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Celebrating Women In Construction Week: March 1-7, 2026 - Amanda Porciello

March 2, 2026

DRE Industries is proud to celebrate Women in Construction Week (March 1-7, 2026) by highlighting the incredible leaders driving the construction industry forward. As a female-owned and operated organization, we take pride in recognizing the trailblazers shaping the future of the industry. We sat down with a few exceptional women whose expertise, leadership, and dedication are paving the way for the next generation:

Join us in celebrating their accomplishments and the unstoppable energy of women in construction.

Amanda Porciello is a construction professional specializing in waterproofing and restoration projects across Canada. She is currently an Estimator in the Garage Division of Maxim Group General Contracting and serves as President of the Sealant and Waterproofing Association of Canada. She holds a Bachelor of Business Administration from Brock University and brings a practical, field-driven perspective to leadership and project execution. A mother of two and advocate for women in construction, Amanda is passionate about mentorship, collaboration, and advancing best practices within the industry.

What inspired you to pursue a career in construction, and what has kept you motivated in the industry?

I’ve been around construction my entire life, starting in childhood. My family owned a restoration business, so I grew up watching firsthand the dedication, problem-solving, and teamwork that go into every project. Being immersed in that environment sparked my interest early on and ultimately inspired me to pursue a career in construction.
What has kept me motivated over the years is the constant challenge and the ability to see tangible results from hard work. Construction allows you to create something lasting, solve complex problems, and make a real impact not only on projects, but on the people and teams you work with. The blend of creativity, technical problem-solving, and the satisfaction of seeing projects come to life continues to drive me every day.

What challenges have you faced as a woman working in construction, and how have you overcome them?

One of the biggest challenges I faced early in my career was earning respect in a male-dominated industry. I quickly learned that respect wasn’t automatically given. It had to be earned. I approached this by starting from the ground up, working alongside site teams and learning the materials, applications, and labour processes firsthand.
By fully understanding every aspect of the work and contributing meaningfully in the field, I was able to demonstrate my knowledge, capability, and commitment. Over time, this hands-on experience built trust and credibility. My skills, work ethic, and dedication spoke louder than gender ever could.

What is your proudest accomplishment in your career so far?

My proudest accomplishment has been earning the trust and respect of my site teams, which allowed us to successfully start and complete projects together, especially as a young woman in the construction industry. Building that mutual respect was incredibly meaningful to me.

Another significant milestone was becoming President of the Sealant and Waterproofing Association of Canada in 2024. It was an honour to step into that role with the support and confidence of industry peers. Both achievements represent personal growth, leadership, and recognition of my commitment to the industry.

What advice would you give to other women who are considering a career in construction?

My advice is simple: focus on your skills, dedication, and passion. If you are confident in your abilities and committed to learning, respect will follow naturally. Gender should never be the defining factor. Excellence, professionalism, and integrity are universally recognized.

Get involved, ask questions, learn from the field, and build strong relationships with your teams. When you invest in your knowledge and show up consistently, people will respect and value your contributions just as they would anyone else’s.

What do you find most rewarding about working in the construction industry?

The most rewarding part of working in construction is seeing projects successfully completed on time and within budget. There is a powerful sense of accomplishment in watching a plan come together and knowing your team’s efforts created something lasting.

It is also incredibly rewarding to build strong relationships with clients, engineers, and contractors, while contributing to the success and profitability of the organization you work with. The combination of teamwork, problem-solving, and real-world results makes construction a deeply fulfilling career.

As part of our Women in Construction Week series, we’re recognizing the achievements and impact of women making waves in the industry. Let’s continue breaking barriers and building a more inclusive future.

Follow DRE Industries on LinkedIn to see more inspiring stories throughout the week.