Meet Superior Construction’s WIC Initiative

From Superior Construction

Apilot program from Superior Construction, a family-owned infrastructure contractor headquartered in Jacksonville, Florida, launched November 2022 to support, empower and advance women in the construction industry. The internal pilot program is intended to identify motivated women in the construction industry and offer them essential tools for their personal and professional development. Superior Women in Construction, an initiative designed in collaboration with certified executive and team coach Dale Beaman, PCC, MPH, will help cultivate an inclusive culture that aligns with Superior’s mission, vision and values. Identifying and developing diverse internal talent is good for morale and good for business. Research shows a direct link between the diversity of a company’s leadership and its business performance, as well as profitability. The Superior Women in Construction initiative marries both these principles and has the full support of company leaders.

Superior Construction is an American family-owned and operated infrastructure contractor dedicated to providing innovative solutions with industry experts and leaders. First established in 1923 as the J Largura Company, the now fourth-generation family business evolved into Superior Construction by 1938. Learn more at superiorconstruction.com and follow Superior on LinkedIn.

“We want to be intentional in making Superior among the best places to work while building future leaders,” Superior’s CEO Nick

Largura said. “To do that, we must remove the barriers women have faced in their effort to advance in an industry where they’re chronically underrepresented and where few hold middle manager or executive roles. As the industry continues to evolve, we must empower women in order to advance construction. This program aims to do both.”

In developing the initiative, company executives selected 12 rising women leaders to partake in the pilot program. With their feedback, Superior identified key ways to foster an environment that supports diverse leaders.

The pilot program officially launched Nov. 2, 2022, and will include the following components:

• A supportive forum to learn, grow and share experiences with their colleagues;

• Monthly group coaching on customized leadership topics;

• Individual career coaching sessions to personalize professional development;

• A mentor program to tap the knowledge and experience of seasoned Superior leaders;

• Opportunities to learn about other parts of the business through peers and mentors;

• Interaction with executive leaders that increases visibility of participants’ talents and skills; and

• Completion of a collective team project centered around creating value for Superior.

Beaman shared that cultural shifts don’t happen overnight. “It takes industry leaders like Superior and programs like Superior Women in Construction to affect industry-wide change.”

Superior Construction’s leaders hope the Superior Women in Construction initiative will become an industry standard and transform mentees into mentors who can continue to advocate for other women in construction.