National CORE Project Engineer Angie Cihangir spends her days on construction sites, hard hat on, working alongside contractors to ensure the company’s developments are built as designed.
It’s a role she has earned in the nation’s most male-dominated industry, where women make up just 11.3% of workers.
“It’s rewarding to know that I am a respected professional and that I am trusted with so many responsibilities,” Cihangir said. “I’ve impressed many contractors and sub-contractors who are not used to seeing a woman in our field.”
Cihangir’s experience reflects a broader shift in National CORE’s construction department; women make up an incredible 39% of the workforce, including construction accounting positions.
It’s a difference that signals a deliberate approach to building teams and expanding opportunity across the organization.
National CORE Senior Vice President of Construction Chris Killian has seen that change accelerate during his 21 years at the organization.
“I’ve seen really amazing increases of numbers of women in construction during my tenure in the construction industry,” Killian said. “National CORE is truly diverse and having different and more voices in our department just ups the game for everyone.”
Indeed, at National CORE, women also account for more than 53% of overall executive leaders, setting a standard for diversity in the affordable housing industry.
Killian said the construction department’s staff diversity is driving innovative approaches to the job, including new guidelines for accuracy and the digitalization of contracts to support faster project delivery.
National CORE Construction Contracts Administrator Robin Shepherd said National CORE is known for leading the way.
“I love that National CORE is willing and able to hear more voices that are not stereotypical to the industry,” Shepherd said. “At the end of the day, more innovation at National CORE means more affordable housing and that is a massive benefit to our residents and the communities that we serve.”
National CORE continues to build on that momentum. Killian said within the next few years, he expects National CORE hit another milestone – to hire its first female construction superintendent.
Construction Purchasing and Compliance Manager Heidi Denault said being part of a sea change in a traditionally male-dominated industry is a privilege – one she hopes will pave the way and inspire women for generations to come.
“Every challenge you overcome makes the path wider for those coming after you,” Denault said. “Keep showing up, keep learning and never underestimate the impact you have simply by staying the course.”
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