a testament to the industry’s growing recognition of the need for diverse leadership. Beyond the Glass Hammer Award, ARTBA honours women and companies across four major categories:
- Ethel Birchland Lifetime Achievement Award – Named after ARTBA’s former executive director (1924-1928), this award recognises women who have demonstrated long-term dedication to leadership in the transportation design and construction industry.
- The Future Industry Spotlight Award – Celebrates undergraduate or graduate students pursuing degrees in fields related to transportation construction. Self-nominations are encouraged for this award.
- Excellence in Academia Award – Focuses on women in academia or research institutions who have made significant contributions to education, mentorship, and research in the transportation sector.
Each of these awards, like the Glass Hammer Award, reflects the industry’s commitment to recognising and promoting women who have shown exemplary leadership and dedication to progress.
Superior Construction’s Continued Commitment
Superior Construction’s Glass Hammer Award win is not the end—it’s just the beginning. As the company looks toward the future, they aim to expand their SWiC initiative further, setting new industry standards and inspiring other organisations to follow suit. Their hope is to see more women in leadership roles across the construction and infrastructure sectors, contributing to a more dynamic, innovative, and inclusive industry.
Superior Construction’s ongoing dedication to women in leadership is a blueprint for what the future of construction could look like—diverse, equitable, and filled with possibilities.
