Associated General Contractors East Tennessee (AGC) celebrates Women in Construction Week (WIC Week), a time to recognize the incredible women shaping the industry and to inspire the next generation of builders, leaders, and innovators. Construction has long been considered a male-dominated field, but that narrative is changing. Women now make up nearly 11% of the construction workforce, and that number is growing as more doors open in skilled trades, project management, engineering, and executive leadership. At the University of Tennessee Chattanooga, women now represent 20% of the Construction Management program—a clear sign that the future of the industry is becoming more diverse and inclusive.
WIC Week is not just a celebration—it’s a call to action. With a nationwide skilled labor shortage, welcoming more women into construction is not just the right thing to do—it’s essential to the industry’s success. Women bring diverse perspectives, innovative problem-solving skills, and strong leadership abilities that drive projects forward. Whether working hands-on in the trades or leading multi-million-dollar developments, women in construction are proving that they belong at every level of the industry.
To support women in construction, AGC East Tennessee launched Women of Steel, a mentorship and networking initiative connecting women across the industry. The program inspires young girls to explore construction careers while providing guidance and professional development opportunities for women in the field. Through mentorship, training, and networking, Women of Steel empowers women to thrive in an evolving industry. Women of Steel has more than 120 women representing all types of careers within construction – project managers, estimators, attorneys, hole diggers, heavy equipment operators, welders, accountants, and more.
Recognizing Women Who Lead the Way
This year, AGC East Tennessee is proud to spotlight four outstanding women who have not only built impressive careers but have also paved the way for others through their leadership, resilience, and expertise.
BETH EUBANKS
Estimator, JDH
KAY KEEFE
President, Keefe Plumbing
MICHELLE SAPP Project Manager, EMJ Corporation
STACIE COOPER
Asst Project Manager, P&C Construction
Kay Keefe: A Legacy of Leadership
From working in her family’s plumbing shop at just 15 years old to becoming the first female master plumber in her area and president of her company, Kay Keefe has spent her career breaking barriers and proving that women belong in construction. She learned the trade hands-on from her father —taking apart faucets, threading pipes, and eventually working as a plumber’s helper. Without a formal apprenticeship program available at the time, she trained under journeyman plumbers and city inspectors, dedicating herself to mastering the trade. By her mid-20s, she had passed the master plumber’s exam, setting the foundation for a lifelong career. Today, as the owner and president of Keefe Plumbing, she leads a company with 75 years of history, ensuring it remains a trusted name in the community.
Taking over the family business in 2013, Kay faced the immense responsibility of maintaining its long-standing reputation while modernizing operations and growing the company. Keefe Plumbing, which started in 1950, has expanded under her leadership, employing 19 team members, including plumbers, helpers, and office staff. While she’s proud of her company’s success, she is also committed to ensuring that plumbing remains a viable career option for future generations. To that end, she launched an in-house training program through the PHCC apprenticeship program, offering structured education for aspiring plumbers. “I wanted to create a pathway for people to enter the trade, understand the code, and build a sustainable career,” she says.
In an industry where women are still underrepresented, Kay relied on her “grit” to build a thriving business. She acknowledges that as a woman business owner in a male-dominated field, she has sometimes faced skepticism, particularly when hiring employees. However, she never let that deter her. “People can either work with me, or they can’t,” she says with confidence. “I treat everyone the same, and at the end of the day, it’s about skill and integrity.”
For Kay, success in construction is about more than just running a business—it’s about leaving a lasting impact. She takes immense pride in her company’s projects and the strong reputation her family name carries. She also hopes to see more women enter the plumbing trade and other construction fields. “We need more women in this industry, at every level,” she says. “There are great opportunities, and the work is incredibly rewarding. At the end of the day, you can look at a completed project and say, ‘I did that.’ That sense of accomplishment is something truly special.”
Beth Eubanks: A Trailblazer in Construction
Beth Eubanks, an estimator with JDH Roofing Company, has spent over three decades forging a path for women in construction, proving that resilience, expertise, and integrity are the keys to success. When she first entered the industry more than 35 years ago, she was met with skepticism—denied opportunities simply because she was a woman. Rather than backing down, she confronted those barriers head-on, becoming the first female board member of AGC East Tennessee and often the only woman in the room at industry events. From fighting for her place on the golf course to earning a respected voice in the construction sector, Beth has never let outdated perceptions define her career.
Throughout her journey, she has maintained a steadfast commitment to professionalism and trust, believing that knowing your craft earns respect in any room. Her leadership philosophy is built on integrity—doing what she says she will do and always being honest about what she knows. Over the years, Beth has witnessed major shifts in the industry, particularly the growing presence of highly qualified women like Michelle Sapp, whom she sees as part of the future of construction. Her advice for women entering the field? “Get in and stay in. Build relationships, earn trust, and let your work speak for itself.” A doer rather than a talker, Beth has built a legacy not just on words but on results, paving the way for the next generation of women in construction.
For Beth, success in construction has always been about perspective. “I’ve never seen being a woman in this industry as a disadvantage—I see it as an opportunity,” she says. Like the shoe salesman who saw endless potential in an untapped market, she has embraced every challenge as a chance to prove herself and push the industry forward. Her ability to adapt, lead, and mentor has left a lasting impact, inspiring more women to step confidently into construction and claim their place at the table.
Michelle Sapp: A Career Pivot Into Construction Leader
Michelle Sapp’s path into construction wasn’t traditional, but it turned into a career she loves. With a degree in finance, she started out balancing school and work while her husband built custom homes in Florida. An opportunity as an office manager introduced her to the construction industry, and from there, she never looked back. After four years, she moved to California and joined Kitchell, where she started in custom home construction before working on large-scale projects like juvenile hall expansions, student housing, and mixed-use developments. Over time, she climbed the ranks from project coordinator to project engineer and eventually project manager—proving that hands-on experience and a willingness to learn can lead to success.
Now based in Chattanooga with EMJ, Michelle has tackled major projects, including a seven-building student housing complex and is the lead project manager on the $80 million Lookout Stadium project. She acknowledges that as a woman in construction, standing out can mean facing extra scrutiny, but she believes preparation and confidence are key. “Be ready to be questioned, but don’t be discouraged. Do your research, stay on top of things, and own your expertise,” she advises. For Michelle, the ever-changing nature of construction keeps things exciting. Every project brings new challenges, but seeing a finished build come to life makes it all worth it.
Stacie Cooper: Building Success One Project at a Time
Stacie Cooper never set out to work in construction, but the industry found her. After starting in corporate roles, she discovered that the fast-paced, problem-solving nature of construction suited her far better. Initially hired to handle specialized billing for government projects, she quickly became an integral part of operations. Now, as as an Assistant Project Manager at P&C Construction, she thrives on the variety and challenge of construction, finding satisfaction in seeing completed projects that she played a role in bringing to life. From major athletic complexes to local renovations, her work leaves a visible impact on the community—including at her own children’s school, where she helped upgrade the football stadium.
Resilience and adaptability define Stacie’s approach to leadership. She believes setbacks aren’t roadblocks but opportunities to rethink and reposition. As a woman in the industry, she emphasizes preparation and confidence, knowing that expertise earns respect. While balancing work and family remains a challenge—one she readily admits she hasn’t mastered—she credits her support system for helping make it possible. For Stacie, construction isn’t just about the buildings; it’s about the problem-solving, the collaboration, and the lasting legacy of hard work.