National construction leader and industry advocate to inspire the next generation at Marian University’s Women in Construction 2026 event
Marian University (Wisconsin) is pleased to announce Barb Allen as the keynote speaker for its Women in Construction (WIC) 2026 program, taking place Tuesday, March 10, 2026, from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Stayer Center on the Marian University campus.
The annual Women in Construction event brings together high school and college students from across Wisconsin to learn about rewarding careers in the construction industry, including construction management, engineering, design, and skilled trades. The program fosters engagement with industry professionals, expands career awareness, and celebrates the growing contributions of women in the construction field.
Barb Allen – Construction Barb – brings a wealth of real-world experience to the keynote stage. A graduate in construction management, Allen began her career as a carpenter and progressed through multiple leadership roles—including Foreman, Superintendent, Project Executive, and Operations Director—before becoming a sought-after speaker and advocate for gender equity in the industry. Using her professional journey, she inspires audiences to recognize, understand, and work to overcome gender-specific challenges to improve recruiting, retention, and advancement of women in construction.
“We are excited to welcome Barb Allen as our keynote speaker,” Matt Durand, Marian’s Construction Program Director, said. “Her leadership and experience exemplify the spirit of Women in Construction — empowering young women to build confidence, expand their perspectives, and imagine bold futures in the industry.”
The Women in Construction 2026 event, presented by Michels Corporation, and sponsored by C.D. Smith Construction, Inc., and AGC Wisconsin, is free and open to students with pre-registration required no later than March 3, 2026. For more information about the program and registration details, please visit https://www.marianuniversity.edu/about/special-events/wic-2026/ or contact Marian at [email protected].
