For generations, the construction industry has been a male-dominated field, but trailblazers like Stephanie Simpkins are proving that leadership in this space is not defined by gender. As the owner of North Star Enterprises and the first female president of the Inland Northwest AGC (Associated General Contractors), Stephanie has worked tirelessly to advocate for women in construction, encourage workforce development, and build a more inclusive industry. Her journey from growing up around construction to becoming a business leader highlights the importance of perseverance, mentorship, and representation in traditionally male-dominated spaces.
A Legacy Built on Family and Hard Work
Stephanie’s connection to construction started early. Her grandfather worked in the industry during World War II, and her mother later founded Northstar Enterprises, running it successfully for many years. Growing up on the same property where the business operated, Stephanie was surrounded by construction from an early age. Whether it was interacting with employees, seeing equipment in action, or witnessing the day-to-day business operations, construction was ingrained in her life.
After college, she returned home and took over the business in 2014, officially becoming the sole owner. Her mother had been heavily involved in the AGC, and she encouraged Stephanie to follow suit. “She told me, ‘You need to get involved, have a seat at the table, and stay informed,’” Stephanie recalls. Taking that advice to heart, she joined the AGC board, becoming the only woman in leadership for years before eventually making history as its first female president.
Celebrating Women in Construction
Events like Women in Construction Week provide an opportunity to highlight the contributions of women in the industry and inspire the next generation. “It’s a passion of mine,” Stephanie says. “My mom started a construction company, I have three daughters, and I want them to see that women belong in this field.”
She also points out that many women in construction work behind the scenes, managing projects, handling logistics, and ensuring operations run smoothly. Recognizing and celebrating these roles is just as important as showcasing those in hands-on positions.
Workforce Development and the Future of Construction
One of Stephanie’s passions is advocating for workforce development, ensuring that young people—especially women—see construction as a viable career path. Through the Trade Up to Construction campaign, an initiative that won a national award, the AGC has been working to connect individuals with job opportunities, unions, and apprenticeship programs. The campaign’s website serves as a central hub for job listings, training resources, and direct connections to industry professionals.
Stephanie is also a strong proponent of increasing access to construction career pathways in schools. “When I visit high schools, I find that many girls don’t even consider construction as an option because their teachers and counselors never mention it,” she says. The messaging around career choices is often skewed toward college degrees, despite the fact that construction offers well-paying jobs without the burden of student debt. Another challenge is the lack of early exposure to construction for young people. Regulations have made it nearly impossible for minors to visit job sites, limiting their ability to experience the industry firsthand. To combat this, the AGC has been organizing job site tours and hands-on career days at local fairgrounds, allowing students to operate equipment and interact with industry leaders.
Challenges as a Female Leader
While the construction industry has made strides toward inclusivity, Stephanie acknowledges that women still face unique challenges. For years, she was the only woman in the room when major industry decisions were being made. She credits the AGC for its support and advocacy but also recognizes the need for ongoing efforts to ensure more women are included in leadership roles. One of the biggest challenges she faced was balancing her career with motherhood. “Construction isn’t a 9-to-5 job—it’s early mornings, late nights, weekends, and projects that take you out of town,” she explains. For women juggling family responsibilities, these demanding hours can be a barrier to advancement.
Additionally, implicit bias remains an issue. “When a company is hiring for a project engineer or equipment operator, do they automatically consider a woman for the role? More often than not, the answer is still no,” she says. However, she remains optimistic that as more women enter the field and prove their capabilities, these biases will continue to diminish.
The Power of Mentorship and Community Support
Stephanie attributes much of her success to the tight-knit contractor community in Eastern Washington. “Even though we’re competitors, we’re also each other’s biggest advocates,” she says. This support system has been instrumental in her career, and she wants to ensure that future generations of women in construction have access to similar mentorship opportunities.
She believes mentorship is key to increasing female representation in the industry. “A lot of girls grow up without role models in construction. Their dads might work in the field, but are they actively encouraging their daughters to consider it as a career? We need to change that conversation,” she emphasizes.
Looking Ahead
As Stephanie continues to lead North Star Enterprises and advocate for women in construction, she remains focused on strengthening workforce development initiatives and increasing accessibility for young people interested in the trades. She also hopes to see more women take leadership roles in industry organizations like the AGC.
For those looking to follow her journey or learn more about careers in construction, she recommends visiting North Star Enterprises’ Facebook page and website, as well as the Trade Up to Construction website for job postings and training opportunities.
Stephanie Simpkins is proof that leadership in construction isn’t about gender—it’s about skill, resilience, and the willingness to break down barriers for future generations. Through her work, she is shaping an industry where women are not just participants but leaders, paving the way for a more inclusive future in construction.
