Voices Within Evans: Emily Rech

Leadership in Motion: Women are Advancing the Future of Construction

During Women in Construction Week, we recognize all women across the industry who build progress, innovation, and opportunity into projects and jobsites across the country.

This Voices Within Evans is in response to Women in Construction Week, where leveling up and building strong is the theme of 2026. At Evans, women lead in many capacities, from corporate services and safety in the field to project operations and preconstruction efforts. One of those voices is Emily Rech, Vice President of Manufacturing at Evans and a current recipient of the South Carolina Manufacturing Mavens award. With 25 years of construction experience, she not only strengthens our growing manufacturing team but is a positive example for other women just beginning their construction career.

How are women in construction actively reshaping the industry today, and why is that shift so important for its future?

Women make up less than 12% of the construction workforce, yet their representation has grown more than 40% over the last decade.  As construction continues to rise, companies have expanded their perspective and welcomed more women into the industry. This shift is important as the current workforce, from trades through management, simply can’t keep up with the level of construction needed to meet the demands of a growing world. Bringing more women into the field has led to positive changes in how organizations approach operational standards, helping move the industry in a better direction every day.

What do you believe truly sets Evans apart when it comes to advancing women into leadership roles?

Evans encourages everyone, including women, to participate in all roles across the company. We also actively focus on universities to meet young professionals and then support them with a strong internship program that provides meaningful opportunities. Today, women cover 20.4% of graduates in engineering, architecture, manufacturing, and construction‑related majors. The talent is there; and our continued commitment to connect with these women early helps demonstrate that construction is a place where they can grow and lead.

What does being recognized as a Manufacturing Maven represent for you personally, and how does it reflect your journey in the industry?

The Manufacturing Maven award was a great honor and a reflection of the part of the industry I’ve enjoyed the most.  My career has spanned many sectors of construction, yet over the last decade it has come full circle back to manufacturing. I started my career as a Project Manager for a large mechanical contractor before moving into consulting on major manufacturing and aviation projects. My path shifted in 2010 when the economy struggled, and manufacturing work slowed down leading me into oil and gas sectors.  Manufacturing continues to stand out for its diversity of work, evolving year to year and remaining as one of the most dynamic markets in construction.

At Evans, we have a diverse portfolio of manufacturing projects, including automotive, aerospace, energy production, life sciences, food and beverage, and all the industries that keep our world moving forward. It’s exciting to see what we’re building next. 

Looking ahead, what kind of impact do you hope to have on the next generation of women entering the construction industry?

Women don’t realize the vast amount of opportunity there is in the construction industry or how rewarding a path it can be. While it’s still a very male dominated field, women bring unique strengths. Our strong multitasking, organization, team management, and leadership skillsets are critical to how the industry grows.  According to the American Institute of Constructors, women now represent 20% of leadership roles in construction (only 16% of which are in C-suite positions) and companies embracing this shift are seeing profitability increases of up to 25%. The impact of women in this industry is real.

I want to help keep this momentum going at Evans through continued networking and mentoring. I enjoy bringing the next generation of women forward and supporting them as they realize their place, voice, and impact in this industry.