March 2-8 marked Women in Construction Week, a time to celebrate and encourage women’s vital contributions to the building trades. At Peralta Community College District, the ongoing Berkeley City College (BCC) Milvia Street construction project in downtown Berkeley stands as a powerful example of women’s leadership in action.

L to R: Dr. Tammeil Gilkerson, Dr. Denise Richardson, Camille Rao, and Veronica Delgado

As Peralta Community College District Chancellor Dr. Tammiel Gilkerson told the PCCD Board of Trustees, “With only about 11% women working in the construction trades, the fact that women are in charge of this project, on the client side, on the contractor and construction side, on the architect side, is really remarkable. But it shouldn’t be. With the Milvia Street project, and programs for engineering and construction at the colleges, I hope we help inspire more women to pursue a career in construction.”

This groundbreaking project showcases an all-women leadership team, from the client side, with District Chancellor Dr. Tammeil Gilkerson and BCC President Dr. Denise Richardson, to the architectural firm Ratcliffe Architects, general contractor Kitchell, and primary builder XL Construction. This unique collaboration highlights the expertise and brilliance women bring to the construction field, paving the way for future generations.

“At this juncture in our history, we stand as indisputable evidence that women are absolutely needed in education, in design, and in construction to take us to the next level,” stated Dr. Denise Richardson. She emphasized the collective experience women bring, building on the legacy of those who came before.

The project’s design, spearheaded by Patricia Alarcón of Ratcliffe Architects, prioritizes transparency and accessibility. “It’s primarily a glass building, and that’s very intentional,” she explained. “The building exposes itself, the activities within are kind of celebrated, and hopefully they’re inviting students to come in, demystifying what it feels like to go to college.”

Chancellor Gilkerson acknowledged the district’s commitment to partnering with construction firms who ensure women feel welcomed on job sites. “Our job as educational institutions is also to partner with our construction trades” who are making sure that students who finish their education and get jobs also “feel welcomed on job sites and in every space and room.”

Chancellor Gilkerson also noted that the City of Berkeley is now led by a woman, Adena Ishii, the first Asian American and first woman of color to serve as Mayor of Berkeley. Mayor Ishii is a proud alumna of Berkeley City College.

Camille Rao, a project manager at Kitchell, concluded, “When women see themselves in leadership positions in an industry, it says to them, ‘You can do this, and you can be a part of this too.’”

The Berkeley City College Milvia Street project serves as a beacon, demonstrating that women are not only capable but essential in shaping the future of construction. The Peralta Community College District is proud to be at the forefront of this transformative movement.

Students interested in a career in the building trades should check out the resources at the Peralta Colleges. Here are some links to programs offered, including:

• Architecture - https://laney.edu/cte/architecture
• Carpentry - https://laney.edu/cte/carpentry
• Construction Management - https://laney.edu/construction_management
• Environmental Control - https://laney.edu/cte/environmental-control-technology
• Mathematics, Science, Engineering Achievement (MESA) - https://www.berkeleycitycollege.edu/mesa
• Skilled Trades - https://laney.edu/learning-and-career-pathways/building-and-skilled-trades