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Celebrating Women In Construction Week: March 1-7, 2026 - Stacia Van Zetten

March 6, 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.

Stacia Van Zetten, P.Eng., is the Chief Strategy Officer and Co-Founder of EXACT Technology. She is a structural engineer with over 15 years of experience in the industry, focusing on concrete materials and construction processes. Stacia has supported hundreds of projects across North America, South America, Australia, and beyond. She serves on several committees within the American Concrete Institute, the International Concrete Repair Institute, the Canadian Precast Prestressed Concrete Institute, the Precast Prestressed Concrete Institute, and the Canadian Standards Association. She is the past President of the ACI Ontario Chapter and serves on the board of the ICRI Toronto Chapter.

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

My grandpa was an architect and that is where I developed my love for buildings and the creative side of my brain, but I also grew up with a love for math and science. I found that I preferred the structure behind the building compared to the pure design aspect, although I have continued to appreciate both.

When I was studying structural engineering, I thought I would end up as a consultant working at a computer for my entire career. Things really fell into place when I landed a year long internship at a general contracting company. I quickly learned how important it was to be boots on the ground and how much there was to learn about the industry from that perspective.

Through working in the field, I was exposed to how all aspects of construction work together. I realized that no one profession is more important than another. From security teams, to subtrades, superintendents, designers, and consultants, every project is built by a team of people who rely on one another to succeed. That collaboration and shared purpose is what has kept me motivated.

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

At the start of my career, I felt that I was sometimes expected to take meeting notes or plan lunches, responsibilities that were not necessarily expected of my male peers in similar roles.

I also found that it took longer to earn respect in meetings or on site. That may have been influenced by being female, but also by being younger at the time. It required patience, confidence, and consistently demonstrating my technical knowledge and passion for the work.

There has been progress in this area, and I believe that regardless of background or age, if you are passionate about what you are working on and have the technical foundation to support it, you will excel and gain the respect you deserve.

What is your proudest accomplishment in your career so far?

Starting my own business is certainly my proudest accomplishment. On a daily basis, what makes me most proud is the network of friends and clients who trust my vision and recognize the value my company brings to the table.

Construction is a large industry in terms of numbers, but it is also very tight knit. Creating a strong network and getting involved in associations and industry events can open many doors and lead to meaningful opportunities.

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

Do it. Women thrive in fast paced environments and should take advantage of our multitasking abilities. There are infinite opportunities to excel and use skills that this industry truly needs.

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

Problem solving and team building are the most rewarding aspects for me. I became an engineer because I enjoy solving problems in every aspect of daily life. There are countless challenges to address when building both major and minor projects, and none of them can be solved alone.

Being able to work as a team to navigate complex problems that evolve daily is incredibly rewarding.

What is one misconception about working in construction that you wish more people understood?

There is often a perception that construction is a tough or dirty industry. While it can be physically demanding at times, the industry is evolving rapidly with new technologies and innovations. Construction is changing, and the opportunities within it are extensive. It is truly a hidden gem for those willing to explore it.

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.