During the first week of March each year, the National Association of Women in Construction hosts Women in Construction Week, a nationwide initiative that advances and promotes the vital role of women in the construction industry.
According to NAWIC, WIC Week serves three purposes: to amplify the contributions and achievements of women in construction and construction-related fields, educate the public and industry peers about the opportunities available to women in the industry, and inspire the next generation of builders, engineers, and tradespeople.
Maxim Crane joins the celebration each year, spending a week uplifting our women employees by recognizing and thanking them for their accomplishments.
This year’s theme, Level Up, Build Strong, emphasizes growth and resilience. It’s no coincidence that the theme touches on similar subjects as the Maxim motto, Rise With Us. Because when we say Rise With Us, we mean all of us.
This March, we want to give a special shout-out to just three of the thousands of women who are changing the game for women in construction. We invite you to join us in celebrating these team members and all women who work to build America.
Amanda Agin, Crane Operator (Toronto, OH)
Crane Operator Amanda Agin has run crawler cranes on industrial and commercial jobs for Maxim Crane for more than ten years. She remembers when she first started as an operator, people would come up to her and ask for a photo. She would always be initially hesitant, then they would say something that changed her tune.
“At first, I thought it was so odd,” said Agin. “But after I got to talking to the guys, they’d say things like, ‘I can’t wait to show my daughter! She’ll think this is so cool!’ That changed my perspective. As much as I don’t like being the center of attention, I do think that it’s important for younger generations and even other women to realize that there are so many great opportunities for women in construction.”
“There’s nothing like the mix of trust, responsibility, and teamwork you get on a crane,” continued Agin. “Being one of the few women doing it makes it feel even more meaningful.”
Kristy Ireland, National Service Support Manager (Atlanta, GA)
Kristy Ireland, National Service Support Manager, has spent 25 years with Maxim Crane. She initially got her start in parts and service, before working her way up to Regional Buyer, to National Purchasing Manager, to her current position.
“As far as women in construction goes, at Maxim we are leading in the industry, more than anywhere I’ve ever seen,” said Ireland. “I’m super proud to be a part of a company that hires people for their ability, not their gender. Women are here to stay, and we are going to continue building America.”
Jessie Sammons, Senior Sourcing Analyst (Wilder, KY)
Jessie Sammons, Senior Sourcing Analyst at the Wilder, Kentucky branch, grew up in and around the coal mining landscape of eastern Kentucky. She cites being raised in this environment as the foundation for her deep respect for heavy-duty construction work and getting a job done right.
“What drew me to Maxim Crane is the spirit of growth,” said Sammons. “Being from Appalachia, that’s something that’s so important to me. I love being with a company that has that same values.”
Maxim Crane: Lifting Up Women in Construction
To learn more about Women in Construction Week, visit the National Association for Women in Construction’s website here.
To follow along with Maxim’s work, read more stories on the blog and follow us @MaximCraneWorks on LinkedIn, Facebook(Meta), Instagram, and Twitter (X).
