Women Behind the Windows
Renewal by Andersen celebrates Women in Construction Week and Women's History Month.
March is Women's History Month, and it is also a month where we celebrate two other extraordinary occasions that highlight the strength, resilience, and talent of women across industries—Women in Construction Week, March 3 – 7, and International Women’s Day, March 8. It’s a moment to shine a spotlight on the incredible women breaking barriers in spaces historically dominated by men. Read on for just a few stories from some of the women across our network who are not just participating in the construction industry—they are propelling it forward.
Women Behind the Windows
Construction has long been perceived as a male-dominated field, but women are changing that narrative. Across the U.S. and beyond, women are stepping into roles as tradespeople, project managers, and business leaders in construction.
Take, for example, the inspiring stories of countless women at Renewal by Andersen who’ve traded in working behind a desk to working behind windows. With unmatched expertise and attention to detail, they’re not only transforming physical spaces but also proving that skill and determination know no gender. Programs promoting women’s participation in skilled trades are paving the way for greater representation and creating more inclusive job sites.
These efforts are crucial in addressing the industry’s labor shortages while fostering diverse perspectives that lead to better outcomes. It’s not just about employing women—it’s about elevating them to leadership. When industries tap into the full potential of their workforce, everyone wins.
Renewal by Andersen of Eastern Iowa
Let’s start with two of our installers from our Eastern Iowa location: Bridget Nesteby and Jena Adams.
Bridget Nesteby
Just a few years ago, Nesteby spent her days as a classroom-based special education teacher. But after a while, she decided she needed something different—more hands-on—and so she traded in her teacher’s badge for a union card.
The switch suited her well. “I've always liked working with my hands, ever since I was little,” says Nesteby.
Now, Nesteby is working as an installer for the Dubuque-based RbA of Eastern Iowa, tearing out windows, caulking in new ones, and helping make homeowners’ remodeling plans a reality. Nesteby belongs to the Carpenters Local 678 - where she has worked her way through the ranks as an apprentice and recently became a journeyman.
That dramatic career change she made? She couldn’t be happier about it.
“I realized that I have skills that I didn't know that I had. The men and women that I work with are phenomenal and encouraging and help you when you need it,” says Nesteby.
She’s proud of her work and likes to teach her daughter that she can do anything, no matter the job.
“As cheesy as it sounds, I love driving past with my daughter in the vehicle and say, ‘I put that window in…I worked over there!’ I like to have people like my work because I want to be good at it,” she adds.
Jena Adams
Sometimes, Nesteby is paired with Jena Adams. Adams is a newer installer on the Eastern Iowa team, having started in 2022, and is currently working as an apprentice within the Cedar Rapids-based Carpenter’s Union Local 308.
“I enjoy helping others, and I like being able to see the difference in windows we replace. I really like hearing homeowners’ stories like when they say, ‘my house isn’t cold anymore’ because of their new windows,” she says.
Whereas Nesteby switched paths mid-life, Adams comes from a builder background. After high school, she helped build homes in California as part of AmeriCorps. Her older sister is a part of the local electrical union, and she has other women family members working in the trades.
Given her history, it’s no surprise that Adams actively works to dispel the notion that the trades are just for men and encourages more women to join the construction industry.
“I’d love to get more females into the trades,” she says.
While both women are new to their career as RbA installers, they’ve got a drive, a supportive team, and each other for inspiration and guidance as they build up their expertise and help build a foundation for the next generation of women in the trades.
Renewal by Andersen of Greater CharlotteNext up are some inspiring women from RbA of Greater Charlotte. In addition to being proud female window and door installers, they also have the joy of working alongside family.
Team Culda (Rachael and David Culda)
The Culda team was also one of the original install teams at RbA of Greater Charlotte. This husband-wife duo has been working with each other for the past several years and have a great system down.
“She can read my mind better than anybody,” David Culda said. “So a lot of times, if I need something, she's already on the way with what I need.”
Unlike her husband David, Rachael Culda hadn’t grown up in this kind of work, and she hadn’t originally planned to get into it. But when David needed the help, she dropped her position in management and said, “sign me up!” Because of this big life change, she’s discovered what she really loves.
“We get to make a difference every single day. It's kind of nice. You show up to your house, and everything's kind of old or outdated, and you get to make it beautiful,” she said. “I love being active. Working at a desk has never really appealed to me. I like the more active aspect of things and I enjoy working with my husband. I think that's pretty fun.”
Rachael is passionate about encouraging and inspiring women into the trades. “I think a lot of women kind of shy away from this industry because it is hard. It can be tough, but we women are tough, so we can handle it,” she said.
“I think Women's History Month, [and the chance to feature women in our line of work] is very influential. When we observe the achievements of our fellow women, it can really give us a sense of what is possible and what is obtainable. Women have a lot to bring to the table in this industry. We can be more meticulous, and so it's not really gender that defines our abilities. And I think it's important to recognize and encourage women who are willing to do this kind of work.”
Renewal by Andersen of the Greater Twin Cities
Meet Cassie Vaillancourt. Vaillancourt got her start with Renewal by Andersen by helping out her dad on job sites, and found it so rewarding, she decided to stay on the job, full-time. For nearly six years, she's been working hard as an installer at Renewal's Greater Twin Cities location, and she loves it.
"Being a woman in construction is very empowering, and it's a lot of fun," she says.
“I love the different scenery, the homeowners we get to see and meet, but most of all my favorite thing about Renewal is the people I work with. All the different crews are so willing to help you out because they want to see you succeed as much as you would like to succeed, so if you give them your all, they’ll give you their all. It’s my favorite part," says Vaillancourt.
And while she acknowledges that construction isn't for everyone, she does think many people would be surprised at how many people it IS for. She also hopes to inspire other women to join the team. "I really wish more women were out here and enjoying it the way I do," she said.
Learn more
When women excel in construction, they don’t just change their workplaces—they inspire future generations. Representation matters, and seeing women succeed in these spaces shows young girls everywhere that their aspirations are valid, achievable, and celebrated.
Over the last several years, we’ve shared those stories with you in our Women Behind the Windows series on YouTube. Head over to our channel to get to know these tough-as-nails teammates from Eastern Iowa, Greater Charlotte, Greater Twin Cities, and Los Angeles.
