WiOPS: Women in Construction Operations

What WiOPS: Women in Construction Operations does

WiOPS (Women in Construction Operations) is a 501c3 charitable corporation founded in 2013 in Southern California to advance women in construction operations roles through education, mentorship, and networking. The organization serves women across the construction industry, including project managers, superintendents, estimators, executives, field crew, skilled trade workers, and college students exploring construction careers, while also engaging construction-industry employers who sponsor programming and recruit from the membership base.

WiOPS delivers its value through a chapter-based model with two operating chapters: the founding Southern California chapter (serving Los Angeles, Orange, and San Diego counties, ~1,300 members) launched in 2013, and the Northern California chapter (serving the Bay Area, ~1,400+ members) launched in 2018. Core products include a free membership program, monthly regional networking events held the last Wednesday of each month, a mentorship program backed by a downloadable WiOPS Guide to Mentoring, curated education resources (workshops, articles, books, podcasts, TED talks), a Member of the Month recognition program, chapter-branded merchandise sold through a third-party vendor (OC Shirt Shop), and community initiatives such as an annual Holiday Toy Drive. The technology layer is a standard website (wiops.org) with email newsletter signup and social media profiles on LinkedIn and chapter-specific Instagram accounts; there is no proprietary platform or app.

The business model is community-led sponsorship underwriting. WiOPS does not charge members; instead, more than 40 construction-industry firms sponsor the organization across Platinum, Gold, Silver, and Teal tiers, with Platinum sponsors such as Hensel Phelps, DPR Construction, Cumming Group, McGuire & Hester, Rudolph and Sletten, and Best Contracting Services providing the largest contributions. Additional revenue comes from tax-deductible individual donations (preferred via PayPal) and a small merchandise program. The organization is 100% volunteer-run with no paid staff, and chapter leadership, board members, and committee members are drawn from sponsoring firms. WiOPS has announced plans to expand to the East Coast with new chapters in Baltimore and New York City.

Name

WiOPS: Women in Construction Operations

Legal name

Women in Construction Operations (WiOPS)

Website

https://wiops.org

Company type

Private

Founded year

2013

Operating status

Operating

Short description

WiOPS is a 501c3 nonprofit founded in 2013 that provides free mentorship, education, and networking events for women in construction operations across Southern and Northern California, supported by industry sponsors and run entirely by volunteers.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Headquarters

HQ city

Irvine

HQ country

United States

HQ region

North America

Offices3 records

Markets served

GTM type

B2C

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Personnel, Operations, Marketing or Sales, Technology or R&D

Revenue model

1. Sponsorship Revenue: WiOPS operates primarily through industry sponsorships. Companies sponsor events, chapters, or provide annual financial support. Sponsors receive visibility at events, on the website, and within the membership community. Most monthly events are free to members due to sponsor funding.
2. Donations: Tax-deductible donations from individuals and organizations. WiOPS is a 501c3 Charitable Corporation, making donations tax-exempt. PayPal is the preferred donation method.
3. Merchandise Sales: Branded merchandise including hats, shirts, jackets, polos, backpacks and computer bags sold through third-party vendor (OC Shirt Shop) for each chapter. Each chapter sells its own branded gear.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion1 record

Distribution channels3 records

Marketing channels9 records

Core offering

WiOPS is a 501c3 charitable nonprofit that provides free membership access to monthly networking events, mentorship programs, and educational resources for women working in construction operations roles. The organization operates through regional chapters in Southern California and Northern California, and is funded entirely through corporate sponsorships, donations, and merchandise sales. Members include project managers, estimators, superintendents, field crew, executives, and students.

Product overview

WiOPS (Women in Construction Operations) is a 501c3 nonprofit organization providing a comprehensive membership program for women in the construction industry. The core offerings include free membership access, monthly networking events, mentorship programs, and education resources. The organization operates through two regional chapters (Northern California and Southern California) with plans for East Coast expansion. Additional offerings include branded merchandise through chapter-specific stores, a Member of the Month recognition program, and community initiatives such as an annual Holiday Toy Drive. The organization is entirely volunteer-run and supported by industry sponsors, with membership and events free to participants due to sponsor generosity.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Products and services

• WiOPS Membership Program Free membership program providing women in construction operations with access to networking events, mentorship opportunities, and education resources. Members include college students, executives, field crew, project engineers, project managers, and skilled trade professionals.
• Monthly Networking Events Regional networking events held the last Wednesday of each month, providing opportunities for collaboration with industry leaders, shared experiences, and technical and social skill development.
• Mentorship Program Mentorship and guidance program creating an environment of inclusivity that celebrates members' personal and professional growth, with a downloadable mentoring handbook.
• Education Resources Business workshops and educational resources from industry leaders, including TED talks, books, podcasts, and articles focused on career advancement for women in construction.
• Branded Merchandise (Gear by Chapter) Branded merchandise including hats, shirts, jackets, polos, backpacks and computer bags available for purchase through chapter-specific online stores (NorCal and SoCal).

