Women Thriving in Construction
The International Institute for Women in Construction exists to accelerate the attraction, development, and retention of women in construction and related industries globally. We are an ignitor, a think tank, fostering improved sharing of data, implementation of effective strategies, and bold thinking throughout the world. Our podcast is one strategy for doing this! Connect with us on LinkedIn at linkedin.com/company/international-institute-for-women-in-construction/ and visit our website at https://iiwic.org/.
Women Thriving in Construction
Women Thriving in Construction (Ep 16) | Denise Burgess
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In this episode, we’re joined by Denise Burgess, a respected construction leader and recent inductee into the National Academy of Construction, to discuss her 30-year journey as an African American woman in the industry.
Denise shares candid reflections on often being the only woman of color in the room, navigating bias, and persevering through intense scrutiny — including 1,200 audits on a major project that ultimately found no wrongdoing. Her story is one of resilience, integrity, and staying grounded in your values.
This conversation underscores why listening to lived experiences matters. It builds empathy, exposes unconscious bias, and strengthens leadership. Denise’s advice is powerful and practical: be true to yourself, truly hear others, and actively practice allyship.