
IN THIS EPISODE, WE CHAT ABOUT:
- Erica’s background in construction
- the challenges women face in male-dominated fields
- Erica’s advice for young women entering the trades
- the importance of community and networking
- BuildHERS networking group
- the visibility and support for women in trades
- the role of empathy and communication in restoration
RESOURCES + LINKS
Join the BuildHERS community on Facebook: BuildHERS AZ
Follow BuildHERS on Instagram: @buildhersaz
Connect with Erica Carpenter on Instagram: @ericajc53
Connect with Sara on Instagram | @sarachamberscreative
Follow along with the podcast on Instagram | @chickswhogiveahoot
THIS SHOW IS AN ELLY AND NORA CREATIVE PROJECT
Elly and Nora Creative helps purpose-driven businesses grow their income and impact through branding, digital content, and publicity.
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Instagram | @ellyandnoracreative
Website | ellyandnoracreative.com
SHOW NOTES:
In this episode of The Chicks Who Give a Hoot podcast, I’m joined by Erica Carpenter, who brings 18 years of experience in the construction industry and a deep passion for advocating for women in the trades. Erica shares her inspiring journey—from starting out as a dispatcher at a restoration company to now working with a woman-owned general contractor. We dive into what it’s like navigating the male-dominated world of construction, the dynamics of working alongside both men and women, and why building community and strong networks is so important. Erica is also the founder of BuildHERS, a fast-growing networking group supporting women across various trades and related fields. She offers powerful insight into how visibility and support can inspire the next generation of young women to consider careers in the trades.
CLIP HIGHLIGHTS:
00:00 Welcome to the Show
01:55 Erica’s Journey into Construction
05:10 Challenges and Triumphs in a Male-Dominated Industry
06:39 Empowering Women in Trades
11:38 Building a Networking Group for Women in Trades
17:54 Community and Collaboration Over Competition
25:55 Owning Mistakes and Integrity in Contracting
27:02 Challenges Women Face in Male-Dominated Industries
31:12 Supportive Men in the Industry
37:38 Encouraging Women to Enter Trade Fields
47:04 Building a Community for Women in Trades
49:05 Learn More About BuildHERS and Connect with Erica