At Modesto Executive Electric, we're celebrating Women in Construction Week (March 1-7, 2026) by spotlighting the women who make our company what it is.
But here's what we're learning: recognition is important, but it's not enough.
The Women Behind MEE
This week, we're featuring four women on our team who represent the full spectrum of what "women in construction" means:
Tori Simpson - Owner and President. Tori has built MEE from the ground up since 1989, growing it into a trusted name in government and school district electrical projects across the Central Valley. She's proof that women don't just belong in construction - they can lead it.
Paige Sipes - Electrical Apprentice. Paige is learning the trade as an electrical apprentice at MEE, on track to become a Journeyman Electrician. She represents the future of the electrical trades and she's part of the solution to the industry's massive labor shortage.
Bethany Stall - Project Administrator. Growing up in a skilled trade family business, Bethany brings strengths in organization, procurement, and problem-solving to every project. As she puts it: "I stay because I realize how critical the support role is to the success of every project."
Christy Rai - HR Generalist and Certified Payroll Specialist. After working in food manufacturing, trucking, aerospace, and almond processing, Christy chose electrical contracting because it was new. She stayed because of the team. Her advice to young women considering construction? "Go for it. Confidently and without hesitation."
Their stories remind us that "women in construction" spans every role - from apprentices on job sites to project coordinators in the office to HR specialists managing payroll to owners building businesses that serve their communities.
From left to right: Bethany Stall, Paige Sipes, Tori Simpson, Christy Rai
The Reality Check
Here's the challenge: women make up less than 4% of electricians nationwide. That's it. Less than 4%.
Meanwhile, the electrical industry offers high-paying, stable careers - especially in government and school work like MEE specializes in. There's a massive skills gap. Companies can't find enough qualified workers.
So why aren't more women entering the field?
Part of it is visibility. When young women don't see women electricians, they can't imagine themselves in those roles. That's why featuring Paige matters - she's living proof that women can and do excel as electrical apprentices.
Part of it is outdated perceptions. Construction is still seen as a "man's world," even though women excel in these careers.
And part of it is access. Trade schools, apprenticeship programs, and career pathways haven't historically targeted women.
Beyond Celebration: Building a Pipeline
Highlighting women during Women in Construction Week is important - but it's just the beginning. Real change happens when companies move from conversation to action.
At MEE, we're thinking about what that looks like for us.
We're exploring:
Partnerships with Modesto-area schools. We work on school projects every day - why not bring students onto those job sites to see electrical work in action? Career days, site tours, Q&A sessions with our team. Young women need to see people like Paige - women who chose electrical work and are building successful careers. If you're a guidance counselor or career technical education coordinator reading this, let's talk.
An annual "Women in Trades" open house. Picture this: students, parents, and community members visiting MEE to meet our team, see the work up close, and ask real questions about what it takes to become an electrician. No sales pitch, just honest conversation about what these careers actually look like - from women who are living it. We're thinking this could become a WIC Week tradition.
Mentorship for women entering the trades. Whether it's a high school student considering apprenticeship or someone making a mid-career switch, having someone to answer questions and offer guidance makes all the difference. We're looking at how MEE can formalize that kind of support.
These aren't announcements - they're intentions. We're figuring out the details, the timing, the logistics. But we're putting them out there because accountability matters, and because we believe talking about what's possible is the first step toward making it real.
Why This Matters for MEE
This isn't charity work. It's smart business.
Companies that actively recruit and support women in trades:
Access a wider talent pool in a tight labor market
Build stronger, more innovative teams
Improve their reputation as inclusive employers
Create competitive advantage through diversity
Research shows gender-diverse companies are 25% more likely to achieve above-average profitability. When we build pathways for women into electrical contracting, we're not just doing the right thing - we're strengthening our business and our industry.
The Invitation
If you're a local school interested in partnerships, a woman considering the trades who wants to talk to someone who's been there, or an organization working to bring more women into construction - reach out. We're listening.
The electrical industry needs more women. Modesto needs more women electricians. And MEE is committed to being part of the solution - not just during Women in Construction Week, but all year long.
Because when we say "Level Up. Build Strong" - this year's WIC Week theme - we mean it.
Let's build something better. Together.
Interested in learning more about careers at Modesto Executive Electric? Visit our careers page or email us at https://www.modestoexecutiveelectric.com/contact-us