With a shared passion and commitment to advancing women leaders, we were delighted when Pepper Construction invited AWESOMELeaders CEO Michelle Dilley for a fireside chat highlighting lessons from her career journey during Women in Construction Week, which celebrates and promotes the role of women in the construction industry.
Michelle is overseeing operations plans for the Women’s Leadership Center, scheduled for completion in 2026.
Her conversation with the Pepper Construction team sparked powerful reflections on leadership, inclusion, and the importance of fostering a collaborative culture. Michelle emphasized that her leadership style—centered on empathy, understanding, and meeting people where they are—has not only shaped her professional path but also closely aligns with and supports the mission of the Women’s Leadership Center. “Everybody has really great experiences to draw on,” she noted, “and if you can pull those out of people and bring the team together, you can create so much more than individually you could ever imagine.”
As she leads operations for the Women’s Leadership Center, scheduled for completion in 2026, Michelle is embodying these principles in real time. The Center will serve as both a physical space and a symbol of progress—where diverse voices are heard, empowered, and elevated. Her conversation during Women in Construction Week reminded everyone that leadership isn't just about direction—it's about connection, collaboration, and creating environments where everyone has the opportunity to thrive.
Listen to the conversation to learn more about Michelle’s inspiring story, here.