In recognition of Women’s History Month, Lawrence Group hosted a virtual panel bringing together women leaders across four generations – Baby Boomers, Gen X, Millennials, and Gen Z – for an open and candid conversation about their experiences in the AEC industry. Representing each generation were Sharon Henderson (Baby Boomer), Cindy Hausler (Gen X), Christie Rafol and Kelly Paige (Millennials), and Mikayla Blankenship and Dallas Brooks (Gen Z). The discussion reflected both how far the industry has come and the work that still lies ahead.
Entering a historically male-dominated field has never been easy. Earlier generations spoke about the challenge of simply being seen and heard as equally skilled professionals. While progress is evident today, many panelists noted that women are still, at times, perceived through a narrower lens – often associated with support roles rather than leadership. Across generations, there was a shared understanding of being treated differently because of gender, whether through subtle biases or more overt experiences. Acknowledging these realities is essential to continued progress.
Generational Perspectives Shaping the Workplace
Each generation offered a distinct perspective on how the workplace has evolved. For Sharon, representing the Baby Boomer generation, conversations about gender were often unspoken, and advancement required persistence, visibility, and consistently proving one’s value.
Cindy shared how Gen X entered a gradually improving landscape, with more women joining the industry and beginning to establish their presence, though female leadership remained limited. Many in this generation worked to balance career growth with family life, often without clear models to follow.
Christie and Kelly reflected on the Millennial experience of bridging two worlds in navigating traditional expectations while adapting to rapid change, particularly in a post-COVID environment. With increased transparency and evolving norms, leadership paths for women have become more visible, though expectations continue to shift.
Mikayla and Dallas described how Gen Z is entering the workforce with a fresh perspective, prioritizing flexibility, transparency, and work-life balance, while placing less emphasis on hierarchy and more on purpose and inclusivity.
Takeaways: Be Bold, Be Heard, and Keep the Conversation Going
Despite generational differences, one constant remains: balancing career ambitions with personal responsibilities is complex. From caregiving to societal expectations, women continue to navigate multiple priorities. The panel emphasized the importance of defining success on your own terms and allowing that definition to evolve over time.
Panelists also highlighted that progress is cumulative. Many of today’s opportunities exist because previous generations pushed for change, reinforcing the importance of continuing to speak up and advocate for those who follow.
The conversation closed with a clear message for the next generation: be bold, form your own opinions, and don’t be constrained by societal or social media-driven expectations. Ask questions, take up space, and trust yourself to grow along the way.
More than anything, the discussion underscored the need to keep these conversations going. Meaningful progress happens when experiences are shared, perspectives are heard, and the status quo continues to be challenged.