Quantifiable outcome

• 177 events held since inception in 2013
• +3 more outcomes

Named customers10 records

Segments4 records

Ideal customer profiles2 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Partnerships

44 partnerships are on record, tiered minor, platinum, silver, gold and teal.

• Cor-Ray PaintingminorGTM or Marketing PartnerHosts WiOPS events including 'Come Paint the Town' events with hands-on coating demonstrations.
• Martin Bros.minorGTM or Marketing PartnerEvent sponsor hosting WiOPS May Golf Events with golf pros and introductory golf experiences.
• Pankow BuildersminorGTM or Marketing PartnerHas team members recognized as WiOPS members. Supports WiOPS through member participation.
• Best Contracting ServicesplatinumGTM or Marketing PartnerPlatinum level sponsor of WiOPS. Best Contracting Services supports the organization's mission to advance women in construction through event sponsorship and financial contributions.
• Cumming GroupplatinumGTM or Marketing PartnerPlatinum level sponsor featured prominently on WiOPS website. Cumming Group supports WiOPS events and initiatives.
• DPR ConstructionplatinumGTM or Marketing PartnerPlatinum level sponsor. DPR Construction hosts WiOPS events and provides support for the organization's networking initiatives.
• Hensel PhelpsplatinumGTM or Marketing PartnerPlatinum level sponsor and serves as WiOPS mailing address (C/O Hensel Phelps). Hensel Phelps hosts multiple WiOPS events and has board members involved in the organization.
• McGuire & HesterplatinumGTM or Marketing PartnerPlatinum level sponsor. McGuire & Hester supports WiOPS through event hosting and sponsorship.
• Rudolph and SlettenplatinumGTM or Marketing PartnerPlatinum level sponsor. Rudolph and Sletten hosts WiOPS NorCal events including project tours.
• Sharpe Interior SystemsplatinumGTM or Marketing PartnerPlatinum level sponsor. Sharpe Interior Systems hosts WiOPS events and has board member involvement.
• Dean Visosky Contractors IncplatinumGTM or Marketing PartnerPlatinum level sponsor featured on WiOPS website. Supports WiOPS events and initiatives.
• ISECsilverGTM or Marketing PartnerSilver level sponsor. ISEC hosts WiOPS events including holiday gatherings and social events.
• Schuff Steel CompanysilverGTM or Marketing PartnerSilver level sponsor. Schuff Steel hosts notable WiOPS events including 'Girls Just Want to Weld' welding demonstrations.
• SiemenssilverGTM or Marketing PartnerSilver level sponsor. Siemens hosts WiOPS SoCal events including 'It's Giving Back to School' backpack assembly events.
• McCarthy Building CompaniesgoldGTM or Marketing PartnerGold level sponsor. McCarthy supports WiOPS initiatives and events.
• Murray Company Mechanical ContractorsgoldGTM or Marketing PartnerGold level sponsor. Murray Company supports WiOPS events and has members involved in the organization.
• Snyder LangstongoldGTM or Marketing PartnerGold level sponsor. Snyder Langston hosts WiOPS events including September events.
• BernardsgoldGTM or Marketing PartnerGold level sponsor. Bernards supports WiOPS through event sponsorship.
• Bay Cities Paving & GradinggoldGTM or Marketing PartnerGold level sponsor. Bay Cities Paving & Grading supports WiOPS NorCal initiatives.
• Currie & BrownplatinumGTM or Marketing PartnerPlatinum level sponsor. Currie & Brown provides sponsorship support for WiOPS.
• Pacific Wall SystemsminorGTM or Marketing PartnerPacific Wall Systems is a sponsor and event host. Project Manager Leah Wimberly serves on WiOPS Governing Board and has been instrumental in launching chapters.
• SuffolkgoldGTM or Marketing PartnerGold level sponsor. Suffolk Construction supports WiOPS events and initiatives.
• Whiting-TurnergoldGTM or Marketing PartnerGold level sponsor. Whiting-Turner supports WiOPS through event sponsorship.
• Truebeck ConstructiongoldGTM or Marketing PartnerGold level sponsor. Truebeck Construction supports WiOPS initiatives.
• RosendingoldGTM or Marketing PartnerGold level sponsor. Rosendin supports WiOPS events and programs.
• PCI Performance Contracting IncgoldGTM or Marketing PartnerGold level sponsor. PCI hosts WiOPS events including 'New Year, New Space' declutter workshops.
• BKF EngineersgoldGTM or Marketing PartnerGold level sponsor. BKF Engineers supports WiOPS through sponsorship.
• Control AirgoldGTM or Marketing PartnerGold level sponsor. Control Air hosts WiOPS events including 'Amazing Race' style networking events.
• KM 106 Construction IncgoldGTM or Marketing PartnerGold level sponsor. KM 106 Construction supports WiOPS initiatives.
• W.M. Lyles CompanygoldGTM or Marketing PartnerGold level sponsor. W.M. Lyles Co. hosts WiOPS events including facility tours.
• Helix ElectricminorGTM or Marketing PartnerCo-hosts WiOPS events with W.M. Lyles Company, providing facility tours and networking opportunities.
• Tricore PanelsgoldGTM or Marketing PartnerGold level sponsor. Tricore Panels supports WiOPS events.
• Dome ConstructionminorGTM or Marketing PartnerHosts WiOPS events including 'Imposter Syndrome' panel discussions. Supports WiOPS initiatives.
• ACCOsilverGTM or Marketing PartnerSilver level sponsor. ACCO supports WiOPS events and programs.
• Pan Pacific MechanicalsilverGTM or Marketing PartnerSilver level sponsor. Pan Pacific Mechanical supports WiOPS initiatives.
• Mainline Sales Inc.silverGTM or Marketing PartnerSilver level sponsor. Mainline Sales supports WiOPS events.
• Safety RespectsilverGTM or Marketing PartnerSilver level sponsor. Safety Respect supports WiOPS events.
• D3 Construction ServicestealGTM or Marketing PartnerTeal level sponsor. D3 Construction Services supports WiOPS.
• Final Cleaning SolutionstealGTM or Marketing PartnerTeal level sponsor. Final Cleaning Solutions supports WiOPS events.
• Irvine Window CoveringstealGTM or Marketing PartnerTeal level sponsor. Irvine Window Coverings supports WiOPS.
• RBA BuilderstealGTM or Marketing PartnerTeal level sponsor. RBA Builders supports WiOPS events.
• AD/SminorGTM or Marketing PartnerLongtime sponsor hosting WiOPS events including Speed Mentoring events with shop tours and industry professionals.
• AGC of CaliforniaminorGTM or Marketing PartnerAssociated General Contractors of California. WiOPS board member Yuhi Aizawa Combatti serves as Vice President, Director of Workforce & Community Development at AGC of California.
• The Assistance League of Los AngelesminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerNonprofit partner for WiOPS community service initiatives. WiOPS events partner with Assistance League to assemble backpacks for local students in need.

