Ashley Kepley-Steward has spent much of her career having to prove she belongs. As Director of Operations at Alair Asheville | Red Tree, she manages residential building projects across Western North Carolina, leading subcontractors, vendors, and clients who don’t always expect her to be the one in charge.
“You’ve definitely got to prove yourself as a woman,” Kepley-Steward says.
Her experience reflects a broader reality in construction. When Kepley-Steward entered the industry nearly a decade ago, women made up less than 9 percent of the construction workforce. Today, that figure has risen to just under 11 percent, but women remain significantly underrepresented, especially in leadership roles.
That gap is exactly what the Builders Association of the Blue Ridge Mountains’ Professional Women in Building (PWB) Council is working to address.
Part of a national network supported by the National Association of Home Builders, the council brings together women working across the residential construction industry, from plumbers to Realtors to marketing professionals. Its goal is simple but critical: to create space for connection and leadership in an industry where women are still the exception.
“There’s a real need for a space like this,” Kepley-Steward says. “Especially for women who are newer to the industry, it helps to know you’re not alone.”
From Intent to Impact
That shared sense of purpose moved beyond conversation in December, when council members gathered at Transformation Village, a transitional housing program operated by Asheville Buncombe Community Christian Ministry (ABCCM) that serves women, including mothers with children. The visit marked the beginning of a hands-on partnership rooted in service.
“One thing we’re all passionate about is giving back,” Kepley-Steward says. “We wanted to find something we could commit to—not just once, but in a sustained way.”
During the December meeting, members identified several ways they could support Transformation Village, including facilities and maintenance assistance, meal support, and adult and child enrichment activities. Afterward, council members got to work, applying their skills to meet immediate needs on campus.
For ABCCM, that kind of support makes a meaningful difference.
“We are deeply grateful for this partnership and the many ways the PWB is stepping in to support our mission,” says Leigh Ann Bridgman, senior volunteer coordinator at Transformation Village.
Building a Stronger Industry
While the PWB focuses on women’s leadership and advancement, it also welcomes men who see inclusion as essential to the industry’s future. That perspective is what drew Jeff Ehrhardt, home builder representative with Sherwin-Williams’ Asheville District.
“I believe it’s essential for all of us to recognize the value of acceptance, inclusion, and diversity,” Ehrhardt says. “Encouraging women to pursue careers in and around the building trades brings a wider range of ideas, experiences, and leadership that can strengthen our industry.”
With an aging workforce and ongoing labor shortages, he sees efforts like the PWB as part of a broader solution to workforce challenges. “We all benefit when we refuse to accept the status quo,” Ehrhardt says. “I’m excited to be part of any change that helps shape a stronger, more inclusive future for construction.”
Join the Conversation: Attend the Next Professional Women in Building Meeting
Those interested in getting involved are invited to attend the next PWB meeting on Tuesday, January 27, from 4–6 p.m. (location to be announced; check the BABRM website for details). The gathering will bring together professionals from across the building industry for an evening of connection, collaboration, and conversation. Register now.
