The construction industry is one of the best industries for women to gain parity and is a sector with one of the smallest gender pay gaps. This does not mean there is not still a great deal of work to be done in the space. Rita Brown is a passionate and proven advocate for the advancement of women in construction. She is an award-winning writer, entrepreneur, and construction industry professional with over 25 years of experience. Wearing many hats, Rita is the CEO of BCC+, which covers the niches of steel detailing, the COO of Detroit Steel, and the Co-Owner of Bold Bitch Media. In this episode, we talk about Rita’s construction experience and how it ties into her interest in politics and social justice. We also hear about the importance of diversity and how a self-interest and bottom-line-driven argument will ultimately result in meaningful change. Underrepresented groups like women and minorities need to have supportive spaces where they can drive conversations around inclusion. Rita touches on the work she does through Project Accelerate and North American Association Professionals in Building & Infrastructure and shares how you can get involved. She is a trailblazer in the construction industry, so be sure to tune in to hear it all!
Sn. 2, #7 Rita Brown: Working Toward Parity and Equity in Construction
Emily Soloby
Emily received her BA in Women’s Studies and JD from Temple University. Early on, she worked as a legal advocate for women in domestic violence cases. After practicing law, Emily began working on the business side of things. She is the co-owner of AAA School of Trucking, a truck and heavy equipment safety training firm, which she has spent the last 10 years growing into a thriving national business through government and military contracting and corporate partnerships.
As an executive in the transportation industry, darting from client meeting to trucking range required safety boots that met her style standards, and when she couldn’t find them anywhere, she created Juno Jones Shoes. Emily trained in shoemaking in Cuernavaca, Mexico and at the Brooklyn Shoe Space, and assembled a powerhouse team of designers, consultants, and industry experts to bring Juno Jones to life. Through Juno Jones Shoes, Emily is fulfilling her dream of not only providing women with safe, stylish footwear options for their jobs but of helping to normalize and empower women in traditionally male-dominated fields.
For more information go to junojonesshoes.com.
