Amy Henningfield’s journey in construction began as more than just a job — it was a lifeline, a chance to build a new future for herself and her daughter. “At 21, as a young mother navigating uncertainty, I took an entry-level administrative role with a local construction company,” she said. “What started as a way to provide for my daughter and me became a career defined by growth, resilience and determination to defy the odds.”
For Henningfield, construction isn’t just about projects — it is also about people. “It’s about building not only roads and bridges, but also building futures, building confidence and building the next generation of leaders who will carry this industry forward.”
“I’m driven by the opportunity to make women more visible in construction and to open doors for young people through initiatives like Superior’s Women in Construction, Indiana Constructors Inc.’s (ICI) Women in Roads, Construction Advancement Foundation Women in Construction (CAFWIC), and the Northwest Indiana Influential Women Association (NWIIWA) program,” she said.
Henningfield helped create the first-ever ICI Women in Roads All-Girls Summer Camp this year. “This program introduced high school girls to heavy civil construction through hands-on activities, equipment demonstrations and direct engagement with female professionals in the field.”
“Watching these young women step into hard hats, climb into machinery simulators and ask thoughtful questions was powerful — it gave them visibility into roles they had never imagined for themselves.”
Henningfield notes within Superior Construction, its Women in Construction program and SWIC Steering Committee have been invaluable.
“Together we’ve built a strong internal network of women who want to see each other succeed, navigate challenges, and create space in what has long been a male-dominated field,” said Henningfield. “That community has been just as instrumental to my growth as any external network, and it continues to inspire me every day.”
To better support and retain women in construction, Henningfield advises industry leaders that visibility, mentorship and inclusion are key, adding leaders must make sure women see others like them in leadership and field positions.
Henningfield’s life outside of work focuses on her family. “I’m married to an amazing and supportive man, with two daughters and two grandchildren, and they are all my greatest joy. We live on several acres where we garden, raise chickens and enjoy time together outdoors.
“That slower pace of life — working in the garden, gathering eggs, or simply being outside with family — grounds me and gives me perspective. I want to be sure to create memories that my family will cherish for years to come.”
She also values her community. “My neighbors and friends have become like family, and together we’ve built a network of love and support that I want to carry into the city we live in and into the work I do with women in construction,” said Henningfield.
At the end of the day — whether through family, community, or professional networks — her goal is the same: to help others thrive and to leave behind a legacy of support, empowerment and growth.