BOSTON — As Women in Construction Week approaches, a new generation of talent is redefining what the construction pipeline looks like — and it’s not coming solely from traditional engineering schools or vocational programs.
At Massachusetts Maritime Academy, leadership training, discipline and real-world accountability are shaping women who are now thriving in one of the most male-dominated corners of the AEC industry.
BOND took notice.
Three young women from Mass Maritime are quickly emerging as standout performers in field-facing roles at the Boston-based construction management firm, bringing a “maritime mindset” to job sites across the region.
Emma Leach: Commanding the Field
As a field engineer, Emma Leach oversees subcontractors, scheduling, field operations and client reporting — responsibilities that demand both technical precision and leadership presence. Armed with both bachelor’s and master’s degrees, she has been described by company leadership as “a driving force.”
The structure and accountability ingrained at Mass Maritime translate naturally to construction operations, where coordination and clear communication are critical. On a jobsite, Emma doesn’t just manage tasks — she leads with confidence and decisiveness forged through regimented academy training.
Alexandra “Ally” Dickinson: Leading from the Front
Alexandra “Ally” Dickinson knows what it means to lead under pressure. A former petty officer and squad leader at Mass Maritime, she now serves as a junior engineer in BOND’s EDGE rotation program.
Ally credits the Academy with sharpening her leadership presence and communication skills — traits that are invaluable when navigating busy jobsites and collaborating with trade partners. The same confidence that once guided cadets now helps her thrive in construction meetings and field coordination.
Marlo Starke: Building the Future — Literally
Still earning her degree, Marlo Starke is gaining hands-on experience as a co-op supporting BOND’s construction of Mass Maritime’s new STEM Building. She handles RFIs, redlining and drawing reviews — critical behind-the-scenes work that keeps projects on track.
For Marlo, the Academy’s disciplined culture, paired with BOND’s welcoming environment, has transformed stepping into a male-dominated industry from an intimidating prospect into an exciting opportunity.
Changing the Face of the Field
While more than half of BOND’s corporate employees are women, the field side of construction tells a different story. More than 90% of BOND Civil & Utility’s workforce is male — a reality reflective of the broader industry.
That contrast is precisely why the firm invests intentionally in mentorship, visibility and its internal Women in Construction group. Each of these young professionals says that network made them feel supported from day one.
As Women in Construction Week shines a spotlight on representation and opportunity, Emma, Ally and Marlo represent something bigger than individual success stories. They demonstrate that leadership pipelines can come from unexpected places — and that the maritime mindset of accountability, teamwork and resilience may be uniquely suited to the demands of modern construction.
In Boston and beyond, they’re proving that the next generation of builders isn’t just entering the field — they’re charting a new course for it.
