Lerch Bates Celebrates International Women's Day and Women in Construction Week

Lerch Bates is proud to celebrate Women in Construction Week (March 1–7) and International Women’s Day (March 7) by honoring the remarkable women who strengthen our organization and the industry at large. This week, we hosted a virtual panel moderated by Portfolio Manager Kim Canning, featuring three outstanding Team LB employee‑owners:

The conversation centered on the 2026 International Women’s Day theme, Give to Gain, exploring how giving support, sharing knowledge, and investing in others creates opportunities for collective growth. Panelists offered thoughtful advice and reflected on the resources and mentorship that shaped their careers.

For Davidson, one of the most defining experiences was having a manager who pushed her to think differently and refine her ideas early in her career. “A pat on the back is always great, but having someone who challenges you to be better and think differently is one of the biggest gifts you can receive. We all love kudos, but feedback is necessary to grow and improve,” she shared.

A recurring theme throughout the discussion was the power of perseverance and community, both personal and professional. Isselin emphasized the value of vulnerability and curiosity when navigating challenges. “It’s okay to be wrong. It’s okay to ask for help. It shows that you are engaged and that you want to learn,” she said.

Rawson added that growth often requires stepping outside your comfort zone. “Get comfortable with being uncomfortable in order to grow. It can be messy and scary, but you need to figure out how to break a situation into bite‑size pieces that are easier to tackle so you can achieve your goals.”

Events like this panel highlight the importance of diversity, inclusion, and shared support in building a stronger future for our industry. As the 2026 IWD theme reminds us, when we uplift women and give generously to our communities, everyone benefits.