For Mckenna Rodgers, finding her place in construction has been shaped by experience, relationships, and a strong understanding of the work.

At 5’1″,  Rodgers is often the smallest person on the jobsite. It’s something people notice right away, but it has never defined her ability to lead. “I’ve even been jokingly called an ‘ankle biter,’” Rodgers says. “It’s always funny to see the initial surprise, but moments like that have taught me that presence isn’t about height.”

From early on, she was immersed in the industry through her father’s residential general contracting business. Spending time on jobsites gave her a firsthand look at how projects come together, from field operations to project management.

“He owns his own company, and growing up I was always visiting his jobsites,” she says. “I had a front-row seat to both the field operations and the behind-the-scenes management.” Those early experiences built a foundation she still relies on today, giving her a practical understanding of schedules, budgets, coordination, and problem-solving.

As she transitioned into commercial construction, Rodgers quickly realized that technical knowledge was only part of the equation.

“Construction is truly a ‘people’ business,” she says. “It’s not just about drawings, schedules and budgets. It’s about relationships.”

Developing the ability to navigate different personalities, communicate clearly, and build trust became one of her biggest areas of growth, as well as a key factor in her effectiveness on the job.

“I was leading a coordination meeting and fielding questions from multiple trades, the design team, and ownership,” she recalls. “And I realized I wasn’t second-guessing myself anymore.” Moments like that reinforced her confidence in leading and supporting her team.

During Women in Construction Week, Rodgers’ experience reflects a broader industry reality where opportunities are growing, even as construction remains largely male-dominated. “Let it roll off your back,” Rodgers says. “You have to have thick skin.”

At the same time, she emphasizes that preparation is what creates confidence. “Knowledge is power. Do your research, know your scope, and understand the details,” she says. “When you’re prepared and confident in your knowledge, you can’t be pushed around.” For Rodgers, that mindset has shaped how she approaches her work and how she hopes to support others entering the field.

Looking ahead, one of the things she’s most excited about is the opportunity to mentor other women in construction. “Being able to share my experiences and help make it a little smoother for the next generation,” she says.

She understands the value of having strong teams and reliable support systems—something that continues to motivate her day to day. “The field teams I work with,” she says. “When you have a strong team that supports each other and can joke around a bit, it’s easier to push through tough days.” And when those projects come to life, the reward is clear.

“Seeing something that started as drawings on paper come to life is incredibly rewarding,” Rodgers says.

Women in Construction Month is not just about recognition; it’s about representation, growth, and women driving the industry forward.

For Mckenna, that place is defined not by stature, but by presence, preparation, the teams she builds, and the impact she continues to make.