Leopardo Construction Sets a New Benchmark for Women in Construction with 17% Female Representation Across the Organization
Intentional development, mentorship, and people-first culture are what attract and retain talent at Leopardo
While women represent just 10–12% of the U.S. construction workforce, Leopardo Construction is outperforming the industry with 17% female representation across the organization, spanning technical, operational, corporate, and executive leadership roles.
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, women make up approximately 11% of the national construction workforce, with even lower representation in field and technical roles. Leopardo’s internal workforce data reflects a markedly different reality—one where women are embedded across nearly every aspect and level of the firm.
At Leopardo, women hold roles across: Accounting and Finance, Field Operations, Human Resources, Marketing, Risk Management, Sustainability, Quality, Virtual Building Group as well as in each market sector the company serves (Aviation, Community, Tenant Interiors, Job Order Contracting, Hospitality, Healthcare, Residential, and Retail).
Tenure among women at Leopardo ranges from new professionals to nearly 40-year veterans, demonstrating both strong recruitment and long-term retention across generations of leadership.
“This didn’t happen by accident,” said Leigh McMillen, Executive Vice President of Operations at Leopardo. “Our culture is built around relationships, trust, and developing people. When you invest in your team and genuinely listen to them, you create an environment where talent thrives—regardless of title, background, or gender.”
Relationships Come First — Always
Leopardo’s brand has long centered on the idea that “the most important things we build are relationships.” That philosophy extends beyond the walls of Leopardo’s offices and jobsite trailers—it also shapes how the firm builds and sustains client relationships.
“The same values that define our internal culture—trust, listening, and long-term partnership—are how we approach every client relationship,” said Jess Sherwood, Senior Vice President of Growth at Leopardo. “We’re not just focused on winning work. We’re focused on understanding our clients’ businesses, their unique challenges, and how we can be a true partner in helping them succeed long term.”
Investing in People, Developing Leaders
Leopardo’s female professionals are embedded across project delivery, preconstruction, estimating, quality, sustainability, technology, and executive leadership, influencing decisions on the jobsite and in the boardroom.
“Relationships are essential to getting things done,” said Holly Rudnick, Senior Vice President of People & Culture at Leopardo. “We strive to create an environment where people feel supported, challenged, and valued. By building close‑knit teams grounded in trust, listening, and collaboration, we’re fostering long‑term retention and leadership opportunities across the organization.”
One of Leopardo’s core brand attributes is a commitment to “invest in our people, developing them to be industry leaders.”
That commitment shows up through a robust development program that includes:
- Structured onboarding and role-based training
- Leadership development and internal promotion pathways
- Cross-functional mentorship and peer coaching
- Exposure to high-visibility, client-facing projects
- Active sponsorship from senior leadership
“Representation is important, but retention is the real measure of success,” Rudnick said. “We’re intentional about creating career paths and pairing emerging talent with mentors who are genuinely invested in their growth—not just as professionals, but as people.”
A Culture of Support
Leopardo’s progress is not driven by women alone—it is supported by a culture of shared ownership across the organization.
“One of the strongest aspects of Leopardo’s culture is the level of support colleagues and leaders provide one another,” Rudnick added. “Shared ownership isn’t just a catchphrase here—it’s how teams collaborate and show up for each other every day.”
McMillen echoed that sentiment, “We pride ourselves on being good teammates. Each individual in our organization plays a huge role in creating an environment where everyone is encouraged to lead, to speak up, and to take on complex challenges.”
This reflects Leopardo’s broader brand identity as a family company and trusted partner—one where sincerity, collaboration, and long-term relationships are foundational values.
Building the Future of the Industry
Beyond internal development, Leopardo invests in the future talent pipeline through partnerships with the ACE Mentor Program of America, CPS Skilled Trades Day, and local high school outreach, introducing young men and women to the wide range of careers available in construction.
“Early exposure changes how young people see the industry,” Rudnick said. “When they meet real professionals thriving across a multitude of construction roles, it expands what they believe is possible and helps them see themselves in careers they may never have considered.”
As Leopardo approaches its 50th year in business, the firm continues to prioritize people-first growth, recognizing that diversity of experience, perspective, and leadership is not just good for culture—but essential to solving complex problems and delivering better outcomes for clients.
“We thrive in complex environments,” McMillen added. “And the companies that will lead the future are the ones building teams that reflect the world around them. At Leopardo, we’re proud to be part of that shift.”