Scale indicators5 records

Recent moves10 records

Expansion highlights5 records

Broad incumbents

• National Association of Women in Construction (NAWIC): Long-established national 501c3 professional association focused on advancing women in construction across all roles and trades. Highly comparable to WiOPS in mission and nonprofit, membership-based structure, but operates at much greater national scale with paid staff and chapters across the U.S.
• Society of Women Engineers (SWE): Large, established nonprofit advancing women in engineering, including construction engineering disciplines. Comparable in mission to support women in technical/male-dominated fields, but operates at national scale with paid staff, scholarships, and corporate partnerships.

Direct peers

• Professional Women in Building (PWB): National council under the NAHB supporting women across residential construction and building professions. Directly comparable to WiOPS in targeting women in construction operations for networking, mentorship, and career advancement, with overlapping sponsor base of homebuilders and GCs.
• Women of Asphalt: Industry coalition and nonprofit focused on recruiting, retaining, and advancing women in the asphalt and road construction sector. Comparable nonprofit membership/community model targeting women in a male-dominated construction trade, with similar sponsor-funded events.
• Women in HVAC: Community organization supporting women across heating, ventilation, and air conditioning trades, including construction-side mechanical work. Comparable volunteer-driven nonprofit model providing networking, mentorship, and education to women in a male-dominated construction-adjacent trade.
• Women in Manufacturing (WiM): Nonprofit professional network supporting women across manufacturing and skilled trades. Highly comparable in operating model (volunteer chapters, free/sponsored events, mentorship, education) targeting women in male-dominated skilled trades adjacent to construction.

Others

• Associated General Contractors of California (AGC of California): California chapter of the leading statewide building-industry trade association. Already a WiOPS partner with a board member cross-appointed, and serves overlapping member base of California construction professionals, including diversity and workforce development initiatives.
• Design-Build Institute of America (DBIA): Membership organization for the design-build construction delivery method, including many of the same GC firms that sponsor WiOPS (e.g., Hensel Phelps, DPR). Overlapping corporate audience and workforce development mission, particularly around training and certification.

Emerging players

• National Association of Minority Contractors (NAMC): National nonprofit advocating for minority-owned construction firms and workforce inclusion. Comparable nonprofit, community-driven model serving underrepresented groups in construction, with overlapping sponsor pool of large GCs and policy advocacy overlap.
• Lean In Circles (LeanIn.Org): Peer-led small-group community program under LeanIn.Org supporting women's career advancement through mentorship and networking. Comparable in community-driven, free, employer-aligned model, though broader across industries rather than construction-specific.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat4 records

Key risks6 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/wiops
• Instagraminstagram.com/wiopsnorcal

Compliance1 record

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles12 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about WiOPS: Women in Construction Operations