Kay Keefe
Beth Eubanks
Michelle Sapp
Stacie Cooper
The Associated General Contractors East Tennessee is celebrating Women in Construction Week, a time to recognize the 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 percent of the construction workforce, and that number is growing as more doors open in skilled trades, project management, engineering, and executive leadership. At UTC, women now represent 20 percent of the Construction Management program—a 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. With more than 100 members 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, said officials.
AGC East Tennessee spotlights four women whose leadership, resilience and expertise continue to shape the industry.
Kay Keefe: A Legacy of Leadership
Starting in her family’s plumbing business at 15, Kay Keefe became the first female master plumber in her area and now leads Keefe Plumbing, a 75-year-old company. Under her leadership, the company has expanded while maintaining its reputation for quality. Committed to training future professionals, she launched an in-house apprenticeship program to ensure sustainable career paths in plumbing. “We need more women in the trades,” Ms. Keefe says. “ 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: Paving the Way in Construction
With more than 35 years in construction, Beth Eubanks has broken barriers and earned her place as a respected leader in the industry. As the first female board member of AGC East Tennessee, Ms. Eubanks has consistently demonstrated that expertise and integrity are the keys to success. “If you know your craft, people will listen,” she says. Through her leadership and advocacy, she continues to inspire and support the next generation of women in construction.
Michelle Sapp: From Finance to Construction Leadership
Michelle Sapp didn’t take a traditional path into construction, but once she found her way into the industry, she never looked back. Transitioning from finance into project management, she quickly discovered her passion for building and problem-solving. Now a project manager at EMJ, Ms. Sapp leads major developments, including the $80 million Lookout Stadium project. Her advice for women entering the field? “Don’t be discouraged if you stand out—embrace it.”
Stacie Cooper: Managing Complex Projects with Confidence
Initially hired for specialized billing, Stacie Cooper quickly advanced to assistant project manager at P&C Construction, contributing to major community projects. She thrives in the fast-paced environment, finding satisfaction in bringing large-scale developments to life. “Construction isn’t just about buildings—it’s about problem-solving, collaboration, and leaving a lasting impact,” she says.
As AGC East Tennessee celebrates WIC Week, the organization remains committed to advancing women in construction. Through Women of Steel, mentorship programs, and industry partnerships, AGC continues to break barriers and create opportunities for future generations, said officials.